by LuAnn McLane
“That would have been a sight to see. And like Violet said, other than your mother’s ugly sweaters, I’ve always thought you have a great sense of style all your own.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, you do your own thing.”
“You’re right, but it didn’t help my social life in high school. I just never could fit in,” Susan said but smiled. In truth she’d never thought much about the latest trends. She’d preferred flowy bohemian and retro styles purchased here at Violet’s and at thrift shops around town. Flashy Forever 21-type mall stores just weren’t in Susan’s comfort zone. Because she was so tall, she usually wore ballerina flats and riding boots and stuck to sandals and flip-flops whenever the weather permitted. Her mother had once called her an old soul, and she supposed the description fit her style and personality. “Finding anything?” Susan glanced over at Betsy.
“A few outfits have some potential.” Betsy held up a soft green silk blouse and scrunched up her nose. “Too colorful?”
“No, the color will go well with your auburn hair.”
Betsy tilted her head. “I don’t know … it’s kind of fancy.”
“At least try it on.”
“Okay.” Betsy draped it over her arm and started looking again.
Susan pulled a polka dot baby doll dress off the rack. “Oh would you look at the ruffle trimmed angel sleeves?” She held it up to her body and turned toward the full-length mirror on the wall. “I think it would hit just above the knee on me.”
“You love hippie clothes,” Betsy said. “I used to pull it off back in high school but now I think I’d look silly.”
“No you wouldn’t.”
Violet walked out of the dressing room and clasped her hands together. “Susan, I was just going to pull that one for you! Rather demure but sexy in an understated way. I have a pair of shoes that would be perfect. I’ll go get them.”
“Thanks!” Susan picked out a dainty black lace dress. “Too fancy?”
Betsy shrugged. “You could wear a cute denim jacket over it and tone it down a bit.”
Susan nodded. “Oh, I love that suggestion. I have a gorgeous antique pin that would simply make the outfit. My jean jacket is one of my favorite things. I have three of them in different styles.”
Violet brought over several pairs of chic flats. “Aren’t these adorable?”
Susan nodded. “Oh, I love the pair with the cat face embroidered on the toe!”
“Me too,” Violet said. “And this one with the almond closed toe and rhinestone bow can be worn with skinny jeans or leggings and would go with the blue dress I picked out. This pair is rhinestone and satin. I have several colors in that style.”
“I love them!”
“With your height I know you prefer flats.”
“I do,” Susan said but thought to herself that Danny was tall enough that she could get away with heels. “Well, I’d better start trying on dresses. Betsy, isn’t this fun?”
“Yeah, fun for someone tall and slinky like you. Me? Not so much.”
Violet shook her silver head. “Oh pffft. I’ll have you in a spectacular outfit in no time at all. You’re as cute as a button but need something sassy to fit your personality. I love your hair, by the way.”
“Thanks. Carrie Ann Spencer did the color at A Cut Above, right down the street,” Betsy said. “I wanted a little change and she talked me into going big.”
“I just adore Carrie Ann,” Violet gushed. “I’m so glad that she and Easton Fisher fell in love. What a romance! Of course, everyone in Cricket Creek but those two knew for a very long time that they were much more than friends. I’m just glad they finally came to their senses.”
“Sometimes it takes a while to finally wise up.” Susan shot Betsy a pointed glance.
“Are we talking about me or you?” Betsy asked.
“Both of us, I’d say.”
“Okay, girls. Time for the fashion show!” Violet sat down in a high-backed red velvet chair. “I will give my honest opinion.” She folded her hands and gave them a lift of her chin, looking very regal. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Susan twirled around like she was on a runway, making Violet laugh. Betsy, on the other hand, walked out in a no-nonsense manner, complaining about her short legs, her big hips, and lack of ample cleavage.
“You have a nice butt,” Susan said.
Betsy turned to get a better view of her backside. “Do you think so? Maybe I should start doing squats.”
“No doubt.”
“That I should do squats?”
“No, that your butt is perfectly fine as it is.”
Betsy shook her head. “All it took was one kiss and I’m out buying clothes and worrying about the size of my butt. I just bet Danny and John aren’t staring in the mirror at their asses.”
Violet started laughing from her perch on the velvet chair. “This is worth the price of admission.”
“Meaning free,” Betsy said.
“Oh yes, but I’d pay.” Violet got up to help Betsy arrange the collar on a cowl-neck sweater.
Thirty minutes later Betsy had a bag bursting with clothes. “You’ve created a monster,” she grumbled to Violet. “And I feel like I’m just getting started.”
Susan settled on the polka dot baby doll dress and then decided to get the black lace one as well. “I’ll take the cat flats and the ones with the rhinestone bow too.”
“Oh, so cute!” Violet said and hurried over to ring the items up. “I know you’re in a bit of a hurry. I’m so excited for both of you girls. I want a full report later in the week.”
“Well, we’re going to Wine and Diner for happy hour tomorrow,” Susan said. “You should join us.”
Violet appeared surprised at the invitation. “Oh …”
“Come on, it will be fun,” Betsy said. “There’s music and a dance floor.”
Violet waved a dismissive hand. “I’m seventy-two. That ship has sailed.”
“What ship?”
“The love boat,” Violet said, but the color in her cheeks said that she had an interest.
“Are you kidding? Romance is alive and well at Whisper’s Edge,” Betsy said.
“I’ve thought about moving there. I just don’t know if I could part with my house. I can walk to the shop now and the retirement community is on the river.”
“Well, we’d love you to join us,” Susan said as she swiped her credit card. “Keep it in mind.”
Violet handed Susan her shopping bag. “Thanks, sweetheart. I’ll think about it. Have fun with Danny Mayfield. He’s such a nice young man, and from a good family.”
On the walk back to the shop Susan chatted with Betsy about which outfit to wear. “Oh my goodness, I only have a little over an hour to get ready!”
“I think you can manage,” Betsy said with a chuckle. When they reached the shop Betsy gave her a hug. “I’m heading on home. Sugar, I know you’re nervous but just be yourself. That’s all you need to do.”
“Oh thanks for everything, Betsy. I promise to be myself.”
“Unless you can be a unicorn, then always be a unicorn.”
“You crack me up.” Susan tipped her head back and laughed. “I’ll remember that.” She unlocked the door and took a deep breath. The comforting scent of potpourri mingled with lemon furniture polish and the earthy old wood. The familiar smell always brought a smile followed by a sigh of contentment. With quick steps, she headed for the stairs to her loft. She tried to remain calm but her heart thudded and she felt short of breath when she reached the landing. Needing to calm down, she sat down in the rocking chair. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the smooth wood and rocked until her pulse slowed and her breathing returned to normal. “I’ve got this,” she whispered, and stood up to get ready for her second date with Danny Mayfield.
12
This Magic Moment
Danny tapped his fingers on the steering wheel while stopped at the second light on Main Street. While
he hadn’t been on a date in a fairly long time, it wasn’t like him to be this nervous. He’d tried on three shirts and changed his blue jeans to a black pair that he thought looked dressier. He polished his best cowboy boots and decided to wear his leather jacket rather than his casual Carhartt. Rusty had looked at him as if he’d lost his ever lovin’ mind.
Susan sent him a text message telling him to come around to the back entrance that led up to her loft, so he turned into an alley that led to the small parking lot around the back of her building. After killing the engine, he questioned if he’d slapped on too much aftershave and should have styled his hair with some gel.
And what about his breath? He’d downed a shot of bourbon to take the edge off and now he worried that he smelled of whiskey. “Damn …” Danny dug in his pocket for gum but then didn’t want to be chomping on it when Susan answered, so he sat there and chewed it and then spit it out before getting out of his truck.
“This is insane,” he grumbled but then chuckled, because it was a good kind of insanity. He knew this was only a dinner date, and with a reluctant companion at that, but for reasons he couldn’t grasp, going out with Susan felt like the beginning of something good that he’d been missing in his life.
Danny finally got out of his truck and headed over to the back entrance. He walked up the steep flight of stairs but stood there for a minute, kicking himself for forgetting to buy flowers. “Ah, damn!” He put his fist to his forehead, wondering how late he would be if he hightailed it up to Flower Power and bought a fresh bouquet of roses. He looked at his phone and decided he could make the round trip in fifteen minutes. “I’ve got this.” He turned around and was halfway down when he heard the door open.
“Danny?”
He turned around and looked up at Susan. She looked amazing in a polka dot dress that looked like a throwback to another era. His brain took a holiday and he simply stood there … staring.
“Are you leaving?” She frowned down at him.
“Of course not.”
“But you’ve turned around.”
“I … forgot something.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” She inhaled a deep breath and started to close the door. “You don’t have to make something up.”
“No!” Danny took the steps two at a time and stopped the door from closing with his shiny boot. “Susan, please, let me in.”
The door opened slowly and she stepped aside for him to enter. “Be honest, you were leaving.”
“Yes, but—” He started to explain his need for flowers but decided to use action instead of words and pulled her into his arms. When he dipped his head and kissed her, he smothered her gasp of surprise. She put her hands to his chest as if to push him away but then melted against him. Danny felt the same pull of attraction he’d felt back in high school, only stronger because he wasn’t a teenager with raging hormones but an adult with deeper feelings. This kiss touched him on an emotional level that had him pulling her even closer. He remembered the sweet girl but he was drawn to the lovely woman she’d become.
To his surprise, Susan wrapped herself around him and kissed him back with a fiery passion that defied her shy nature. Her lips were warm and pliant and with her height she fit just right against him. When her fingers slid into his hair, he slanted his mouth over hers and deepened the kiss. She responded with a sexy moan that had him pressing her against the wall, kissing her like there was no tomorrow.
Finally, he reluctantly pulled back and tucked a lock of her silky hair behind her ear. “I was leaving to go and get you flowers. I was in such a hurry to get here I completely forgot to stop.”
“Oh …” She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and damn if it wasn’t the sexiest sight he’d ever seen.
“I’m sorry I dragged you into my arms without any warning.”
“You are?” she asked in a surprisingly flirty tone.
“Not at all, but I thought I should say that.”
She smiled.
“And here I thought I would have to work up the nerve to kiss you at the end of the evening. It was like starting with dessert first.”
“Life is short, you might as well,” she said.
“I like the way you think.” Danny took a step back. “You look amazing by the way.”
“Thank you.” She blushed at the compliment but didn’t look away. He knew that she’d lived a sheltered life and he wanted her to have the confidence that she deserved.
“Would you do me a favor and do a slow twirl for me?” He made a circle with his finger.
“Really?” The blush deepened.
Danny nodded. “Please, if you don’t mind.”
“Okay.” Susan did a slow turn in the polka dot dress. She held her arms out and her full sleeves looked like the wings of an angel. The skirt billowed and caressed her long legs, whisper soft and gently sexy.
“Oh wow …” Danny had thought he preferred heels on a woman but Susan’s bejeweled flats looked so dainty and feminine that he wanted to scoop her up and carry her off to bed. The hot kiss had him wanting so much more, but he told himself to cool his jets. “I know this sounds really corny, but you take my breath away.”
“I think it sounds really romantic.” She tilted her head to the side. “Thank you. And I’m glad you approve, because I closed up the shop early and hightailed it up to Violet’s Vintage Clothing and bought this dress for tonight.”
“The dress is perfect and I’m flattered that you went to the trouble just for me.”
“Thanks. I prefer retro to tight and slinky. I like to do my own thing.” She lifted one shoulder. “I guess that’s why I never really fit in.”
“I love the look, Susan. Those shoes are really cool. Why fit in when you can stand out?”
Susan lifted one foot, laughing when she nearly lost her balance. “Whoa, standing is hard,” she said and laughed.
Danny reached out to steady her.
“I was always a head and shoulders above the rest … literally,” she added with a light chuckle. Her laughter trailed off when she met his gaze without wavering. For a few seconds time seemed suspended. Unable to resist, he dipped his head and captured her sweet mouth in a tender, lingering kiss. Smiling, she reached up and slowly swiped her thumb over his bottom lip. “My lipstick …”
“Sorry, I kissed it off.”
“I’m not sorry,” she said, but she glanced away this time. “Did I just say that out loud?”
“Yes, and I’m not really sorry either,” he said, making her laugh.
Susan pointed to her face. “I took extra pains with my hair and makeup and had to do it all in record time. I even used an eyelash curler that I’m afraid of.”
Danny laughed, loving her candor. “Well then, I’ll confess that I changed my shirt three times and my pants once. I worried about everything from my hair to my boots.”
“I approve of everything from your head to your toes.”
“Thank you, Susan.” Danny smiled and had the urge to pull her back into his arms but he didn’t want her to think he was too forward, especially after the spontaneous, hot kisses. “Are you ready to head to Wine and Diner?”
“I am. I know it’s cold out but we can walk if you like. Main Street is decorated so pretty.”
“I think walking would be refreshing.” He seriously needed to cool down anyway.
“I’ll just grab my coat and purse.”
Once they were outside Danny asked, “Do you mind if I hold your hand?”
Susan smiled. “I think after kissing we’re definitely up to the hand in hand stage.”
“Good point,” Danny said and took her hand.
“Your hands are warm.”
“And calloused, sorry.”
“Don’t be. It just shows how hardworking you are.”
Danny squeezed her hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d held the hand of a pretty woman, and it felt nice. “I know this is our first … wait, second date, but it feels like I’ve known you for a lot
longer. You have an amazing way of putting me at ease.”
“Really? You seem laid-back to me.”
Danny shrugged. “I am most of the time. Mason is the moody brother. Or at least he used to be. I like things on an even keel, even though Mason will tell you I have a wild side.”
“Really?”
“I’ve calmed down. I was always the one doing a flip from a cliff into the lake and going off the path with my four-wheeler. Mom would blame Mason when I got hurt since he had the not-so-great job of keeping me and Mattie in line.”
“I think I’d be more outgoing if I’d had siblings. It had to be fun to have both a brother and sister and grow up around a marina.”
They stopped at a streetlight. “Yeah, I’m lucky that we’re so close. Of course, we have our moments, and I still love to tease Mattie, but we’ve always enjoyed hanging out with one another.” He blew out a sigh. “Now that we’re all so busy we don’t get together as often as I’d like. I was just talking to Mason about it when he stopped over at my place while I was doing some woodworking. Working at the bistro and brewery isn’t the same as just having fun with them, though. We need to have a bonfire sometime soon. Would you like to come?”
“Oh, that sounds great.”
“Good,” he said and wished he’d invited her to the marina when they were back in high school. “It’s a date.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it, something he didn’t think he’d ever done before but it felt so right. Susan somehow brought out a tender, romantic side that he didn’t really know he had in him.
They started walking when the light changed. “Isn’t Main Street so beautiful all decked out for Christmas?” Susan commented. “It just seems so alive, you know?”
Danny nodded slowly but didn’t answer.
“What?”
“I guess I haven’t paid all that much attention.”
Susan stopped in her tracks, making him pull up short. “Don’t tell me you’re not in the Christmas spirit.”
“Okay, I won’t.”
“Meaning you aren’t.”
He shrugged. “Not so much.”