Moonlight Kiss by Luann McLane

sputtered, and quickly wrote it down. She gave his shoulder a playful shove, and he laughed.
    “Want another Redneck Sunset?”
    “If I have another I might be howling at the moon.”
    “Then I’ll be right back with one while we’re in between categories. We just might win this thing.”
    Reid returned with another beer and Addison’s martini in time for the next round. He was pretty good at sports trivia and held his own. Addison killed it in the romantic-comedy movie category, and they laughed through the random-question speed round, spitting out answers at each other left and right. They were laughing and breathless at the lightning-fast questions, but he felt as if they did well. Reid couldn’t remember when he’d had this much fun.
    “Time to bring me your answers,” Pete boomed into the mic. “We’ll play some music while we tally the scores. But don’t leave, because tonight’s winner will get dinner for two at Wine and Diner and two tickets to a Cricket Creek Cougars baseball game.”
    “Nice prize,” Addison commented, just before Shania Twain started crooning “From This Moment On.” “Oh,
that
song . . . I do think I’ve found my name.”
    “Well, then, we should dance,” Reid offered, in spite of his earlier misgivings at getting involved with her. Suddenly everything ceased to matter except for having her in his arms.
    “That would be nice.” She smiled shyly at Reid and he found his hand reaching out to hers. He led her to the dance floor in front of the stage where live bands played on the weekends. Other couples were heading to the dance floor too. He pulled her close, holding one small delicate hand in his and swayed to the music.
    Addison was of average height and in heels fit just right for a slow dance. He inhaled her sweet floral scent laced with something sensual just beneath the surface. When her hair brushed against his cheek it felt as soft as he’d imagined. Reid couldn’t remember the last time he’d danced with a woman, most likely at a wedding, and he’d forgotten how intimate and sexy it felt, especially with someone he was already attracted to. The palm of his hand rested against her back. He could feel the warmth of her skin beneath the soft, stretchy fabric, and when he pulled her slightly closer she didn’t resist. A delicate, feminine quality about her brought out a protective instinct that came out of nowhere. And yet he sensed strength, determination, and so when the song ended and he suddenly felt her breath hitch, he was confused. Pulling back he looked into her brown eyes and noticed the sheen of unshed tears.
    “Are you okay?”
    She pressed her lips together and gave him a jerky nod. “I think I need a breath of fresh air.”
    Reid nodded and led her toward the back door that opened to a deck overlooking the river. It was popular during the summer, but the cool nights kept people inside and tonight was no exception. “Is something wrong, Addison? Did I do something to upset you?”
    She swallowed hard and cleared her throat. “No, the song . . . just . . . got to me.”
    “Somebody from your past?” he asked, trying to ignore the disappointment that she might still care for someone.
    Addison lifted one shoulder slightly and stared out over the river. “In a way, yes.” She frowned and then shook her head. “I’m sorry, Reid. I was having a wonderful time. We should go back in there. I just had a little pity party. Stupid. I blame it on the three Redneck Sunsets.” She tried to smile but it wobbled at the corners. “It’s so pretty out here. Just look at the moon . . .” she said, and Reid knew it was an attempt to change the subject.
    Reid wasn’t having it. He stepped closer. “I’m so sorry. I would never have played that song if I’d known it was going to upset you.”
    She put a hand on his chest and then pulled it back as if she’d touched something too hot. “No, it’s not your fault. I guess I just wonder . . .