As the sky began to lighten, there were no more than a hundred dancers left on their feet. There was something mystical, something powerful, in watching the sun rise from behind the mountains while the music poured onto the air. As the light grew rosy with the new day, the last waltz was called.

Cliff folded Maggie in his arms and circled the floor. He could feel the life vibrate from her—exciting, strong. Once she’d stopped, he thought as he gathered her closer, she’d sleep for hours.

She moved with him, snug against him. Her heartbeat was steady, her hair soft. He watched the colors spread over the mountains to the east. Then she tilted back her head and smiled at him.

And when he realized he was in love with her, Cliff was stunned and speechless.

Chapter Twelve

Maggie might’ve noticed Cliff’s abrupt withdrawal if she hadn’t been so full of the night and the music. “I can’t believe it’s over. I’ve hours more dancing in me.”

“You’ll be asleep before you’re home,” Cliff told her, but made certain he wasn’t touching her. He must be crazy, falling in love with a woman like her. She couldn’t decide whether to hang wallpaper or lay tile. She gave orders. She wore silk under her jeans. He must be crazy.

But she could dance with him through the night. There was a ridge of strength and courage under the delicate features. She made music that was part heaven and part sin. Hadn’t he known, and hadn’t he fought so hard, because he’d known almost from the first that she was a woman he’d never get out of his mind?

Now she was climbing into the cab of his pickup and resting her head against his shoulder as if it belonged there. It did belong there. Though the acceptance didn’t come easily to him, Cliff put his arm around her, drawing her closer. She belonged there.

“I don’t know when I’ve had such a good time.” The energy was draining out of her swiftly. Through sheer will, Maggie kept her eyes open.

“The music’s still running around in your head.”

She tilted her head so that she could see his profile. “I think you are beginning to understand me.”

“Some.”

“Some’s enough.” She yawned hugely. “It was fun playing tonight. You know, I’ve always avoided performing, mainly because I knew it would only open the door for more comparisons. But tonight …”

Cliff frowned, not certain if he liked the drift. “You’re thinking of performing?”