In the next book...
A sneak peek at Beth and Joe.
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Beth tried to resist and he took hold of her upper arm with his right hand. With his left, popped her bottom hard, ignoring her protest. Marching her back to the dance hall and inside, he released her.
Her face flared, hot with embarrassment; she felt it. People were staring at her, and she looked away. The girl named Jenny had an expression of curiosity on her face which seemed to turn to a smirk. Beth glared  at Joe and walked away.

Glancing around the room for Allie, she found her dancing happily with Mr. Winchester in the middle of the room. At least Allie was enjoying herself.

Backing up a few steps, she leaned against the wall next to the door.

“Don’t you dare move,” Joe’s voice caused her to glance up. But he was taking long strides now toward the table set with refreshments, and she noticed that she wasn’t the only one watching him. Several girls hovered near the table, their eyes, which had been on her as they came back inside, were now centered on Joe.

She turned away, determined not to watch. How dare he order her to stay here and then walk away? If she saw a man standing alone, she’d ask for an escort home. She moved toward the shelf where her aunt’s bonnet sat. The now wilted bouquet of flowers lay next to it. Reaching for the bonnet, she jumped at the firm, deep voice behind her.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Beth didn’t turn around. The bonnet in her hands now, she proceeded to put it on. “I’m going home. I’ll find someone to escort me, you needn’t worry about it.”

“Put it back.” His voice was firmer this time. “Now.”

“No.”

“I said,” His voice was closer now, and held a growl,” put it back.”

She whirled about to face him, her eyes blazing. His face was above hers, and the pulse in his jaw quite noticeable. “My I have my gloves, please, Mr. Castle? I believe they're still in your pocket.”

“No, you may not. I brought you some refreshments. What I will allow you to do is to sit down on the sidelines with me until they’re gone. Then, if you still wish to go home, I’ll take you.”

The reflection of something shiny met her eyes, and she looked down. He was holding out a cup of punch. The lamplight in the room left shimmering reflections in the red liquid.   

Slowly she put the bonnet back on the ledge and reached out to take the cup.
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“Good girl,” he said. “Now, come with me.”

"A Rougher Touch", (Book Two) is coming in late January or early February.