Second Chances: A Romance Writers of America Collection (Stark World 2.50)

"Maybe."

His laugh came from a deep, free space in his chest, a sound and sensation she could not escape the rest of the night.

The rehearsal went quickly, and by the time everyone moved to the next ballroom for a catered dinner, the DJ was already playing music.

Rod Steward crooned "They Way You Look Tonight."

"I believe Rod's singing our song." Drew took her by the hand, led her to the dance floor, pulled her close, and moved them to the rhythm of the music.

"Thank you for coming," she said, keeping a stiff distance, trying not to let go. But everything about him beckoned. His fragrance, his teasing blue eyes, his tender tone. And maybe, just a little, the sculpted pump of his chest.

"You look beautiful."

"Don't ... Drew." Ansley glanced away. "I'm not your real date. This is for show, for Noel and Tyler."

"I'm not pretending, Ansley." He wrapped her tighter, slipping his hand around her hip. When she breathed in, her senses were filled with his scent--like the sun and the sea. "I thought about what you said. Then I watched them tonight. I saw the way that Ty looks at Noel--and the way she looks back. The love that was in that room was palpable."

"They're lucky. We should be jealous of what they have."

"Or maybe glad we found it ourselves." He held her close, slipping his arm about her back, leaning his lips to her ear. "Come with me."

Drew led her to the beach, holding her hand as she slipped off her heels.

"What's going on, Drew?" The wind caught Ansley's nervous laugh. "Where's my friend, the cynical romantic?"

She clung to his arm as they passed into the shadows beyond the hotel's light, her feet sinking into the cool, damp sand.

"Maybe he's had a change of heart." He gripped her hand a little tighter. "What about you, Ansley? Love is good for others but not you?"

"No." She sighed, pulling her hand free to walk along the water's edge. "His name was Hank and, after three years, he decided he didn't want to be married to a country music artist."

"You were married?"

"Engaged."

"So we're both nursing broken hearts." He reached for her, wrapping her in his arms. "Ever think it was providence we met in a very crowded airport restaurant? That our seats were together on the plane?"

"That your brother was marrying my best friend?"

"Or maybe God crashed the airline's computer for us?"

"Wow ..." She laughed with a shiver, the excitement of love seeping in. "That's an intimidating notion."

"What would you say if I found out I had some business in Nashville?"

"Drew, listen to what you're saying. Think--" The wind caught her hair as she stepped away from him.

"Now you sound like me. Skeptical and scared. I am listening. I am thinking. Let me take you to dinner. Don't say no, Ansley." He brushed her hair from her eyes and raised her chin. In the thin light drifting along the beach from bungalows and hotels, she saw love in his eyes. "Live the lyrics you wrote for Ty and Noel. Let go and trust your heart. I'm trusting mine."

When his lips touched hers, his passion was raw and real. Ansley roped her arms around his neck and let go.

Because love, no matter how new and tentative, truly conquered all fear.

When Drew pulled away, he tapped his forehead to hers. "I'm going to marry you, Ansley Moore. Mark my words."

"I might just let you, Drew Callahan," she said, her lips burning from the fire of his kiss. "I might just let you."

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by RT BookReviews. She is a double RITA finalist, a Christy and a Carol winner. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel is a devoted Ohio State football fan. She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.