“How does it feel, Indigo?” Cara asked, as she pulled away while remaining near.
With Cara’s departure, Indigo worried about losing her timing, and she expected everything to feel awkward and clumsy. Instead, her body eased into the dance and Cole’s presence, in spite of her rubber-soled shoes. “It feels … a little magical. Although these sneakers probably aren’t the best dance shoes.” She relaxed into a grin before letting out a small puff of a laugh, letting go of her tightly held emotions. “It’s wonderful.”
Cara moved to their side, gliding along with them. “Can you look up at Cole instead of your feet?”
Look at Cole? The thought was both frightening and desirable. What would happen if she looked at Cole beyond a casual glance? His bold scent of cedar and juniper was already fanning the barely there ember of what she considered a doused flame of affection and communion.
Slowly, she raised her eyes to his and locked on to his gaze. Her body trembled with his nearness. Her feet tangled with his as he glided to the right and she tried to move to the left, and she ended up stepping on his toes. Hot embarrassment flooded her, making her palms sticky with sweat. She broke away from him. “Oh, gosh. I’m so sorry. Is there any greater cliché than that? I-I—”
Cole laughed. “Actually, I think the cliché would be for me to step on you.”
Cara brought them back together. “Let’s try again.”
Indigo took in a breath as Cole moved closer and once again placed his arm around her, his hand gently resting below her shoulder blade, while she reached for his left hand with her right and placed her left arm on his right. The warmth of him shifted into a welcoming coziness just for her, inviting Indigo to edge closer. She pursed her lips and focused away from the flowering eagerness to glide into the intimacy she and Cole shared. Instead, she concentrated on the structure of the dance in hopes of resisting the growing desire to give in to the affectionate alliance their touch offered.
Cole started the dance without any prodding from Cara, and Indigo fell into a rhythmic step. This time, everything was easier as she moved with Cole, feeling the slight strength and pressure from his body pressing into hers, inviting her to drift with him in this new and welcoming sphere.
Indigo didn’t even notice Cara moving away until music swelled through the studio. With Cole as her guide, Indigo swayed into the flow and cadence of the music as the rest of the world dropped away. Sam no longer appeared on the periphery of her thoughts and feelings. He was fixed only in memory, and Indigo took in air as the vice of grief loosened its grip on her heart.
Suspended in peace, Indigo found true rest. Sam didn’t exist in this delight shared with Cole, where this man’s warmth flowed into her through their movement and growing affection, erasing everything but him. Worries about the Silver Stitch, dance costumes, and her all-consuming debt faded to black, leaving nothing but Cole with his patient gaze, his deep chocolate-brown eyes and soft smile.
With no bidding, a new desire took hold of Indigo. It washed up on the shore of her mind as if caressed by a sunset. She yearned to pull Cole close into a heartfelt embrace, closing the distance between them in a long, delicate kiss.
The opening of the studio door pierced her reverie, and she stumbled into Cole, who held her briefly while she righted herself. “Oh my!” She gasped. “I hope I never have to make a living as a dancer,” she weakly joked. What had just happened?
Isabella stood by the door, her arms folded and her eyes large. Young dancers filed in for their afternoon fitting and dance rehearsal behind the girl.
Indigo blushed because they’d seen her dancing with Cole, but she did her best to shake away her bashful chagrin.
“I didn’t know you danced,” Isabella said as she placed her backpack on the bleachers.
“I don’t,” Indigo replied. “Mr. Demetrius was kind enough to let me horn in on his lesson.”
An anxious look of fear crossed Isabella’s face, and Indigo recalled her earlier conversation with Pamela. Indigo wondered how much Isabella knew of her mother’s relationship with Cole.
She changed the subject. “Why don’t we have you try on the costume before you get started with rehearsal? Does that sound good?”
Isabella’s face lit up. “Yeah.”
Indigo was hesitant to leave the enticing and alluring secret she and Cole had created through their dance, but the kids were here now, and Isabella looked anxious, as if she’d stumbled upon a scene that she wished she could erase.
“Come with me.” Indigo gave Cole a lingering look as she pulled away from him. His eyes held her spellbound, and she wanted to wrap herself around him and feel his arms pull her close in a loving embrace. She cleared that thought away and focused on Isabella, who stood awkwardly next to her backpack.
The girl followed Indigo into the curtained area, where she slithered the dress over her head and turned toward the mirror.
“What do you think?” Indigo asked.
“It’s a pretty color, but …”
“What is it?” Indigo was genuinely interested in Isabella’s thoughts.
A look of disappointment rose in Isabella’s eyes. “It’s a little plain.”
Indigo grabbed the bolt of lace. “We’ve got this to jazz it up.” She unfurled the lace from the bolt and wound it around Isabella’s chest and torso. “We’ll leave your shoulders, arms, and upper back bare with just the chiffon mesh, but the bodice will have this lace stretched for texture, and the skirt will most likely have a few rhinestones sewn into it. Plus, the hem will be curly. Now, what do you think?”
Isabella’s eyes shone with delight. “Yes, it’ll be perfect! The lace is so feminine, and it looks like leaves.” She turned her attention back to her reflection before looking at Indigo. “What if I grow between now and the program?”
“I’ll sew enough fabric into the costume so that we can make adjustments if necessary. If we don’t need it, we can cut it out.”
Isabella nodded. “It’ll be so beautiful.” She ran her fingers over the bodice.
Indigo stepped back so Isabella could fully turn toward her reflection. The forest-green costume highlighted the girl’s blond hair, which spilled over her shoulders, and her hazel-green eyes. “You look lovely,” Indigo whispered.
“Thanks.” Isabella blushed before turning from her reflection. “Well, I guess I should take this off and get to rehearsal.” She hurriedly pulled the costume over her head and replaced the black leotard over her shoulders. She was about to leave the curtained area but turned back to Indigo, her expression a mix of curiosity and anxiety. She looked as if she desperately wanted to ask a question. Indigo waited until, with one last radiant smile, Isabella parted the curtains and disappeared from her work space.
Chapter Eleven
The following Friday evening, Indigo parked her car at Gypsy’s Public House a little after seven. Kelsey sat beside her for moral support and the chance to dance a little. She might not crave physical touch, but she did like to get out of the house once in a while.
“You can stop gripping the steering wheel. We’re here.” Kelsey placed her hand over Indigo’s.
“I don’t think I should go in.” All day, a mix of dread, desire, and hesitation had built up in her. Now, it heightened to a crescendo.
Kelsey withdrew her hand and sat back against the passenger door. “Why not? Because of Sam? Did he ever ask you to become sequestered?”
“No,” Indigo sighed. “But we never talked about my life after …” She hesitated and then had to get out the truth. “After his ended. And every time I’m in Cole’s company, it feels as if I’m diminishing Sam’s memory. If it weren’t for the recording I have on my phone of his voice, I wouldn’t remember what he sounds like anymore. Things are beginning to fade, and yet I can’t help but feel this pull toward Cole every time I see him. It leaves me confused, and exhausted.”
Kelsey took Indigo’s hand. “I expect that will happen. It doesn’t mean you love Sam any less.”
Indigo shook her head. It was important that Kelsey understand. “With each new experience I put between us, the distance grows, and …” She hesitated. She didn’t want to voice how the gap between her and Cole was closing each time they were together, or how much she wanted that very thing. “I’m not sure I’m ready for Cole.”
“Indi, distance between you and Sam will grow no matter what. If you were sitting on my couch all night, the minutes would still tick by, regardless of whether or not you’re ready.” She squeezed Indigo’s hand. “C’mon. Let’s dance. Sam loved it when you were happy. Let’s work on squeezing some happiness out of this event.”
Indigo relaxed. What Kelsey said made some sense, easing Indigo’s angst about the upcoming evening. “What would I do without you?”
“Sit in this car and get super cold.” Kelsey opened the passenger door and stepped out into the night.
Indigo laughed as she followed Kelsey into Gypsy’s. The place was packed with all sorts of people. Families hung out around tables where kids were eating grilled cheese sandwiches and French fries while the adults sipped a brew with their hamburgers. In the corner, a table of women laughed together. One of them wore a paper hat announcing her fortieth birthday. They all shared in a joyous outburst, the noise of their communal laughter riding over the din before the country song blared through the sound system, throbbing over the women’s gaiety and general noise. Several couples navigated the dance floor.
The music clambered inside Indigo and brightened her mood as she blinked in the murky light, scanning the crowd for Cara, Phillip, and the dance troupe. She found them settled in a large corner booth. Cole was there, sitting in a chair against the table. Pam was next to him, nuzzling his body with her own.
“Who’s that?” Kelsey yelled in Indigo’s ear above the noise.
“Cole.”
Kelsey’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really! For some reason, I was expecting some older man who wore tailored suits and a grim expression. I’m relieved to find I’m wrong.”
Indigo laughed at the thought of Cole as a glum old man. “Whatever gave you that impression?”
“I think it all started with the word ‘billionaire.’ And who’s that sitting in his lap?”
Indigo laughed again. “That’s Pamela. She’s the one with the understanding.”
“Understanding my eye,” Kelsey said. “What he’s got is a clinger.”
Indigo studied the pair with new eyes. Kelsey’s words gave her a perspective she liked.
Kelsey continued, “I’m betting that’s her daughter sitting next to her, looking absolutely miserable.”
Indigo turned her gaze toward Isabella. “Yeah. Isabella is a sweetheart, but you know how embarrassing everything is at age eleven.”
“Yeah, and Pamela isn’t helping. C’mon, let’s get acquainted.”
Indigo was grateful for Kelsey’s presence. Her friend eased her into this evening’s festivities and her first night out socially since Sam passed away. Kelsey also offered observations into Cole and Pamela’s so-called understanding—insights that Indigo’s instincts had leaned toward but she didn’t quite trust.
“Hey!” Cara called out as Indigo walked up with Kelsey. “We all just got here and ordered some drinks. I’m glad you brought your friend. Wait! Do we know you? You’re Kelsey, right?”
Kelsey grinned. “Yeah. I know the two of you from Amigos. I’m a waitress there.”
“That’s it. I’m so glad you came along,” Cara said.
“Let me get the two of you something to sit on.” Cole stood and meandered in the crowd, returning with two chairs, which he placed between himself and Pamela.
Indigo felt heat rise from the brunette as she gave Indigo a quick glare before pasting her smile back on her face. Kelsey sat next to her, blocking any further view Indigo might have of Pamela, leaving the empty chair next to Cole for Indigo.
Phillip leaned forward, and everyone did the same in order to hear. “Okay, everybody. Let’s dance!” He took Cara’s hand and led her out onto the dance floor. Soon, the kids were out of their seats and pairing up. Indigo was pleased to see Isabella’s face transform into a smile as Paul offered his hand. She hurried with her partner onto the floor without looking at her mother. Parents were a little more hesitant, except for Pamela, who practically jumped out of her seat and grabbed Cole by the shoulder.
“I didn’t wear these dancing shoes for nothing,” Pamela called as she pulled Cole to his feet.
Indigo noticed the bright red stilettos Pamela usually wore. A slow dawning came to Indigo. Every time she came to the studio, Pamela donned those shoes in hopes of dancing with Cole. Tonight, Pamela would obviously make sure her own wish came true. A thorn of jealousy pushed into the soft flesh of Indigo’s feelings for Cole, but she refused to give into it.
“Well, it looks like it’s just us chickens!” Kelsey yelled.
“Suits me fine.” A wave of relief mingled with Indigo’s earlier jealousy, battling her earlier grudge. The waiter set drinks on the table before asking Indigo and Kelsey what they wanted.
Indigo ordered a club soda with a twist of lime, but her eyes were on the dance floor, where Pamela was moving to the music with well-practiced and graceful steps. Her red dress moved like a flame of fire as she twisted and shimmied. Indigo glanced down at her faded jeans and black T-shirt. She rubbed her feet together. The ballet flats fit snug. They were better dancing shoes than sneakers, but she wouldn’t be dancing with Cole tonight if Pamela had anything to say about it.
She followed the couple through their dance. Cole appeared unsure of how to react until Pamela took his hands and gently brought him close and, with her body, showed him how to move with her. Her face tilted sweetly up to look into his eyes.
“Wow!” Kelsey said. “She’s … really something.”
“Whatever she is, she’s an expert.” Indigo turned from the dance floor. She didn’t want to see any more. A rise of irritation slowly traveled through her gut, replacing the earlier relief. What did she think would happen? She and Cole surely wouldn’t repeat their warmhearted and charming dance lesson in this loud and crowded pub. This was a place where Pam would flourish.
The music came to an end, and a slower tune came across the sound system. She heard laughing as the kids paired up again, but she refused to turn back to the dance floor. The last thing she wanted to see was Pam nestling in Cole’s arms.
The waiter deposited her drink, and Indigo took a refreshing sip, the sharp lime spilling inside her mouth.
Cole returned to the table with Pamela in tow and deposited her in her seat. He offered his hand to Indigo. “Will you dance with me?” His eyes implored her.
Indigo almost choked on the second swallow of her club soda. Setting the frosty glass down, she was of the mind to refuse him. Indigo would never dance as well as Pamela, and whatever she and Cole would share on the dance floor would be a joke in comparison. Embarrassment swung through her. She felt Pamela’s eyes bore into her like hot knives.
Kelsey gave her a quick elbow, making her jump. She glared at Kelsey. She had to dance now. Standing, she took Cole’s hand, and in spite of her own doubts and the daggers thrown into her back from Pamela, her jittery insides steeled and she followed him onto the dance floor, her hand tucked within the crook of his arm.
Behind them, Kelsey engaged Pamela in conversation about her dancing ability. But as Cole drew Indigo onto the floor, even that conversation dropped away.
“Remember what we learned the other day?” Cole’s voice came through the clamor like the low tones of a bell.
Indigo nodded, her belly warming with possibilities and her ears cutting everything out but Cole’s low, inviting voice and the music. “Yes, but I don’t know how to dance, and …”
“I don’t care, Indigo. And no one else cares either.” Cole’s voice was low and close as he placed his hand just below her shoulder blade. He pushed his left foot forward, inviting Indigo to receive his movement
by stepping her right foot behind her. The dance floor was crowded, and the space they inhabited was sheltered and more intimate. Indigo could smell his earthy cedar and juniper mingled with clean sweat. The scent of lavender detergent rose from him too, making Indigo want to bury her nose into his shirt while he placed his arm firmly around her.
“I’m glad you came,” Cole said. “I wasn’t sure you would be here.”
Feeling Cole next to her wrapped inside their warmed closed pocket, Indigo couldn’t imagine anywhere else she’d rather be than with his hand enveloping hers and his soft eyes offering her every comfort through his presence. She could tell him anything. “I wasn’t sure either. Kelsey—that’s my friend—was adamant, though. As was Cara.”
“I thought about asking you myself, but I didn’t know how you would feel about going out like this because of Sam. I know Cara made a strong case, and I didn’t want to be overbearing.” Cole’s voice was low and discreet, meant just for her.
Tender yearning rose in Indigo. Cole always remembered Sam! She softened into him. As the dance progressed, he no longer led her as much as they moved together in a gentle partnership. This dance was entirely new to Indigo. Her breath trembled as he moved closer, filling the nest between them her with a joyful connection.
“I can tell you wore different shoes tonight.”
“Yeah.” Indigo laughed, feeling as if she’d been caught. In spite of her conflict and concerns about Sam, she was hoping to dance. She grinned and stole a glance at Cole’s face before dropping her eyes. “Sneakers aren’t good dancing shoes.”
In response, Cole pressed his hand against Indigo’s shoulder blade. Willingly, Indigo inched closer, the heat of Cole’s body rising to meet her desire to be close to him.
In her head, Indigo could hear Cara’s words from their lesson. Look at Cole. She swallowed. What would happen if she looked at Cole? Slowly, she raised her face to meet his gaze of affection. It was so sincere and honest, Indigo was overcome with an earnest desire for more of him. Everything but Cole and the seclusive sphere they held between them dropped away, leaving her breathless.
Her Billionaire Betrayal (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 3) Page 9