Innocence Lost (Lone Mountain Ranch Book 1)

Chapter 13

Chase looked to Kylie for the next cue. Kylie suggested they go eat. Chase gestured for Kylie to lead the way towards the buffet. He was a true gentleman through and through, always leading on the dance floor, otherwise letting ladies go first.

The food smelled great and was coming straight off the grill. They both loaded up their plates with salad, grilled corn, and steak. She led him over to an empty table where they could chat privately. Chase set his plate down and pulled the chair out for Kylie. He offered her a hand to help settle her in. She thanked him and grabbed it. Her heart skipped a beat, and she almost fell over as she sat down. Chase was able to steady her with his hand.

Kylie's nerves were getting the best of her. The vodka was only helping so much in the presence of this handsome gentleman that Kylie could not stop mooning over. Silence was never Kylie's friend, so she started off the conversation.

"Where did you learn how to dance so well?" Kylie asked before taking a bite.

"I learned by asking pretty ladies to dance over and over again; the pretty ladies being my Grandma June and my mom. My Grandma June is no longer with us, unfortunately. She was quite the dancer. She taught me how to dance and told me it would be a great way to impress the ladies when I grew up," Chase's face radiated joy at the memory.

"That is so sweet. I used to two-step a little when I lived in Idaho. Square dancing and line dancing were more of my favorites. When I moved to the city, I gave it up along with horseback riding and my cowboy boots," Kylie looked down at her plate a little forlorn, remembering her childhood growing up in the country.

"Well, there is no time like the present to get back out there. After we finish, we should hit the dance floor again. You pick up all of the intricate footwork quickly. Plus, you already know the rhythm of the two-step very well and that is half the battle," Chase said.

"Yes, it doesn't hurt to have a great partner leading you. I would love to dance with you all night," Kylie replied enthusiastically as her heart beat faster.

Kylie smiled at him, and his eyes gazed into hers. The deep pools of blue took her breath away. They were hypnotic. The sensations rolling through her body caught her attention and made her avert her eyes away from his.

Chase told her more stories about his Grandma June. She had quite the personality. She was always decked out in bedazzled and fringed jackets and beautifully embroidered blouses. She wore perfectly tailored jeans. Her boots were never scuffed and always matched her hat. Kylie now knew where Chase got his great style from. She was the life of the party and never left the dance floor. Her dance card was always full; everyone wanted to take her for a spin.

Her smile never wavered, and she never got tired. She danced every chance she had until the day she died. She was always laughing and joking with her dance partners. Especially, the cute young guys who were brave enough to have a go with her. If you were not a strong leader, she would let you know it by taking over the lead and spinning you around the dance floor instead. She loved showing the young boys how to be confident in the lead and told them it was a skill they would use throughout their lives and not only on the dance floor. She was right. Chase never forgot that lesson.

They finished their meals, and Chase asked her to join him for another dance. He pulled out her chair and offered her his hand to help her up. The allure of Chase spread through her body with his touch. She thanked him and led the way to the dance floor. She could feel Chase's hand on the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd. Her heart pounded as she walked with her eyes focusing on her boots, afraid she might trip over her own two feet.

They danced through a few more songs. Chase's feet never faltered. Kylie could not say the same. She stumbled a few times and definitely planted her boot on his toes, but he never seemed to notice. He only smiled at her and kept moving her along. He was so gentle with her. It was such a nice change from her husband's touch.