Second fact: He can dance like the best of them.
“I love this song,” Dani calls out, using her cup like a microphone.
I laugh and sing along, ignoring everything else. It’s not my problem if Nate has issues dancing with someone while we joke about small town rumors. That’s all it was, a joke. It’s not like I actually think about marrying the guy. I barely know him.
“I’m hungry,” Andrea whines.
“Me too.” I nod. “Let’s grab something to eat after.”
“Yes, please. Before my stomach eats itself. I’m gonna go find some chips or something to hold me over.” She stumbles a bit on her feet and giggles.
“Maybe you need some greasy pizza.”
“Oh, yeaaaaahh…” She nods eagerly.
“We’ll get some food,” I assure her.
“Fine.” She pouts.
When she stumbles again, Luke wraps his arm around her and steadies her feet. Andrea blinks up at him in a daze, and I swear she blushes. That’s interesting. I’ve never noticed her react like that to him. I’m going to have to ask her about that when she’s sober.
I look at Avery and Gabriel, who joined us after closing the bakery a little earlier, and ask, “You guys want to get pizza after?”
“We’re going to pass. I’m exhausted and need to sleep.” She covers her mouth when she yawns. “It’s like the word sleep triggers my yawns,” she says after.
“You wake up too early for the bakery.”
“Yeah. We’re closed tomorrow, but I can barely keep my eyes open now. I’m glad we were able to make it here for a bit, though.”
“Me too.” I bump my shoulder with hers.
Erik grabs Dani’s hand and spins her around, making me step away and look around. I refuse to glance at Nate or he’ll think I’m begging for a dance partner. I’m capable of enjoying this without anyone, namely a sexy yet moody deputy.
After all, I’m one of those people who actually likes to go to dinner alone. It’s refreshing to be comfortable with your own presence. If I can’t stand myself, then no one else will be able to either.
When the song ends, Sutton speaks into the microphone.
“Y’all are an amazing crowd!”
We all erupt in cheers, making her wait to talk again.
“I’m having a blast and loved watching Mason perform. Now, I have a surprise for you.” Her smile widens, and everyone questions what it could be.
“Help me welcome Knox Bentley!” she hollers, waving one of her arms out to the side. “He’s a good friend of mine, and I begged him to come perform our duet live.”
“What?” I stare at Dani. “Did you know about this?”
She shakes her head, seeming as shocked as I am. “I had no idea. My dad didn’t mention anything.”
Knox Bentley is a huge country artist, so having him here is a huge deal. He’s one of my favorite artists. He walks out on stage to a cacophony of applause, whistles, and cheers.
“Good evening, Emerald Bay.” His deep voice echoes around us through the speakers. “I’m so happy to be here. This Florida weather sure beats the cold Wyoming spring,” he jokes, and we all laugh.
“Stop stealing my show,” Sutton teases him.
“Right, I guess I need to share the spotlight with her, guys. Get ready to dance.” They both laugh, and Knox gives her a side hug. I love seeing the dynamic between artists, and a situation like this gives us a glimpse into the friendships between them.
Music begins to play as Sutton and Knox take their position on stage. I smile as I watch them perform, listening to the way their voices mesh so perfectly.