No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) by Jude Willhoff Page B

”  He leaned over and gave her a hug. “It’s LA’s loss and our gain.” 
    ***
    From across the room, Seth tensed when Charlie put his arms around Grace. Was Charlie coming on to her or were they just friends? Hell, why should it bother him? He scowled at what was happening at their table. He had no business feeling jealous about this woman. Come on man, keep it together. How long had it been? Seth thought to himself. He knew the answer well enough. It had been over seven years since his last serious relationship. Up until Grace’s arrival in Cedar Falls, he would have said that was not nearly long enough.
    Nana had told him she’d watch Jamie, he should take the night off and go into town with the boys . She hadn’t told him Grace would be looking so delectable.
    When he’d tucked Jamie in earlier, she’d asked him to find Grace and dance with her . Well, he had done it for his daughter. Who was he kidding? He had danced with her for himself. She had looked like an angel sitting there in the crowded room watching her friends.
    From what Nana had said, he knew Grace was still coming to terms with what she could and couldn’t do with her life . It would take time for her to realize she was a woman with needs. But when she did, it would be a lucky day for the guy who got to help her satisfy those needs. Business, Seth told himself. This relationship must remain strictly business.
    He glanced away and started peeling the label off his beer bottle . “Hey, Travis, Cindy, the cute little dark haired hairdresser who’s sweet on you is giving you the eye. You’d better put on your dancing shoes.”
    “Do y ou think she knows I’m alive? I’ve wanted to ask her out for a while now."  He sighed. “What would she want with a cowpoke like me? She owns her own business and everything.”  
    “You might be surprised, but she knows you’re breathing and she’s planning on doing something about it . Here she comes.”  Seth nodded at Cindy when she walked up to the bar.
    “How are you boys doing tonight ? Around here a girl could get parched waiting on a fellow to buy her a drink.”  She stared at Travis.
    “Ma’am, sit right down here and Travis will take care of it. ”  Seth moved off the bar stool and turned it over to Cindy. He’d go over and see how Grace was holding up with all the attention. Cowboys were coming out of the woodwork asking her to dance. She politely turned them down while she talked with Charlie. Seth let out a long, audible sigh while he leaned against the bar and watched the room. The woman had managed to crawl under his skin.
    No wonder —she sure stood out in a crowd. She was wearing an innocent-looking, long burgundy dress with a low neckline. Discreet, but attractive. The long blond hair and her pretty brown eyes told the story—class all the way. He always had a thing for blondes...and those eyes. A man could get lost in those big brown eyes.
    He’d watch her to make sure none of the lonely cow boys were out of line. Some of the boys were looking for a good time. Not knowing who Grace was, some might try something with her. He’d take care of them if anyone got fresh with her.
    She was Nana’s pride and joy . The least he could do was look out for the lady, for her grandmother. No skin off his nose. Yeah, he’d watch her for Nana.
    He smiled and shook his head . Yeah, right...who was he kidding? Old fool that he was...he’d watch her for himself.        
     

 
    Chapter Seven
     
     
     
     
    Seth leaned against the bar, sipping his beer and studied Grace . It was obvious to anyone who knew about her condition that she was feeling some pain. He caught her pushing her fist into the small of her back when she thought no one was looking. Since Jenna and Cindy were dancing, and Charlie was checking out something behind the bar, she was alone. Maybe she needed someone to talk to. He shook his head regretfully. He’d made a vow to keep his distance but that wasn’t