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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Scorp Noire" data-source="post: 445173" data-attributes="member: 67264">Chapter 4 ~ Liar, Liar 16 Days Later  Whispering Willow RanchSue Ellen had a good feeling about it the minute the realtor phoned her and told her the name. Seeing it in person had confirmed her intuition. Constructed from native Texas limestone, the sprawling single-story estate met all the requirements she’d laid out to the realtor. The combination of rough-hewn stone and cedar beams gave it an understated elegance. True to the name, the still pond out back was anchored by a stand of mature weeping willow trees. Floor to ceiling windows overlooked the long rectangular pool which would be perfect for John Ross and his friends. She’d be able to take in the morning sunrises from the front porch and the sunsets from the flagstone terrace out back.More than the home itself, her favorite part was something simple. The seclusion. Tucked away from view, it was nestled at the end of a long, winding driveway, flanked on either side by a canopy of ancient southern live oaks. Whispering Willow would be her quiet refuge from the rest of the world.The search had been exasperating. Sue Ellen knew she had been difficult to deal with. She had dragged her realtor through a gauntlet of viewings and rejections. It wasn’t beyond her notice the realtor’s expression had been closer to exhausted relief than happiness when Sue Ellen had finally told her, “This is the one.”But this was to be her forever home. It had to be right.She smiled at the thought of making each room a showcase of her own personal style, from the carefully selected fabrics to the hues of the walls. As she was a cash buyer, she expected to take ownership in a couple of weeks, allowing her to get started right away.She took one last look around before sliding into the driver’s seat of her Mercedes. Everything was falling into place. Sooner rather than later, she would be out of the hotel. She’d be home. And she felt like celebrating.About midway between Braddock and Dallas, Sue Ellen picked up her mobile phone and dialed JR’s private number. They’d only seen one another sporadically since the night the deal was struck. Consumed by the house hunt and making time for John Ross, she’d been exhausted most evenings since then. Aside from a couple of not-so-quiet afternoons, they really hadn’t seen or talked with one another.“JR, it’s me…” she said when he picked up.“Well hello darlin’” came the voice on the other side. “I was hoping to hear from you.”“I’d like to see you,” she began. “If you’re up for it.”JR glanced at his watch and, with a short laugh, replied, ”I’m always up for you.”“JR,” Sue Ellen laughed, rolling her eyes. “As much as I would enjoy another mid-afternoon romp with you, I have a late lunch date with April today.”“I see.” He paused for a second. “What did you have in mind?”Giddy, she smiled. “I have some good news I’d like to share and thought maybe you’d like to um…mark the occasion with me. That is, if you don’t already have plans.”“Tell you what,” he responded, curious. “I’ve been thinking I’d like to take you out to dinner. If that’s alright with you, of course.”“That would be just fine.” Sue Ellen thought for a moment. “But it does create a problem. I mean, being in public together…”Though she could not see him, she knew he was laughing on the other side of the line when he came back with “Sue Ellen, how long have you known me? I’m sure I can come up with something, just trust me.”Trust? Him? That was a pretty tall order, but an exciting one nonetheless. So, at least in the sense of him inventing a way they could be together in a public environment, she had every confidence he would not let her down. Something else, in a roundabout way, he had come right out and told her he’d like to take her on a date. And it felt damn good.“Okay,” she finally said. “I look forward to it.”Madison’s Restaurant  “Sorry I’m late,” Sue Ellen announced as she joined April, who was already seated. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”“Oh, it’s fine,” April replied, smiling. “I just got here myself.”“And before I forget, thank you for the invitation.”Sue Ellen meant it. Though she did not know April on a deeply personal level, she looked on her fondly and enjoyed her company. Over the course of her life, she never really had all that many female friends. Most turned out to be superficial aside from Pam and even that friendship was deeply strained at times.April looked up from the menu. “You’re very welcome. I take it you’re getting readjusted to being in Dallas?”Sue Ellen couldn’t help smiling. “I am. Very much so.”“Any luck with the house hunting?”“None so far. But I am so ready to move out of The Elysia and have my own place.”The lie escaped her lips so fast and so easily that it left her astonished. And beyond that, she didn’t feel an ounce of guilt for telling it. April had asked an innocent question, and Sue Ellen didn’t believe she meant to pry. She was just trying to make conversation. April was going to find out, probably sooner rather than later. But she just wasn’t prepared to tell anyone yet. She would keep the secret safe until she and JR were alone together this evening. Without knowing why, or at least without admitting to herself why, she just wanted him to be the first to know.“I’m sure you’ll find something soon. And I can’t tell you how excited John Ross is to have you nearby.”“I’m excited to be close to him too.” She paused briefly before admitting, “I’ve missed out on so much. Too much.”“I don’t have the benefit of looking at it from a real mother’s perspective. But Christopher and I have grown close so I can at least identify on a small level.”The server arrived to take their orders, shortly interrupting their conversation. Once she’d stepped away, April asked, “By the way, are you coming to their baseball game this weekend?”“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”“You’ll have to sit with me. I can fill you in on all the parents. You know, which ones to avoid at all costs. Which mom is the team gossip. Which dad tries to live vicariously through his kid.”Sue Ellen laughed out loud at that. “I certainly look forward to that.”April leaned over the table then, and in almost a whisper, she asked, “Speaking of gossip, would you like to hear the latest from Southfork?”“Judging your grin, it must be something good,” she replied, still laughing. “There’s never a dull moment there.”“JR has been acting very strange lately. Strange for him anyway.”The comment awakened her interest. Looking at April curiously, she inquired, “Strange as in…?”“For one, he’s been in a very good mood. You know how he and Lucy bicker all the time?”“Oh yes,” Sue Ellen answered, captivated by the direction of the conversation. “I can’t think of a single time we ever made it through a meal without the two of them going at it.”“Well, he’s not even sniping at her near as much as he usually does. Everyone has noticed it.”Sue Ellen took a pull from her tea. She had a strong suspicion where this was leading but feigned ignorance and remarked, “That’s very curious. What do you think is behind it?”In response, April gave her a conspiratorial grin. “We think he’s seeing someone.”She had seen this coming. Though she did take comfort in the confirmation of his happiness, she made a mental note to have a word with him about it later. They’d barely begun this relationship and people were noticing a difference in him already. It reassured her. She couldn’t deny it made her feel good, knowing he was very much enjoying spending time with her, nor could she deny she needed that validation. Still, he was entering dangerous territory and potentially putting them at risk. And she knew she might have to address it.Arching one eyebrow, she commented, “I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. You can always count on one thing with JR. He always has someone in the wings.”“Whoever it is, if that’s the source of the change in him, she’s having a remarkable effect on him.”Lazily tracing her fingertip over the rim of glass, she shrugged and innocently asked, “And you have no idea who the mystery lady is?”With each word, April seemed to drift a little closer. “None whatsoever. But he’s been missing dinner here and there and, about once a week, he spends the night in town at the condo.”It occurred to Sue Ellen this was yet another reason why, no matter what transpired down the road, she would never, ever move back to Southfork. Everyone was always in everyone else’s business there. Every conversation…every look…every movement had scrutinizing eyes and ears on it. This conversation was a prime example. Never again, she told herself.Taking another sip, she mused, “If that’s the source of the change, it’s always possible this new female companion is married. I wouldn’t put anything past him.”Sue Ellen gave herself points for the last comment. Technically, she was still Mrs. Don Lockwood so the remark was not a total falsehood.“That’s an angle I never considered. You may be on to something there.” April paused for a moment. “And Sue Ellen, I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable by bringing it up. I should have been more considerate.”“Think nothing of it, April,” she grinned, innocently. “I didn’t.”Another lie. She thought a lot about it. She supposed she should have felt guilty, especially considering she thought of April as someone she could have a true friendship with. She genuinely liked April. Yet, she had sat there and told one lie after another from the very beginning of their lunch date. And it was effortless. Beyond that, she had done it with a clear conscience. While she valued honesty very much, this situation was different. Her white lies and deception were a necessity. No, she did not feel a damn bit guilty. Quite the contrary, she felt exhilarated by it.She also learned something else over the course of their lunch. April was an invaluable source of information. I’m going to go straight to hell for this.  The ElysiaSue Ellen examined her reflection in the polished metal wall of the elevator and took pleasure in knowing she presented an elegant picture. For the occasion, she’d chosen a sleeveless midi dress that featured a striking black and white floral print. Highlighted by a deep V-neckline and asymmetrical side cascade, it contoured gracefully in all the right places. Black leather slingback pumps and understated jewelry completed the outfit. She grinned, knowing he would be pleased as well.She was excited about tonight. JR hadn’t given her much to go on regarding their plans for the evening and had only told her to be downstairs at seven o’clock sharp. The fact he kept the details a secret fueled her anticipation, and she couldn’t deny she was charmed by his efforts. She would never tell him as much, but it made her feel very special.The elevator doors separated and she navigated her way through the atrium until she reached the frameless glass doors leading outside. She scanned the immediate vicinity for his vehicle but didn’t see any sign of him anywhere.Her eyes then fell on a limousine, idling directly in front of her. Catching her look, the chauffeur gave her a respectful nod and pulled the rear door open. JR was treating this as a real date. The idea of it rendered her unable to conceal the smile that followed as she approached the vehicle. Just as she reached the door, a hand she recognized extended from within the cabin to assist her across the threshold.“Hello, darlin’,” he greeted her, looking her up and down. “You’re just as pretty as a picture.”“Thank you,” she replied, sliding into the plush leather seat. Their elbows brushed as she settled in, and she smiled. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re trying to court me.”From the very moment he took her hand into his, Sue Ellen was struck by how intimate it felt to touch him in that way. Outside of their amorous interludes, they had not touched each other at all until this point. And it felt wonderful.Shortly after, the limo driver signaled the ride was about to begin and pulled away from the hotel curb, weaving through the downtown traffic. She took in her surroundings. Here she was, tucked away inside the quiet confines of the limousine with him, the two of them protected from view by the dark, tinted glass. There was something delicious about it and she was very curious as to what else he had in store for this night.“Any clues as to where we’re going?” she asked.In response, he shook his head and, with a mischievous grin, replied, “It’s a secret.”He did not say it out loud, but Sue Ellen got the distinct impression he was looking forward to tonight as much as she was. With that in mind, she was content to allow him the luxury of keeping it a surprise. “Okay.”“So, you have some good news to share?” he inquired then, in reference to their earlier discussion.Keeping her gaze fixed out the window, she nodded. “I do.”When she offered nothing more, he grinned. “I’m assuming that’s a secret too?”Shifting her eyes upward to meet his, she teasingly replied, “You’d be guessing correctly.”He chuckled at that. “Touché.”The limo sped on, merging onto I-30 and leaving the city behind them. Sue Ellen turned her gaze out the window, recalling how small she had felt on the ride from the airport to her hotel on that first day back and was stricken by her change in perspective since then. She thought of the chance meeting on the street. How they’d slipped so naturally back into companionship almost like old friends rather than bitter exes.It led her to believe he was bound to have thought about her at least some during their time apart. She could think of no other explanation. In that moment, she was glad she had been so audacious on that night because…it was her boldness on that night that led into this one.A little over an hour passed before the limo came to a stop in the parking lot of a lakefront restaurant overlooking Lake Lavon. Sue Ellen leaned forward to peer closer, noticing the parking lot nearly empty. “JR,” she began, “Is this where we’re going?”JR studied her carefully as he replied, “Yes ma’am.”“But…it looks closed,” she remarked, puzzled.He then directed her attention to a sign across the door. “Look right there…”Sue Ellen read the words aloud. “Closed tonight for a private function.” She read them again, silently this time. The realization hit her then. He had rented out the entire restaurant. For just the two of them. Incredulously, she turned to face him. “You didn’t…,” she whispered.His eyes still watching her, he replied, “I did.”She supposed she shouldn’t have been all that surprised. He did have a tendency to overdo things sometimes. At first, she was inclined to protest. She truly wanted to go out, but this was too much. But then she considered the extraordinary amount of trouble he must have gone to. With very little advance notice, he had somehow managed to procure a limo and close down an entire restaurant just for them. It had been such a long time since a man had gone to such lengths for her. Not only did his act of thoughtfulness take her breath away, it also made her feel beautiful. And desired. It was truly nice to feel important to someone again. She decided he deserved some appreciation for that.As the chauffeur held the door open, JR climbed out first, then turned back and offered his hand to her once more. Without a word, she obliged and came to stand alongside him. Tilting her head upward, she searched his eyes for a moment and was unable to help thinking he looked extremely pleased with himself. There were moments she wanted to kill him when he looked like that. This was not one of them. When they’d established the terms of this arrangement, romance had not been part of the equation, at least on her end. Now that it was, she was moved.“Shall we?” he grinned down at her.He’d released her hand once she stepped from the limousine, but she found herself wanting to feel that closeness again. Therefore, she answered by slipping her arm through his and they proceeded together toward the entrance. She used the time to sneak a couple of glances at him, thinking how handsome he was. Beyond that, what a stunning pair they made together.As they approached the portico, the doors swung open and they were greeted by a gentleman she presumed to be the owner of the establishment. “Welcome to Ember,” he said.The heavy doors of the restaurant closed behind them and Sue Ellen absorbed the quiet space, filled only by the warm amber flow of candlelight and the gentle strains of a lone guitar. From the corner, the musician sang a bluesy, soulful melody that wrapped around the near-empty room.The atmosphere he had created for them affected her and, though the night had just begun, she felt compelled to express her gratitude.“You did all of this for me,” she whispered. She paused then and looked directly at him. “Why?”JR’s gaze dropped to her and he hesitated for a beat before giving her a faint, knowing smile. “You’re a classy lady, Sue Ellen. You deserve to be treated as such.”His unexpected words left her speechless for a moment. Finally, in a quiet voice, she was able to muster a genuine, heartfelt “thank you” in response.“Welcome,” was his one-word reply. But in it, she caught a spark that told her he was enjoying the fact that she was enjoying this so much.The maître d' guided them across the empty dining room to their awaiting table, situated squarely in the center of the space and right behind a small, polished dance floor. Once they were seated, he presented the menus to them and offered his recommendations before leaving them alone.“JR,” she began, knowing that to him she looked very pleased. “I have to know…How did you pull this off?”He simply grinned at her over his menu. “Oh, I have my ways…”“I see.” She knew not to press further. He would never tell her anyway.“Do you know what you’re having?”She glanced down at the menu and back at him. “Since you put all this together…And you’re obviously familiar with this establishment…Why don’t you order for us both? I trust you.”“You do?”Sue Ellen closed the menu and placed it on the table, laughing as she said, “Well, it’s purely situational. But on this, yes.”He laughed along with her on that. The maître d' reappeared then, wheeling a trolley laden with drink selections. JR requested his usual and Sue Ellen looked it over a second longer before choosing tea.Left alone again, Sue Ellen looked about the room and commented, “I like it here. The atmosphere. The music. It’s sophisticated without being pretentious.”“I thought you might.”She thought for a moment. “Did you choose the musician too? He’s very good.”At that, JR shook his head. “I wish I could take credit for that one. But I did personally choose the genre beforehand…”“Very nice, Mr. Ewing,” she complimented him, playfully using his surname as she’d done a week prior. “I’m impressed.”The maître d' approached the table once more to take their order. Sue Ellen looked on in amusement as JR, in signature fashion, proceeded to order a five-course experience for them. She knew it was extravagant but, over the years, she had learned there were moments it was best she just allow JR to be JR. This was one of those times, and she was enjoying herself far too much to protest.As the maître d' stepped away to the kitchen, she waited until he was no longer within earshot before speaking. “I had an interesting lunch with April today.”“Oh really? I was going to ask about that,” he remarked, raising his brow.“Yes,” she replied. A pause. “It was…what’s the best way to put it? Stimulating…”He gave her a quizzical look. “Stimulating, as in?”Pressing her lips together to suppress the smile that threatened to escape, she leaned toward him and whispered, “She clued me in on the gossip around Southfork.”JR’s gaze sharpened and Sue Ellen knew she had his undivided attention then. Being on the receiving end of his mischief was the norm most of the time. It was her turn to indulge in a little of her own.“Something goin’ on at Southfork I don’t know about?”This was fun. She would stretch it out as long as she could. “Yes,” she finally said. “And no.”His eyes narrowed, and he studied her carefully for a few seconds. “Well…Don’t hold back on me.”Though the room was empty save for the two of them and the musician, Sue Ellen’s eyes darted about the space as if someone might hear before leaning even closer and whispering again, “They think you’re seeing someone…”Once those words escaped her lips, her smile won the battle. No longer wanting to hide it, she sat upright and waited for his reaction. For a moment, he sat in stony silence. His eyes eventually betrayed him, however, and she looked on gleefully as he threw his head back in genuine, unrestrained laughter.“Is that a fact?”Sue Ellen matched his laugh with her own. “That, sir, is a fact.”“I gotta know,” he began, a wicked gleam in his eyes, “They got any idea who?”She cast her eyes about the room once more, her tongue tracing the curve of her bottom lip as she shook her head. “None whatsoever.”“How about that?” he asked then, still laughing. “And you’re sure you didn’t give anything away?”Her thoughts immediately returned to April’s observation that JR had been in a noticeably better overall mood as of late. She found it amusing that he was so concerned about her giving them away when his own behavior posed the greater risk. She’d intended to have a word with him about it but decided against it. After all, it would be far too much fun to pump April for more information in the future. “Absolutely not.”“What did you do then?” he inquired next.A smug grin breaking across her face, she told him, “I lied through my teeth.”“I would love to’ve been a fly on the wall for that.”Sue Ellen couldn’t help thinking that was the happiest she had seen him in ages. The jury was still out on that notion, but she knew it was certainly the happiest she had been in a long time. “I’m sure you would have. You aren’t the one going to hell for it…”“If it makes you feel better, darlin’, I’ll be the one holdin’ the gate open for ya.”“Always so chivalrous…,” she said, rolling her eyes though she was thoroughly enjoying every second of their banter.His laughter subsided, but something in his expression changed as he observed her. “But you had fun, didn’t you...”It occurred to her then how easily she could be herself with him. She felt no pressure to conform to anyone else’s expectations. She could be vain when she wanted. She could lean into her sarcastic side and be confident he would volley it right back. She needn’t censor her intelligence or humor because he appreciated both. And if she felt like being wicked, well…who better to have as an accomplice?“In a way of speaking, yes…” she remarked, then, “The veal and wild mushrooms are delicious, by the way.”“The best around,” he agreed. “How many lies are we talkin’ about? One little white lie? Ten?”Keeping her focus on the meal before her, she dryly commented, “Too many to count.”“Did you feel guilty about it?”“Not in the slightest.”“I bet it gave you a little thrill, didn’t it…knowing you were pulling one over on her?”“I wouldn’t say that exactly, but I am very much looking forward to our next lunch date.”JR glanced up from his plate to look at her again and chuckled. “You’re one helluva woman, Sue Ellen.”“Thank you, I know.”A hush fell over them for a few minutes as they finished their dinner. When it came time for dessert, Sue Ellen broke the silence by remarking she didn’t think she could eat another bite.“We’ll share it then,” JR suggested and closed the space between them, scooting his chair near enough that his shoulder brushed hers. “You haven’t really dined at Ember if you haven’t at least tried their lemon and vanilla cake.”“Since you insist.” She let him go first and watched as he dug in. There was something profoundly intimate about sharing a dessert with him. And being seated in such close proximity to him amplified the experience.“Good, right?”“Too good…”“I was thinkin’…Did you see the inn next door?”Sue Ellen scooped another bite and nodded. “I did.”“It’s pretty secluded. Lots of privacy. Maybe we could make a night of it next time.”Next time. She repeated that to herself and did not respond to him right away. She was enjoying herself immensely but also knew she would be a fool if she did not recognize that, when it came to him, nothing was permanent. The rug could get pulled tomorrow for all she knew. If that happened, she would deal with it when the time came. But for now…for now, they were together, thoroughly enjoying one another’s company. And she had a choice. She could allow the uncertainty to spoil the evening. Or she could choose to enjoy what they had right now and live in the moment.“Well, what do you think?”Her attention was drawn to the singer’s raspy, whiskey-soaked voice then as he began a song she knew well, Can’t Nobody Love You.Her eyes wandered from JR to the dance floor, and back to him. “I think…,” she began, pushing her seat away from the table and rising to stand above him. “I think I’d like to dance.” She then extended her hand to him.He did not hesitate. Pushing his own chair away from the table, he rose to meet her. Sliding his palm into hers, he led her to the center of the wooden floor. One arm slid securely around her waist. Fingers linked tightly in hers, he drew her entirely into his space.The smoky cadence of the singer’s voice enveloped them, dictating the rhythm. As they began to sway, her head rested naturally against his shoulder and she closed her eyes, completely anchored against him. She’d forgotten what it felt like, being held like this by him. It felt damn good. At that moment, she knew beyond doubt that she had never gotten over him. And she knew, from the way his grip tightened around her as if reading her mind, the feeling was mutual. There was nothing quite like it.Content just to feel, she kept her eyes closed for some time, surrendering her trust entirely to his lead and wishing it could go on forever.There were no words between them. At one point, his lips lightly brushed the top of her head and lingered there for a moment, the immediate warmth of it drawing a deep exhale from her. She leaned into his movement and they continued to drift in a slow, lazy circle.The musician, bearing witness to their moment from his place on the corner stage, made a silent decision to allow them more time and deliberately stretched the song a little longer. When the verse finally faded, he effortlessly slid his acoustic guitar into a fresh, low groove without missing a beat.The shift didn’t entirely break the spell, but Sue Ellen did open her eyes to gaze up at him. In the dim light, she searched his face and found his all too familiar smile. There was a look of quiet understanding between them.“JR,” she whispered. “It occurred to me I still haven’t shared my good news with you.”“I wondered how much longer I was going to have to wait,” he teasingly whispered back.Wearing an impish grin, she continued. “I purchased a home today.”“Is that a fact?” he asked. “Whereabouts?”She had been waiting for this. The ranch was only a fifteen-minute drive from Southfork by car. She would be close to John Ross. And close to him. Just how close, she had not yet realized. “You are dancing with the soon-to-be owner of Whispering Willow Ranch.”The roguish smirk appeared once more. “You don’t say…”“Mmhmm…” She observed him curiously, detecting a twinkle in his gaze. Her brow furrowed. “You know something I don’t?”“I do…”Sue Ellen watched the look of pure wicked amusement on his face then, unsure she really wanted to know what he had to say. Still, she pressed further. “And?”In response, he loosened his embrace just enough to release her waist and, in a fluid motion, guided her into a slow, elegant spin. The near-empty restaurant seemed to blur around her as he reeled her back in and pressed his lips to her ear, saying, “We’re a lot closer than you think…”Closer than you think. What was he getting at? “Really? How so?”With his hand flat against her lower back, he pulled her even closer. “That new piece of land you just bought? It shares a one-mile fence line with the back side of Southfork.”Sue Ellen absorbed his words. You smug bastard. She had known it was close but had not yet had an opportunity to review the property survey. And just when she thought she had figured it all out, he’d added another layer to their sophisticated game. Determined not to let him get the better of her, she fought the impulse to be annoyed and allowed a knowing grin to spread across her countenance to match his.“As long as you stay on your side…I’ll stay on mine…”“But darlin’…,” he smiled. “What would the fun be in that?”She laughed then, genuinely amused. “Trespassing does have a delicious ring to it…”For a fleeting moment, her mind conjured a vivid image of her sneaking past the white triple rail fence under the cover of night, which elicited more laughter. “Who knows…You might wake to find me climbing in your bedroom window some night…”She recognized a sudden change in his expression then, and her chest tightened. She knew what it was. Ever the rogue, he would be absolutely thrilled if she were to act on that figment of her imagination. Who am I kidding, she asked herself, her pulse quickening a little at the unbidden fantasy. I’d find it pretty damn thrilling myself.With a playful, disapproving shake of the head, she told him, “I know what you’re thinking.” It was more of an invitation than a scolding.He did not argue. Instead, he answered by raising their joined hands to spin her around one final time. Closing the distance as her turn dissolved, he brought her back into his space, saying, “I told you we’re gonna have one helluva time, Sue Ellen.”With a sly smirk, she whispered back, “I think we are already.”His grip around her waist grew tighter, almost possessive. “You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?”She maintained his gaze for a beat before, with pure intent, letting her eyes stray to the door and back to him. “You mentioned the inn earlier…”“I did…”Her hand drifted from his shoulder. Raising it to his face, she let her fingertips trail a slow, deliberate line across his cheek. “It is an awfully long ride back to Dallas…”His entire body stiffened, followed shortly thereafter by a sudden, sharp inhale from his chest. All the while, he said absolutely nothing, and she couldn’t help taking a wicked little pleasure in knowing she could still render him speechless.“Let’s get out of here…,” she whispered.Their dance frame was immediately broken then. His arm slid down from her waist and caught her hand in his. Lacing his fingers through hers, he steered her away from the dance floor and toward the exit. “After you...”Sue Ellen’s steps settled into a slow, confident saunter as she led the way, the cadence of JR’s boots not far behind. Passing the table, never once breaking stride, she casually snagged her purse and sashayed on toward the door.Though her back was to him, she could feel his presence behind her. The musician had completed his final song, leaving the room quiet, the silence of it broken only by the echo of their footsteps on the hard surface of the floor. She smiled to herself and did not have to look back to know how this night was going to conclude.Then, from just behind her shoulder, she heard his familiar Texas drawl.  “My God…This might just be the greatest damn business deal I ever made.”Sue Ellen smiled all the way out of the building.</blockquote>

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