More Than a Touch (Snowberry Creek #2) Read Online Free

her drink down on the ground.
    “Okay, but just one song.” Before walking away, she glanced back at Leif. “I’m saving the next dance for you.”
    She was? Had she somehow missed seeing the boot on his left leg, the one that pretty much guaranteed he wouldn’t be able to do more than shuffle his feet, especially on an uneven surface like the grass? Maybe that was her way of discouraging Jacob, not to mention his brother, who was lurking nearby. Regardless, Leif would give it his best shot. At least with Jacob keeping her occupied, Leif would have time to push himself back up to his feet and make his way over to where Sydney was playing deejay.
    He shuffled through the stack of CDs that Callie had brought out and settled on a slow ballad by one of his favorite country singers. “Syd, play the third song on this one next for me, and then the fifth one.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “You actually like that kind of music?”
    He tugged on her braid. “I do, and I’ll owe you big-time. How about a chance to play with Mooch at the park?”
    Syd gave him a narrowed-eyed look. “And an ice-cream cone.”
    He didn’t even hesitate. “It’s a deal.”
    The current song was winding down. Leif propped his cane against the table and made his way through the crowd, moving slowly to keep his balance. Jacob had just said something to Zoe that had her laughing. Before he could ask what it was, the song he’d asked Syd to put on started playing. He held out his hand and was glad when Zoe didn’t hesitate.
    “I apologize if I mainly stand in one spot and sway. You might have noticed that my boot isn’t exactly made for dancing.”
    “That’s all right.” She smiled up at him. “Isn’t that what slow dances are all about?”
    Who was he to argue? Especially when everything was going his way. His pain was at a manageable level, and he had a pretty woman willing to dance with him.
    As soon as the first song ended, Syd started the second one. Zoe paused to give him a suspicious look. “How did you get her to play two slow songs in a row?”
    Leif did his best to give Zoe a quick spin and then twirled her right back into his arms. “It would be wrong to bribe a young child.”
    “But you did.”
    “I hate it when my nefarious plots are uncovered. Don’t tell her dad. He carries a gun and handcuffs.”
    Zoe laughed and rested her head against his chest. “Your secret is safe with me, but it’s going to cost you some of that pie that Bridey saved for you.”
    Leif thought about protesting, but all things considered, a piece of pie was a pretty cheap price for two dances with Zoe. “You drive a hard bargain, lady, but it’s a deal.”
    When the song finally ended, Leif retrieved his cane and headed back to his chair while Zoe went inside to get the secret stash Bridey had left for him. She returned with one plate and two forks. That was okay. He liked the idea of sharing his favorite desserts with her. They battled good-naturedly over who was hogging the goodies. When they were down to the last two bites, Zoe set her fork down on the plate.
    “You finish it.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Yeah. I’m already going to have to put in some extra hours in the gym to make up for everything I’ve eaten tonight. Besides, I need to get going.”
    Just that quickly, the pie and cheesecake lost their appeal. He set the plate on the ground and started to stand up. “I’ll walk you back to your car.”
    For the first time all night, Zoe gave his leg a pointed look. “There’s no need, Leif. My car is right next door.”
    Which was a hike along a rough path through the trees. The smart thing was to take the out she was offering him, but pride had him insisting on providing escort at least part of the way. Taking a header in the woods wouldn’t help his leg or impress Zoe. “I’ll walk you as far as the trees.”
    At least she didn’t argue. “Okay. I’ll let Callie know I’m leaving.”
    When she came back, they walked in