Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, and my back was feeling damp as well. Halfway through the song, Taylor twirled me around, but instead of bringing me back into his arms, he spun me the other way. By the end of the song, he added a turn where he let go, and my hand slid across his back, and then we ended up two-stepping again.

After the third song, I retreated to our table.

“You’re pretty good!” Dalton said.

“She is, isn’t she?” Taylor said, his eyes bright. “Do you want another water? I’m going to grab another beer.”

“Thanks,” I said, watching Taylor leave.

“Boy, for someone who wants to hate him so much, you sure are staring at him,” Dalton said.

“Habit,” I said, watching as Shea filled a cup with water.

Taylor took his beer and my water, and he carried them back toward us before setting my cup on the table.

“Damn, Taylor,” Zeke said. “She’s making sure you’re not slipping something in her drink.”

Taylor looked at me. “No. Seriously?”

“I don’t know you,” I said.

“Does that happen a lot around here?” Zeke asked, a little disturbed at the thought.

“It’s happened,” I said.

Taylor gritted his teeth. “I’d better not catch anyone doing that shit. That’s grounds for an ass-beating.”

“It ain’t because she don’t know you,” Zeke said. “She just needs an excuse to watch you when you’re with the hot bartender.”

“I’m not with the hot bartender,” Taylor told his friend.

“I’d like to be with the hot bartender,” Zeke said. Smiling at Shea, he took a sip of his beer.

“She has a name,” I said. When Taylor didn’t seem to remember, I reminded him, “Shea.”

He tried to look sorry but failed. “I know your name.”

“I’m honored,” I deadpanned.

“Quit acting like we’re strangers. I’m not going to put anything weird in your drink. I’ve never had to drug anyone to get laid, and I’m not going to start now.”

“I still don’t know you.”

He nudged me with his elbow. “You know I’m a good dancer.”

“You’re a decent dancer.”

Dalton and Zeke busted into laughter again.

Taylor lowered his head, laughing. “Cruel. She’s gone and insulted my dancing skills!”

I took a big gulp of ice water and set it down, the cup half empty. Droplets of sweat were skipping down my back into my jeans. I dabbed my forehead with my wrist. “I really should go.”

A new song boomed through the speakers, and everyone cheered and headed toward the dance floor.

“One more!” Taylor said, tugging on my hand.

I pressed my lips together, trying not to smile. “Okay, but then that’s it! I’ve got to work in the morning.”