A Match Made In Texas by Anne Marie Novark

for a moment. When he opened them, he saw Patti Garrison dancing with her husband, Bubba. She had been friends with Deborah all through school, even though Patti had been in his class. For a minute, Austin felt guilty--like he'd been caught cheating on Deb. When Patti winked at him and gave a thumbs up, he felt somewhat better and winked back.
     
    Just for tonight, he would concentrate on the woman in his arms. How good she felt, how sweet she smelled. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy a few dances with her. Talk to her. It wasn't like he wanted a long-term commitment or anything. Austin held her close and guided her across the gym floor in time to the music.
     
    Theresa couldn't believe Austin had actually asked her to dance. She knew Kelsey had made it practically impossible for him not to ask without being rude. He wouldn't want to look bad in front of his daughter. He was a good, caring father. Except he was blind to what was going on right in front of his nose. He still didn't have a clue that Kelsey was the one throwing them together.
     
    Theresa wasn't going to worry about that right now. The unbelievable had happened and she was in Austin's arms. For once, he was being civil. Beggars couldn't be choosers.
     
    The achingly tender love song threaded its way in and around the dancers. Something deep inside of Theresa responded to every strum of the guitar and low beat of the drums. Austin's arms held her in a strong embrace. She could hear his heartbeat in her ear as she pressed her head to his shoulder. Feel it pounding against her. Making her breasts heavy, her nipples taut beneath the lace of her bra.
     
    Their bodies moved in rhythm to the music. His hard and unyielding; hers soft and molding to his frame. His hand gripped hers in a warm clasp. An electrical charge chased down her arm to her elbow. Her heart fluttered wildly when he turned her so they wouldn't bump into another couple, holding her even tighter. She felt his arousal press against her stomach.
     
    Theresa looked up. The hazel eyes were regarding her with hot dark desire. She swallowed hard when Austin smiled slowly down at her. His hand at her back reached up and tucked her head into his shoulder again. Then she felt that hand slide gently down to rest on the small of her back.
     
    Her bare skin burned at the intimate touch. He splayed his fingers, reaching toward her derriere. Ever so gently, he caressed her, pulling her closer to him.
     
    Theresa's hand clutched his neck. She sucked in her breath. Beneath her fingers, his muscles corded like steel. She wanted to snuggle closer, feel his arousal strain against her. Inside her. She almost groaned with the yearning and wanting.
     
    Austin tightened his hold. "Easy, baby. This isn't the time or the place." His breath was hot in her ear.
     
    The music ended. He gave her a quick hug before releasing her. "Let's get some of that punch to cool us off." Austin's voice sounded rough. His eyes caught and held hers with an intensity that left her struggling for breath.
     
    Theresa nodded and led the way to the refreshment table.
     
    "Did you two enjoy your dance?" Kelsey handed them both a cup of punch.
     
    "Yes," Theresa said, taking a sip of her drink, trying to still the trembling in her hands and body.
     
    "How about you, Dad?" Was Kelsey trying to gage her dad's reaction?
     
    Austin gulped down half his drink. "It was nice."
     
    Nice? That was an understatement if she ever heard one.
     
    Kelsey frowned and sighed. "Miss Rogers, we're getting low on punch."
     
    Theresa set her cup down. "I'll take care of that right away." She walked around the table where she had parked the metal cart.
     
    "I'll help you," Austin said.
     
    "That's not necessary." Theresa pushed the cart toward the gym doors.
     
    "But I insist." He came up beside her and placed his hands on the bar, brushing her away with a bump on the hip.

 
    Theresa let go of the cart and stepped back. She was having trouble controlling her