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.She moved her gaze away from the cowboy and groupies then spotted her petite friend who was leaning against Darryl, her hand on his chest, looking into the tall cowboy’s eyes.It was a sweet, romantic picture the way he was looking at her.Danica hoped Kelsey wouldn’t get her heart broken.She’d been through far too much and she deserved a good guy.Danica had met him earlier in the night when Kelsey had introduced them.He seemed okay, but she’d reserve judgment for later.Her cell phone had vibrated in her pocket three separate times.She was sure they were messages from Barry, so she didn’t bother to look.From the corner of her eye, she found herself looking at Creed.This time a woman who looked upset was talking with him and the buckle bunnies were gone.He reached up and brushed something from beneath her eye with his thumb.He said something to her and she nodded, then turned and walked in Danica’s direction.The woman bumped into Danica, nearly making her drop her beer bottle.Danica took a step back and shook her head.She looked at Darryl and Kelsey again.They really did look like a cute couple.She glanced away from the pair to check her watch.It was still early but she really wasn’t in the mood to party.Maybe she’d tell Kelsey about her headache and that she was going to head up to their suite in the casino resort hotel that was on the strip.She wouldn’t mind a bath in the amazing jetted tub.“Heading off so early?” The deep drawl caught her attention.She immediately loved the male voice and turned to find herself facing Creed McBride.She raised her brows.“Who says I’m leaving?”He gave a slow, sexy grin.“Honey, you’ve been trying to head out that door all night.”Her face warmed.“You’ve been watching me?”“Ever since you walked into the room.” He searched her gaze.“Just waiting for a chance to catch your attention.I don’t think there’s a cowboy in this place who hasn’t offered to buy you a drink.”She studied his eyes.He had dark hair and nice eyes that were a gorgeous shade of green.“Who’s to say I’m not going to send you packing?”His gaze held hers.“I’m hoping my luck will hold out.I think this is the longest conversation you’ve had with any cowboy you’ve met tonight.”Amusement sparked in his eyes as he spoke.He had that same ease and confidence in his manner in person as she’d seen before he’d ridden that bull and even after his ride.He was about as tall as her four brothers, around six-two, but a little younger—she’d guess about thirty-three.His white shirt and Wrangler jeans fit him oh-so-well, and his white western hat was tilted up enough that she could study his eyes.He was definitely hot in an alpha male, bad boy kinda way.“I’m Creed McBride.” He held out his hand.“My name is Danica and you’re right, I’m heading up to my room.” She smiled as she took his hand.“Nice meeting you,” she added but couldn’t get herself to turn away.In fact she had a hard time getting herself to release his hand.His grip was firm and warm, his hand callused from hard work.It was probably only seconds but it seemed as though it carried on longer before she finally drew back her hand.“Pretty name.” He looked like he wanted to touch her again to keep her from leaving but held himself back.She didn’t know why she thought he did, but she could almost feel the brush of his fingers against her cheek even though he hadn’t reached for her at all.He studied her and she felt warmth go through her at the intensity in her look.“I bet you’re told all of the time what gorgeous blue eyes you have.Such a brilliant blue,” he said.“Is that a pick-up line?” She raised an eyebrow.“You know it’s not.” He smiled.“It’s an observation.”It was true that she got that all of the time.She and her four brothers had the same eye color and her aunt called them “Cameron blue”.“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to two-step with me?” Creed gave a nod to the dance floor.“I haven’t had a chance to dance all night.”She wanted to ask him why not when gorgeous women had surrounded him all night, or the other woman he’d been talking with, but she didn’t want him to know that he’d captured her attention tonight, more than once.Fortunately, she didn’t think he’d caught her at it.Darryl came up to Creed’s side and he put his arm around Creed’s neck.“Do you know who you’re talkin’ to?” Darryl raised his beer bottle with his opposite hand.“You should be damned impressed.This is Creed McBride, two-time world bull riding champion.”Creed looked uncomfortable and Danica’s lips twisted with amusement as she teased him.“I’m impressed by a lot of things, but riding an animal out to kill you isn’t one of them.I’m more impressed by the person.”“Felt the heat on that one.” A slight grin curved the corner of Creed’s mouth, obviously knowing she was teasing, and he disengaged from Darryl.“Why don’t you go find that cute little blonde you’ve been with all night?” he said to Darryl.Darryl turned his gaze on Danica and slowly looked her up and down.Disgust flowed through her at the blatant way he was undressing her with his gaze.“What about this sexy thing?” He grinned.“Danica, right?”“Yes.” She folded her arms across her chest.“Best friend to Kelsey Richards.Where is she, by the way?”Darryl jerked his thumb over his shoulder.“She’s waiting for me by the bar.”Danica put her hands on her hips.“I think I might need to go have a talk with her.”“Just havin’ a little fun.” Darryl straightened.“I best be getting back to Kelsey.”Danica frowned, wondering if she should go have a talk with her friend.But then Danica wondered if maybe she was reading too much into the way he’d been looking at her.Darryl touched the brim of his hat.“Ma’am,” he said politely, his demeanor completely changed.Darryl slapped Creed on the shoulder then turned and headed toward the bar where Danica caught a glimpse of Kelsey.“Come on.” Creed indicated that dance floor with a nod.“Give this cowboy a dance.”The only indecision that warred within her was the thought of getting to know him better, maybe even liking him, when she’d already decided that she wouldn’t want to date a bull rider.Not that dancing with him meant that he even wanted a relationship with her.Against her better judgment, she found herself nodding.“All right.”He flashed a smile at her and took her by the hand.She set her beer bottle on a table as they passed by and then they were on the dance floor.It was a lively two-step and they fell into the dance as if they’d been doing it together forever.She’d been country-western dancing since she was a little girl and it was obvious he was plenty experienced, too.When the one dance was over, another tune started right away and he swung her into a country waltz.She found herself laughing as they danced and then she realized her headache had vanished.Every touch of his hands sent warmth throughout her body.Or was that just the heat of her skin from dancing?She was ready to walk off the dance floor the moment the next song struck up, a slow tune, but Creed took her by the hand then brought her into his arms, catching her off guard.She braced her palms on his shoulders to keep him from holding her too close.He leaned down to whisper in her ear
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