Rory (Hope City #7) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,21

youngest. I think I’ve always been a little bit in awe of Sean. He was always so capable. He certainly kept the rest of us in line. Kind of like Tara was the quintessential oldest girl in the family. Kyle was the brother that I had no doubt would jump in and punch someone out for me if I needed it. Not necessarily a hothead, but just more intense. Erin was my bestie as a sister.” Laughing, she added, “And then Rory was always just fun. Easygoing, fun-loving, and just plain sweet!”

Keeping a smile on her face, Sandy replied, “Sometimes people are different when they’re around different people. You see your family members through the eyes of a sister. To other people, they probably see them in a different light.”

Caitlyn turned toward her and cocked her head to the side. “It’s funny you say that. I’ve always thought that you and Rory would be a perfect couple. I know I’ve seen you look at him sometimes when you think no one else is watching.”

Opening her mouth to refute Caitlyn’s true statement, the DJ interrupted. “Okay, ladies and gentlemen. This is the last dance of the evening before we wish Mr. and Mrs. Sean McBride away on their honeymoon.”

Secretly hoping for a fun, fast song, she was disappointed when another slow love song began. Her gaze landed on Sean and Harper, witnessing their love as they only had eyes for each other, and she smiled.

“Perfect!” Caitlyn called out, snagging Rory as he walked past. “Everyone has to dance the last dance.” Caitlyn grabbed Sandy’s arm and tugged at her, pushing her straight toward Rory. “You two can enjoy the last dance together.”

Caitlyn darted off, grabbing her date’s hand before moving onto the dance floor.

Stunned, she looked up to see Rory’s face equally as surprised. He placed one of his hands on her waist and clasped her other hand in his. They began to sway to the music, almost a foot of space between them. The difference between this dance and the one they’d shared at the bar was stark. Hardly romantic, but then she was surprised he hadn’t turned and walked away. “A lady always smiles, Sandra. Don’t ever let them see you doubt.” As her grandmother’s words ran through her mind, she plastered a smile on her face.

“I thought the wedding went beautifully,” she said, searching for a noncommittal, non-confrontational comment.

“Yes, it did.”

They continued to sway. His hand felt warm and secure as it held hers, and with her other fingers resting lightly on his shoulder, she felt the muscles underneath his shirt. Somewhere along the way, he’d ditched his suit jacket. His tie was loosened slightly, and the top button of his shirt was undone. He could pull off elegant and casual at the same time. “How have you been?” she asked, still searching for a topic they could chat about the length of the song.

“Fine.”

With her cheerleader smile still plastered on her face, she felt as though her cheeks would crack. “A lady will always be able to make conversation in social settings regardless of whom they are speaking to.”

“I believe Harper mentioned you were a paramedic?”

He grunted his response, his gaze focused over the top of her head, once more making her wish that she were five inches taller. Being petite had its advantages at times, but this was not one of them. She considered stomping her stiletto heel onto the top of his shoe but wasn’t sure he’d feel it through the thick leather. Trying once again, she asked, “And are you happy in your new position?”

He finally dropped his blue-eyed gaze to her, but his thoughts were hidden. He sucked in a deep breath, then began, “Yes, I thought the wedding was wonderful. Harper is beautiful, and I’m glad that my brother has such a wonderful woman as a wife. Caitlyn mentioned how much you’ve done to make the wedding a success, and I’d like to thank you on behalf of my family. And yes, I passed all the certifications to become a paramedic, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.” His fingers on her waist jerked slightly, but he wasn’t finished. “Sandy, you don’t have to try to make conversation with me. I know Caitlyn pushed us together and that’s fine. The dance will soon be over.”

Her hands remained on him, but her feet stuttered to a halt. “Wow,” she breathed, blinking rapidly, feeling his words like a punch to the stomach. Stepping