No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) by Jude Willhoff

her hand in his, causing her heart to beat faster. When she glided into his arms, her problems seemed to melt away. He tightened his arm around her waist and squeezed affectionately causing a tingling sensation to grow in the pit of her stomach.
    “You look lovely tonight. ”  His voice was soft, almost a murmur, whispering into her ear. He pulled her to his chest in a possessive gesture.
    A part of her reveled in his open admiration but she knew he was just being nice to his boss’s granddaughter. “Thank you.”  A warm glow flowed through her while he gently moved her around the dance floor. For a moment, his touch was a balm to ease her troubled mind. But part of her problem was the man. She didn't know what he had done in the past...and his touch made her feel things she thought were long dormant. She had to conquer her involuntary reactions to that gentle loving look of his or she would be lost.
    The song ended and Cindy walked up to them . “Hey, Seth, you guys looked good out there. Care to join us?”
    Grace’s heart slammed into her chest . Was this the man Cindy cared for? Remembering Cindy saying she’d take Seth in a New York minute, she bet a lot of women in Cedar Falls felt the same way. After all, he was handsome, affectionate and most important...available. She pushed the thought that he was also an ex-con to the back of her mind, wanting to enjoy the moment.
    “Maybe later , I have to talk to some of the boys first.”  He held Grace’s hand when he led her back to the table. “Save another dance for me.”  He studied her thoughtfully with an invitation in the smoldering depth of his eyes then walked away.
    Grace swallowed the lump in her throat when she sat down . The man took her breath away. She was putty in his hands. Why, now of all times, did she have to feel this way about someone, and why him? She’d decided she couldn’t be with anyone and now she had an undeniable attraction to Seth. Life wasn’t fair.
    “It looked like you two had been dancing together for a lifetime. ”  Cindy grinned. “Tell me, how do you do it? Seth doesn't date anyone. Most of the single woman in town have made moves on him and he ignores them. You come home and he's drawn to you like a bee to a hive.”    
    Flustered, Grace held her drink, running her finger around the rim of the glass . “Oh, he was only dancing with me because we live in the same house.”  She glanced at his well-defined profile while he stood at the bar. “He's not interested in me that way.”  She couldn’t help but notice his nice buns. What was happening to her? She hadn’t been physically attracted to anyone in ages.
    “Yeah, right , tell me another one.”   She laughed. “Wake up old friend of mine. I know these things. The man is attracted to you.”  She seemed to enjoy Grace’s struggle to capture her composure.
    “He was only being nice . Besides, you’re the one who’s attracted to him.”  She leaned back in her chair and smiled, showing Cindy it didn’t bother her.
    “What ? I don’t think so.”  Cindy shook her head. “You silly goose, I’m not interested in Seth. I think he’d be great for you. He’s exactly what you need.”
    She sighed with relief —good, Cindy's not interested in Seth. But though she was glad it didn’t mean she was ready for a relationship—especially with an ex-con. “You’re way off base.”  She spoke with determination. “I don’t need a man, especially not Seth. Anyway, I’m doing fine without one.”  But being in his arms had made her feel alive. Must be the wine. The demon on her shoulder reminded her this was all a game. Why not have a little fun? One way or another, through Nana or her, Seth was only after the ranch.
    “Yeah, I have to admit you’re doing great, but everybody needs somebody, even if it’s just for companionship . Maybe Seth isn’t the one, but there’s someone out there for both of us. Mark my words. We just have to find them.