Sherry had rejected his less-than-flattering proposal. Cody made it sound as if he was too busy rounding up cattle to go out with her or to focus on developing a relationship. But it was much more than that. He wasn’t willing to make an emotional commitment to her, and Sherry would accept nothing less.

She was on her way back into the dining room when a tall, vaguely familiar-looking man approached her. His eye caught hers, and he hesitated a moment before speaking.

“Excuse me,” he said, smiling apologetically, “but don’t I know you?”

Sherry studied him, thinking the same thing, but unable to decide where or when she’d met him. “I’m not from this area,” she said. “This is my first time in Abilene.”

He frowned and introduced himself, but that didn’t help. “It’ll come to me,” he said. “Do I look familiar to you?”

Sherry gave him her name. “You do look familiar, but I can’t place you.”

“Me, neither. Well…I’m sorry to have disturbed you, Sherry.”

“That’s okay.”

When she reached the table, Cody’s eyes were full of questions. “Do you know that man?”

“I’m not sure. He said his name’s Jack Burnside.” She paused. “He thought we’d met before. We might have, but neither of us can remember when or where. I’m generally good about remembering people. It’s a little embarrassing.”

Cody snickered. “Don’t you know a come-on when you hear it? That guy’s never met you—he was just looking for an excuse to introduce himself. His ploy’s as old as the hills. I thought you were smarter than that.”

“Apparently not,” Sherry said lightly, refusing to allow Cody the pleasure of irritating her.

“I think you should dance with Sherry,” Heather suggested a second time, pointing at the minuscule dance floor, where several other couples were swaying to the music.

“I’m sure your father would rather we—”

“As it happens, I’d be happy to give it a try.” Cody’s gaze seemed to hold a challenge.

Sherry blinked. Cody had managed to surprise her once again. She stood when he pulled out her chair. His hand felt warm on the small of her back as he guided her to the polished floor.

He turned her into his arms with a flair, making her skirt fan out from her knees. Then he brought her close to him, so close she was sure she could feel his heart beating.

Sherry wasn’t fooled; she knew exactly what he was doing, although she doubted he’d ever admit it. He hadn’t asked her to dance because of any great desire to twirl her around the floor, but to make sure Jack Burnside understood she was with him.

His attitude angered her, yet in some odd way pleased her, too. She was gratified to realize the attraction was mutual.

While Cody might have escorted her onto the dance floor to indicate that she was with him, Sherry thought he was as unprepared as she was for the impact of their physical closeness. Cody’s hold on her gradually grew more possessive. His hand slid upward from her waist until his fingers splayed across her back. Of its own volition, her head moved closer to his until her temple rested against the lean strength of his jaw. Her eyes drifted shut, and she breathed in the scent of spicy aftershave. The music was pleasant, easy and undemanding. Romantic.