“Yup.”
“That won’t work. Rachel just reminded me that we’ve got a social Friday night.”
His stomach tightened. He was coming to loathe the constant barrage of Amber’s sorority parties—the loud music, the booze, throngs of people packed into one place, people hanging all over each other.
“I’m sorry,” Amber said contritely.
“We talked about this, remember? You know how I feel about those parties.”
“I know, but this one’s important. The big sisters are hosting this one for the new pledges.”
He blew out a heavy breath. “Can we just go to the dance lesson instead? I promised my friend that we’d come.”
“No!” she bristled. “I have commitments. I’m the president of membership. I need to be there. Besides, the last thing I want to do is drive all the way to a Podunk town like Clementine for some dance lesson.”
He rubbed his jaw. “Maybe I should just go to the dance lesson and you to your social.”
Her voice rose an octave. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, like I said, I told my friend that I’d come. I don’t want to disappoint her.”
“Who’s more important?” she snapped. “Some old friend from Chicago or your girlfriend?”
Amber really didn’t want him to answer that right now. A tense silence gathered like dark thunderclouds, waiting to spill.
“Fine!” Amber huffed. “Go to your stupid dance lesson, and I’ll go to the social alone.”
Before he could say anything else, she hung up. He put down the phone, still smarting from the conversation. Amber could be so bullheaded sometimes. Whenever they attended her socials, Amber fluttered off like a butterfly chattering with her girlfriends while Chase hung out alone, trying to pretend as though he somehow fit in with all the craziness going on. His phone buzzed. He thought Amber was texting, but it was Cat.
Sounds great. See you Friday. There was a thumb’s up emoji.
“Friday, it is,” he said resolutely taking another bite of the granola bar.
8
When Friday evening rolled around, Cat was a bundle of nerves. She got to the studio at twenty to seven. Harper and Sam were the first to arrive.
“Thanks for coming,” Cat said. She turned to Sam. “You’re a good sport.”
He offered a charismatic grin that made Cat understand why he was known as Dr. Dreamy. “I don’t mind dancing with this lovely lady,” he said, pulling Harper into his arms. She squealed when he dipped her back and planted a full kiss on her lips. It was neat to see two people who were so madly and completely in love.
“So, who’s my date?” Cat asked a couple minutes later when she could get Harper by herself.
Harper wiggled her eyebrows. “You’ll see,” she said, eyes sparkling. “For the record, it was slim pickings since it was last minute.”
“Oh, no. Who’d you get?”
“Just remember, it’s not who the guy is that counts, it’s what he appears to be to Chase.”
“Huh?” Cat was confused.
Harper made a zipping motion across her lips before traipsing back to Sam’s side.
Andi and her latest boyfriend showed up a few minutes later. Little by little, more people trickled in. Five minutes after seven, Danny Whitehead strolled in like he owned the place. When he saw Cat, his hand formed a gun. He shot it in her direction, smiling broadly.
Cat’s heart dropped as she looked at Harper. Surely, Danny wasn’t her date. Harper nodded in the affirmative. Danny was a pretty boy who’d peaked in high school and was still trying to live out his glory days of when he was a star football player. The man was more handsy than an octopus. Great! She’d have to spend the evening avoiding the advances of Danny Whitehead, and Chase wasn’t even here. Maybe he’s not coming, she thought glumly. For the past two days, she’d fretted over how she would act when Chase showed up with his girlfriend. It had not once entered her mind that he might not come at all. Maybe it was for the best. Danny went to her side and looked her up and down with open admiration as he let out a low whistle. “Ooh, doggie,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m a lucky guy,” he drawled.
Heat blotched up her neck, and she wanted to strangle Danny. He moved to give her a peck on the lips, but she averted her face so that his lips grazed her cheek.
He pointed. “What happened to your hand?”
“I got hit with an avocado,” she said dryly.
He tipped his head. “I don’t get it.”
“Never mind,” she said lightly as she glanced at the clock above the wall of mirrors. “Time to get started, folks,” she said brightly. Anything to avoid spending any more one-on-one time with Danny than she had to.
Pepper McClain flounced in wearing a short black dress with a plunging neckline. Her hair was curled and fluffed like a poodle, and she had on black suede stilettos. She looked ridiculously out of place, like she was dressed for clubbing. Cat was shocked to see Pepper here, especially knowing the history between her and Harper. She shot Harper a questioning look and got her answer immediately. Harper’s faced was pulled into rigid lines. Word of the free lesson must’ve gotten to Pepper, and she jumped at the opportunity to come. Of course, she would! It was Pepper. Cat turned her attention back to the lesson. “Let’s see … does everyone have a partner?”
“I don’t,” Pepper said with a forlorn expression.
Danny Whitehead was standing next to Cat, as in he was obviously her partner, but his eyes were resting on Pepper. It was disgusting how he watched Pepper with a hungry glint. Cat turned to Danny. “Why don’t you pair up with Pepper?”
An eager light shone in Danny’s eyes as he quickly went to Pepper’s side.
“But then you won’t have a partner,” Harper argued, her eyes throwing daggers at Danny and Pepper.
“It’s okay, I can float around,” Cat said. “That’s better anyway.” She needed to have a long talk with Harper about her date selection. Even if Chase and his girlfriend had come, Cat would rather brave it alone than have to deal with the likes of Danny Whitehead. Cat clasped her hands, getting down to business. This was her world—the place were everything was right. Even though Chase hadn’t come, she felt the familiar thrill of teaching as she slipped effortlessly into the role. “All right, folks. We’re gonna start by teaching you the basic salsa step, then we’ll pair up with our partners. Everyone line up and face the mirror. Salsa is done in a count of three. You step forward with your left foot, transfer your weight, and then step back. Like so.” She demonstrated. Left, step, together. Your arms are relaxed. They move with you rather than being placed. Let’s try it together. Ready, go. One two three.” Now the right foot, same thing. Right, step, together.”
A rustle went through the group. Cat’s heart lurched as she caught sight of Chase out of her peripheral vision. He was here alone. “Hey,” he said, catching eyes with her. “Sorry, I’m late. Traffic was a beast.”
He looked great in jeans and a long-sleeve blue shirt that picked up the color of his eyes. She looked behind him. “Is it just you?”
“Yep.” He shrugged, a crooked grin tugging on his lips, revealing his dimple. “Just me.”
“Great,” she said, her heart sprouting wings. “You can be my partner.”
A buoyant smile bounced over his lips as he strode her direction.
It was all Cat could do to keep her heart from pounding out of her chest. Chase was here alone. Why hadn’t the girlfriend come?
Pepper interrupted. “He can switch with me.” She looked at Danny. “You don’t mind, do you? Especially since you and Cat are on a date.”
The diva had to announce that loud and clear. Cat could’ve strangled her. She caught the look of surprise in Chase’s eyes before his jaw tightened a fraction. He looked at Danny as if sizing him up. Cat bit back a smile. Okay, maybe she was glad Harper had chosen Danny. At least he looked the part. Now if she could just keep Danny from opening his mouth, she might be able to keep up the façade.
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Danny looked befuddled like he was trying to figure out how to answer. Had Danny been blabbing about them being on a date? Obviously! How else would Pepper have known?
“I think you need to just keep the partner you have,” Harper injected, giving Pepper a warning look.
“But?” Pepper protested.
Harper gave Cat an authoritative smile. “Everyone’s good,” she said pleasantly. “Continue.”
Amusement flickered in Chase’s eyes. “The lady has spoken. It looks like it’s me and you, slugger.”
Cat laughed, feeling deliriously happy. “Me and you, it is.” Cat went through the instructions in smooth, practiced tones. All the while, however, she was keenly aware of Chase’s presence. It was cute to watch him fumble through the steps. When it was time to pair up, Cat took hold of Chase’s hands, ignoring the slow simmer of heat stirring in her stomach. She could tell that Chase was being careful not to squeeze her injured hand.
“You want to keep some tension in your arms,” Cat instructed, “but you don’t need to be too stiff. Like so. Ladies, you step back when the man steps forward. Let’s all try it together … with some music.” She started the player and went back to Chase’s side.
Chase’s eyes sparkled with adventure. “Shall we?”
They clasped hands and began. Chase held her gaze, making her lose her concentration to the point where she actually missed a step.
He chuckled. “Careful there.”
“You’re throwing me off my game,” she complained.
He laughed. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said lightly, but she could tell from his smug expression that he knew exactly how much he affected her. He leaned in. “You’re a beautiful dancer.”
“Thanks.” A smile tipped her lips. “But we’re only doing the basic step.”
“It doesn’t matter. You move with such grace and refinement.” His eyes caressed hers. “Boy, would I love to see you just go.”
She could feel her cheeks flushing. Sheesh. Chase was messing with her head. “You’re not bad yourself, doc.”
He rolled his eyes. “Now, you’re just being patronizing.”
She giggled. It was true. His movements were jerky, awkward, but kudos to him for trying.
“You know,” he mused, “if you were doing the right kind of dance, I could actually hang with you.”
Her eyebrow lifted. “Oh, really.”
A large grin stretched over his lips. “Yep. I’m one heck of a break dancer. You should see me do the worm.”
She sniggered out a laugh, then squelched it when Pepper gave her a censuring look that bordered on snarky. Cat needed to remind herself to stay in teacher mode. Chase was a fast learner. By the end of the lesson, his steps were more fluid, and he even got the turns down. No surprise, when the class was over, Pepper and Danny left together, arm in arm.
Chase jutted his thumb. “Wasn’t he your date?”
“In theory.” Cat grimaced. “Good riddance.” Chase gave her a questioning look but she only shook her head.
Harper and Sam approached. “Chase, I’d like for you to meet my husband.”
Sam thrust out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise, Dr. Wallentine. Your reputation proceeds you.”
“Thank you,” Sam said magnanimously. “How’s the rotation going?”
“Never a dull moment.”
They talked shop for a few minutes until Harper intervened. “You should come to The Magnolia tomorrow, and I’ll feed you dinner.” She looked at Cat. “You should come too.”
Cat turned to Chase to get his reaction. She didn’t want to seem overeager to go. Also, she had no idea why his girlfriend wasn’t here, but she needed to keep reminding herself that he did, in fact, have a girlfriend.
Sam draped an arm around Harper and pulled her close. “You haven’t lived until you’ve had Harper’s cooking.”
Harper blushed. “Sam, you’re biased,” she countered, but Cat could tell Harper ate the compliments up.
Chase grinned. “A good home-cooked meal sounds fantastic. The hospital cooks do their best, but the cooking is still hospital food no matter how you slice it.”
“Smart man,” Sam boomed.
Chase turned to Cat. “Will you join me?”
“Sure. Would you like to invite Amber too?” Harper gave her a look that said Why in the heck did you bring up the girlfriend? but Cat wanted to know why she wasn’t here. She couldn’t allow herself to fall for Chase if his girlfriend was still in the picture.
“Amber will be tied up with sorority events tomorrow,” Chase said.
“Alrighty then, dinner for two,” Harper chirped. “That can be arranged.”
Cat tried to discern whether Chase was disappointed that his girlfriend was otherwise engaged, but he was too good at guarding his expressions.
“Thanks for the dance lesson,” Chase said with a lopsided grin that shot warmth through the center of her chest.
“We might make a dancer out of you yet,” she teased.
He gave her an appraising look. “You just might.” He gave her a lingering look that made her forget her resolve to guard her heart. “I’m sure I’ll need a lot more practice,” he murmured.
She could get lost in those piercing blue eyes. “Anytime you’re ready for private lessons, you just say the word.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Goodnight, slugger,” Chase said with a wink. “See you tomorrow night.” With nods to Harper and Sam, he left the studio.
“Well, that was a home run,” Harper observed when Chase was out of earshot.
“You’d better watch out for those new docs,” Sam joked, pulling Harper closer.
“Yes, siree,” Harper agreed, giving Sam an adoring look.
Cat clasped her hands tightly. “Do you think this is a good idea? Just because Chase’s girlfriend had other plans this weekend doesn’t mean that Chase is available.”
Harper sighed. “Honey, if you can’t see that Chase Brooks is into you, I suggest you buy a pair of glasses.”
A begrudging smile tugged on Cat’s lips. Despite her best efforts to rein in her feelings, she was excited about the prospect of having dinner with Chase tomorrow. She’d meet him away from Daphne Hospital, away from school, and away from Amber. Hopefully, this would be just the beginning.
9
Cat had three dance classes on Saturday morning and two in the late afternoon. Her last students left ten minutes after six. She sprinted across the street and through the church cemetery to her house, feeling guilty for running through a solemn place. But she needed to at least look decent for tonight. She showered and changed, refreshing her make-up and hair. Just before seven, she walked out of her house and strolled toward The Magnolia.
Cat’s heart skipped a beat when Chase’s car pulled up to the curb. He rolled down the passenger window. “Excuse me, Miss, but could you direct me toward the finest eating establishment in this metropolis?”
A smile stole over Cat’s lips as she leaned into the window. “Why yes, sir, it’s right over there.”
“If you’re heading that direction, I’d be honored to give you a ride.” His eyes flickered over her. “You look fantastic.”
Her insides turned to warm butterscotch. “Thanks.”
Cat opened the door and slid in. “Right on time,” she said.
“Yeah, well don’t get used to it. I’m going to be a doctor, and you know we always keep people waiting. It’s one of the perks of the job.”
She laughed. “What are the other perks?”
“Um, let’s see. I get to ask grown women how old they are, and they can’t get offended.”
“That’s true.”
“The best part is that people come in and say, ‘I hurt right here.’ Then I get to poke them and ask, ‘Right here?’ And they have to let me do it.” He jabbed his index finger into her ribs.
She jumped with a yelp. “Chase Brooks, you haven’t changed one bit.”
>
A low chuckled rumbled in his throat. “Oh, I’ve changed. I can guarantee you that.”
The way he looked at Cat caused her blood to run faster. Yes, Chase had changed. He’d filled out his lanky frame quite nicely. He was the perfect combination of manly and sophisticated. Her eyes lingered on his chiseled jaw before flickering down his neck to his Adam’s apple. Sheesh! Even that was attractive. Tonight, he wore a deep blue, button-down shirt and black trousers. Cat was glad that she’d taken time to run home and shower.
Chase parked in front of The Magnolia. Harper welcomed them when they walked in. “Hello Doc, Cat. I have your table right over here.” She led to them to a dimly lit corner table with a candle and flowers. “Here are your menus. Marie will be your server.”
The setting sun cast long beams into the window, projecting a luminescent grid along the wooden floor. Chase looked around the dining room. “What a great place. I love the woodwork and big windows. They don’t make buildings like this anymore. Your dance studio is awesome too.”
“Thanks. It used to be a warehouse and then a store.”
His eyes lit with adventure. “Let’s go there after we finish. If you’re lucky, I might just show you some of my break dancing moves.”
“I can hardly wait,” she said sarcastically.
He made a face. “Hey, don’t knock it until you see it. You never know, you might even want to add some of my moves into your repertoire.”
She shook her head, laughing. “I’ll have to see that to believe it.” In so many ways, Chase was the same kid that she’d adored when she was young. And yet, the grownup version was even better. Being with him was beyond thrilling, and heart wrenching, because he was already taken.
Concern touched his features. “What’s wrong?”
She was taken back that he was so in tune with her feelings. “I’m great.” She offered a large smile, because she could tell he didn’t believe her.
“Alright, if you don’t wanna tell me, it’s okay.” He feigned being offended.
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