Cowboy to the Core. Joanna Wayne

is definitely cooperating.”

      Marcus delved into his food as if he were starving. She picked at hers, her usually hearty appetite nonexistent. She was almost convinced the episode in the shop hadn’t been a trance with deeper meaning, so why couldn’t she shake it from her mind?

      “You’re not eating,” Marcus said. “Don’t you like the fish?”

      “I do. It’s a bit salty, but the flavor is good.”

      “But you have something else on your mind?”

      He was much too perceptive. “I was just thinking of my friend’s wedding,” she lied.

      “Do you disapprove of it?”

      “Not exactly. I’ve never met the groom, but the bride has two failed marriages on her resume. I know I’d be scared to death to go for a third.”

      “All marriages scare me.”

      “Does that mean you’re single?”

      “I am now. My first attempt crashed and burned.”

      “Ah, that explains the fear of commitment.”

      “Let’s just say I know enough to avoid playing catch with a hand grenade. What about you? I don’t see a wedding band.”

      “I’m divorced.”

      “Stupid man.”

      “Thanks. He wouldn’t agree. He likes to trade up.”

      “Oh, one of those gotta-have-this-year’s-model type.”

      “You got it. And you?”

      He grinned. “My pickup truck is practically an antique.”

      Dani took a bite of the fish. Crispy crumbs of coating sprinkled her blouse. She brushed them away with her napkin. Marcus used his to dab at a tidbit that must have stuck to her chin.

      His hand lingered a moment too long, and a tingle of awareness shot through her. Not psychic but pure sensual attraction. To her credit, she knew the difference. Well, most of the time she knew the difference.

      She poked a fry into her mouth and nibbled while she put things in perspective. Even if she were receiving genuine psychic messages—which she didn’t believe—there really was nothing she could do about it. She couldn’t identify anyone involved. Case closed.

      She might as well enjoy the moment. The fascinating cowboy whose smile and easy mannerisms promised any manner of sexual pleasures would be out of her life in a matter of minutes.

      That was fine, too. As nice as it might be to sample his virility, she simply didn’t have time to add the complications of a long-distance relationship with no chance of succeeding to her extremely busy life.

      She finished her meal with a lot more enthusiasm than she’d begun it. Once she’d wiped the grease from her mouth and hands, she wadded the napkin and started to get up.

      Marcus reached out and wrapped his hand around her arm.

      Her breath caught on the intake. “My pulse is fine,” she said, though she was pretty sure it was racing. No way she could deny such a dynamic attraction. “And I really do need to get back to the girls. We’ll have to pick up the pace if we want to cover the festival before sundown.”

      “About the fainting spell…”

      She shook her head, feeling more confident now that she’d thought the incident through. “Not going there again, cowboy.”

      “Fair enough, but take this.” He pulled a business card from his pocket and pressed it into her hand. “Call me anytime. I’ll come running.”

      “What, running and not riding up on a white steed? Where’s your festival spirit?”

      “The steed can be arranged.”

      “It sounds incredibly tempting,” she admitted, “but we‘re only here until tomorrow afternoon, and the wedding activities will take most of our time.” She slipped the card in her pocket without looking at it.

      “If I can help with anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

      “I won’t.” Nor could she imagine a situation in which she’d need the services of a cowboy. Well, there was one, but that involved the romantic entanglement that she had zero time for. She started to gather the trash.

      “I’ll take care of it,” he said. “Go enjoy the festival, but don’t lose that card.” He stood and then in a suavely, smooth move touched his lips to hers.

      Heat shot through her in waves, and it was all she could do not to melt into his arms. Fortunately, his lips didn’t remain on hers long enough to give her the chance. She walked away while she still could, much too aware of the card and phone number that lay buried in the pocket of her new designer jeans.

      Once she’d put a few yards between them, she glanced back and found Marcus still standing in the exact same spot as she’d left him. Their eyes locked, and he smiled and tipped his hat. Her heart flipped in response.

      “Dani!”

      The squeal jolted her out of her momentary sensual relapse. To her rear might be a gorgeous cowboy, but in front of her was Bethany Sue. Not the same Bethany Sue she remembered, however.

      The pudgy ally she’d known for years was absolutely svelte now. And radiant. She positively glowed.

      The two collided in a genuine hug. “You look great,” Dani said when they separated from each other and stepped back.

      “Thanks.” Bethany Sue did a catwalk turn for her to get the full effect. “I owe it all to Arnie. He persuaded me to quit smoking, start working out and to eat healthy.”

      Dani was sure she owed part of the new her to a plastic surgeon, but she let that ride. More power to her for taking control of her body and her life.

      “I can’t wait to meet the lucky groom.”

      “You’ll love him. He’s a body builder and personal trainer. A real hunk! But not all muscle. He’s got brains, too.”

      “He sounds fascinating.”

      “He is. And he’s dying to meet you. I’ve told him all about you, my friend. The winner of the state math competition and karaoke queen.”

      “Oh, God, that was so long ago. Can we just go with mother and buyer for Duran Muton?”

      “You look far more like a model than a buyer. But speaking of motherhood, where is Celeste? She did come, didn’t she?”

      “She and a friend. They’re over there, absorbed in a juggling act.” Dani nodded toward the crowd seated on concrete benches shaded by a web of net and intertwined branches.

      “Great. I’ll catch up with both of you at the dinner tonight. I’m rushing off right now to reconfirm the setup for the tables and to make sure they have plenty of champagne . Everything will be outdoors.”

      “Perfect weather for that. Is there anything I can do to help?”

      “No, just enjoy yourself, unless…” She hesitated.

      “This doesn’t have anything to do with the guy you wanted me to meet, does it?”

      “No,” Bethany assured her. “But you’ll probably be begging me to fix you up once you see him.”

      “Don’t count on it. So, how can I help?”

      “Arnie’s sister is supposed to sing at the ceremony, but she woke up this morning with a terrible headache and a fever. She thinks she may be coming down with the flu.”

      The one thing worse than a blind date. “I haven’t sung in front of an audience in years.”

      “You’re kidding, right?”

      “No,