Undeniable Attraction

But that had been his choice, hadn’t it?

The reality that he’d rejected her hit her anew, killing any bit of physical attraction she was feeling.

When was this song going to end? She couldn’t handle this anymore.

“It certainly looks as though life is treating you well,” Aaron said.

“It is,” Melissa said, exaggerating the excitement in her tone. “My life is amazing. I have no complaints.”

“That’s good to hear. I always wanted good things for you.”

Melissa wanted to roll her eyes and tell him not to be patronizing. What, did he think she’d lived a boring and unhappy life because he hadn’t been with her?

“You’re single?”

“That doesn’t mean I’m not happy.”

Aaron looked at her askance. “I didn’t say that.”

No, he hadn’t. Melissa was being far too sensitive. She inhaled deeply and told herself to calm down.

“I’m glad you’re happy, that life is going well for you.”

“Thank you.” Though Melissa didn’t want to be conversing with Aaron, she figured she ought to offer something to the conversation. “And you’ve been very successful. Soccer worked out well for you.”

“It did, yes.”

“Well, that’s what you always wanted. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Aaron released her to take her by one hand and twirl her around. Then he pulled her close again. “You know, when I found out you were going to be in the wedding party, I asked Ryan to make sure we were paired up.”

Melissa couldn’t help gaping at him. “You did?”

“I figured it’d be fun.”

Was he out of his mind? Fun? Was that what this was to Aaron? A game?

She didn’t know what was going through his mind. Maybe he was flirting with her because he was one of those guys who wanted to feel that no woman could resist him.

The very fact that he was dancing with her like this was disrespectful to Ella.

Again, Melissa wondered where she was. How had the Ella she’d known in high school given up this opportunity to gloat on the arm of her husband?

Aaron splayed his fingers across her back, making her skin tingle. He pulled her close as the slow song came to an end, and for one insane moment, Melissa reveled in the feeling of her body pressed against his. She luxuriated in the heat that consumed her.

But only for a moment.

Because the next instant, she pushed herself backward, though he refused to release her.

“I think that’s enough,” she said, looking up into his eyes. Why did he keep looking at her with that smoky gaze, as though he wanted nothing more than to get naked with her?

“It’s not nearly enough,” Aaron replied.

Melissa glanced around uncomfortably, certain that she would see disapproving gazes everywhere. Instead, she saw Tasha looking at her with happy curiosity.

“Maybe this is just your...way,” Melissa said distastefully, “but I’m not going to become a point of gossip for this town.”

“We’re dancing,” Aaron said, and when Melissa tried to extricate herself from his grasp, he used the opportunity to twirl her around again.

Oh, he was infuriating!

Even though the tempo of the new song was upbeat and didn’t lend itself to slow dancing, Aaron snaked a hand around her waist and pulled her against his body. Despite her irritation with him, a fresh wave of heat washed over Melissa. She looked up at him, aghast, and saw that the edges of his lips were curled in a grin. He thought this was funny!

“Aaron, that’s enough,” Melissa said, her voice firm. She knew what would happen tomorrow. Phones all across town would be ringing, people gleefully sharing the news that Melissa Conwell had been getting all cozy with Aaron Burke at the welcome dinner for the wedding.

Finally, Melissa wiggled her way out of Aaron’s arms and glanced around, trying once again to ascertain just how much of a spectacle she’d become.

“What’s the matter?” Aaron asked.

Melissa guffawed. “You’re not serious.”

“I’m dead serious. I was hoping you’d be happy to see me.”

Melissa wanted to give him a piece of her mind, but instead she forced a neutral look onto her face. Leaning forward, she said in a low voice, “I know that you’re used to women fawning all over you, but this isn’t Europe, where no one cares. This is Sheridan Falls. Everyone here knows you’re married.”

Instead of looking even a little embarrassed for his unflattering behavior, Aaron chuckled.

“I can’t believe you think this is funny. Consider your wife. And what people will say. By tomorrow, all seven thousand residents in this town will be talking about us and our disrespectful behavior on the dance floor.”

“If you’ll stop for a minute, I have something to tell you,” Aaron said.

Melissa frowned. “Tell me what?”

“Ella and I are divorced.”

Chapter 6 (#u9414bf9d-fb63-5444-971d-d8423f7a2047)

“What?” Melissa exclaimed, and she was glad that another upbeat tune had started to play, drowning out her voice to those within immediate earshot.

“We divorced a year and a half ago,” Aaron explained.

Melissa knew she must look stupefied. “You and Ella are no longer married?”

“Actually, that’s not true,” Aaron said, and Melissa’s heart pounded furiously. “We split a little over a year and a half ago,” he went on, “but our divorce was finalized six weeks ago.”

She stared at him, blinking but saying nothing. He was lying. He had to be. Melissa would have heard.

But why would he lie about that? In this town of seven thousand people, there was no way he could get away with saying something so untrue.