Josie nodded. “That boy is over the moon for her.”

Angi thought about what it would be like to have someone in the world who was so dedicated to her happiness.

“I’ll call Carrie when we leave here.” She reached up and wrapped her arms around Gabe’s neck. “Thank you,” she repeated, trying to convince herself that his display of physical affection was all for show.

Even if that wasn’t how it felt inside her body.

CHAPTER NINE

GABE PULLED UP in front of the old mill the following morning and parked next to Angi’s small hatchback. A sleek black SUV turned into the parking lot shortly after. Dylan Scott and Avery Keller Atwell climbed out.

He gritted his teeth against the burgeoning tightness in his stomach. Somehow, instead of getting less involved in the town, he was now in the thick of holiday festival planning. Yes, he’d agreed to it, but once he knew Angi was involved, it had been more a way to get under her skin.

Sort of like dancing with her had gotten under his. Holding her close and having an excuse to press his body against hers as they swayed to the music. He shouldn’t have liked it as much as he did, but there was no denying it.

Everything about the encounter with her yesterday had thrown him off his game. Shouldn’t there be some internal barometer that prevented a man from getting turned on in a nursing home? And with his grandmother watching, no less. Walking in to see Angi talking to his grandma had been the first chink in his armor. He had a soft spot for anyone who showed kindness to his grandma, and the way she’d smiled at Angi made him understand that the woman who should remain his nemesis wasn’t an enemy in the way that counted the most to Gabe.

“How’s it going?” Dylan asked as he walked forward, hand outstretched. “Gabe, right?”

“Yeah.” Gabe shook his hand. “It’s fine. Thanks for being willing to open up the mill for a holiday dance.”

“It’s the perfect location,” Angi added as she appeared at Gabe’s side.

“I appreciate the two of you taking over for Carrie,” Dylan answered.

“We all do,” Avery agreed. The slim blonde wore a pair of tailored trousers and a fitted sweater that looked like it was made of some expensive fabric. Cashmere probably. She seemed like a woman who’d wear cashmere, but the warmth of her smile calmed his nerves.

Angi nodded. “Of course. How’s she feeling?”

Dylan’s gaze clouded. “It’s been rough, but she’s getting through it. Yesterday she didn’t throw up once, so that’s an improvement.”

The worry in the other man’s eyes was evident, and Avery put a calming hand on his arm. “She’s going to be fine. Why don’t we take a look inside? I think people are going to love the idea of a dance.”

“Do you think we have enough time to get the word out and sell tickets?” Angi asked as they started toward the entrance.