by LuAnn McLane
“Nobody puts Baby in the corner.”
Trish looked up to see Clyde Camden shaking his head at her. “I’m trying to be discreet while reporting.”
“Oh, bull hockey.” Clyde held out his hand. “Let’s dance.”
“Oh . . . no . . . I—” Trish attempted to protest, but Clyde shook his dyed-black head and wiggled his fingers.
“Let’s go, Trish. Make my night and dance with me.” He gave her a charming smile that flashed white against his George Hamilton tan.
“You don’t seem to be hurting for dance partners.” Clyde and Clovis were the resident hotties, and now that Clovis was taken, Clyde reigned king. She fully expected him to puff out his chest at the compliment, but his smile faded. “Oh . . . except for the one you want.”
Clyde looked at her in surprise.
“I’ve been watching, remember. What’s the name of the pretty lady you’ve had your eye on all night?”
“Joy.”
“Pretty name too. Why is she keeping you at arm’s length?”
“She thinks I’m just a player,” he answered glumly.
Trish arched an eyebrow. “Is it true? I have heard rumors, Clyde.”
“Yes, but the right woman could tame me.”
Trish had to hide her smile since Clyde sounded so sincere. “So, why are you asking me to dance rather than Joy?”
“I’m trying to make her jealous.”
Trish frowned. “I’m not sure that’s the right tactic.”
Clyde grinned. “Just roll with it, okay?” He wiggled his fingers again. When Trish stood up he grinned. “And make it look good, okay?”
Trish smiled. “I can, in fact, dance.” And she loved it. Before her marriage fell apart she and Steve had gone swing dancing on a regular basis. Trish somehow doubted that Heather Hooter could perform a spirited Lindy Hop.
“Perfect! Jitterbug?”
“You betcha.”
A moment later Clyde and Trish had commanded the dance floor so thoroughly that a circle formed and the crowd stood back to cheer them on while they jitterbugged to “Chantilly Lace.” Breathless, Trish would have sat down, but when “Tequila” came on she just had to join in, doing the hand jive and shouting, “Tequila!” By the time she finished doing the bop to the song “At the Hop,” Trish had worked up a sweat. “Shew, Clyde, I have to take a break. This might be your chance to go over and take Joy some refreshment.” Trish leaned close to his ear. “And I do have to say that she was watching you. I think your little ploy might have worked. You should go over and see before somebody else beats you to the punch, if you’ll pardon the pun.”
Clyde took out a handkerchief and blotted his forehead. He straightened his tie and rolled his shoulders. Trish thought it charming that he appeared so nervous. “Wish me luck.”
Trish grinned. “Good luck, Clyde. And thanks for dancing with me.”
“Anytime. Girl, you sure can cut a rug.”
Trish smiled as she walked over to the refreshment table. While she’d been dancing, pizza had been delivered. She noticed it was from River Row Pizza and Pasta, scheduled for a grand opening this weekend and her first restaurant review assignment. After grabbing a bottle of water, she returned to her corner to watch the upcoming jitterbug dance. Clyde had asked her to enter, but Trish wanted to sit back and observe. Reporting was fun and after the dance she planned on going home and starting to write about the event while it was fresh in her mind. With the newspaper only being weekly, there wasn’t any deadline pressure, giving Trish the opportunity to also query some magazines. For the first time ever she could take her writing seriously and it felt pretty damned good.
When Trish arrived home she noticed that no lights were on at Anthony’s side of the house. She’d barely spoken to her neighbor, but whatever he did, he must be a workaholic. She instantly felt sorry for his dog and decided that she would just take it upon herself to let him out. She knew she should ask permission but kept forgetting to get the lease from Maggie so she still didn’t have his phone number. Surely he wouldn’t mind her letting his penned-up dog out for relief and some exercise.
Trish hummed along to “Rock Around the Clock” while she changed into yoga pants and a tank top. A glance at her phone told her it was after eleven. When she’d left the party it was still going strong and she had to chuckle at the energy over in Whisper’s Edge. They’d tired her out! After all of the exercise and excitement, she decided that she’d enjoy a glass of wine to unwind while she let Digger romp around for a little bit. She knew that the Irish setter needed the exercise, but she was also sure he would stay close to the house. Since it was dark, there was little chance of anything coming by that he’d want to chase. After that she planned on looking over her notes and perhaps starting her story.
Armed with a glass of wine, she glanced down at the key chain and felt a little bit guilty opening his door. Perhaps she’d wait for a little longer for Anthony to return. But when fifteen minutes passed and the wine kicked in, Trish decided to do the dog a much needed favor. She wouldn’t go into his apartment, just let the dog out for a few minutes and then go about her business.
“Hey, Digger! Come on out, boy.”
“Woof!” Digger didn’t need any other encouragement and bounded out the back door. After giving Trish an excited dance in a circle, he headed out to the grass. She watched, hoping he wouldn’t venture too far. Trish wondered where Anthony worked that he would keep such long and often late hours. “Not the kind of job to have when you own a pet,” she grumbled. Trish had always wanted a dog, but Steve had been adamantly against it. She’d never argued, but now she suddenly wondered if she should look into getting a puppy.
“Come on, Digger,” Trish shouted, and let out a breath of relief when the dog eagerly ran her way. And then she saw why. He had a yellow tennis ball in his mouth. “Oh, so there’s the one that you couldn’t find the other day. Yes, I watch you and your cutie-pie master play. Where is he, anyway?”
Digger dropped the ball at Trish’s feet and then looked at her expectantly.
Trish sighed. “Okay, one toss. But then you have to go inside. Lucky you have a full moon so you can see enough to do this,” she said, and then gave the ball a soft toss not too far away. Digger brought it right back and waited. Trish ended up playing with him for about fifteen minutes, but when she yawned she shook her head. “Time to go in, Dig. Surely Anthony will come home soon.”
To her relief Digger obediently entered the house as if knowing he’d better if he wanted to get the chance to play outside again. Humming to herself as she locked the door, Trish felt in much better spirits. She needed to force herself to get out there, take more chances, and be more social. The residents of Whisper’s Edge certainly were an inspiration.
Too tired to go over her notes, Trish got ready for bed. Just as she slipped between the sheets, she heard the rumble of an engine. Looking at the clock and seeing it was well after midnight, she shook her head. “Dig, I’m glad I let you out.”
As she heard the car door shut and the alarm beep, she had the urge to go over to the window and peer out, but she didn’t want to risk Anthony seeing her peeking at him, so she stayed put. But when she closed her eyes she had a vision of him shirtless and looking mighty fine.
9
Catch Me If You Can
WHEN THEY CROSSED THE ROAD AND HEADED BACK UP to Wedding Row, Gabby felt a stab of disappointment. The night that she never wanted to end was almost over. They’d walked in silence for about the last five minutes, making Gabby wonder what was on Reese’s mind. Had tonight been as special for him as well? They’d talked about childhood memories, snowball fights, playing tag, and chasing fireflies on warm summer evenings. Reese still had that lopsided grin, the sideways tilt to his head when he laughed. And when they’d slow-danced, being in his arms had felt almost . . . magical.
Gabby glanced over
at Reese, thinking for the millionth time how handsome he looked dressed in the suit. The skinny tie had long ago been removed and placed in his pocket and his jacket was now slung over his shoulder, but that somehow added to his sexy appeal. They strolled down the sidewalk along the riverside, pausing halfway to sit on a park bench and look out at moonbeams dancing across the water.
Gabby wanted him to reach over and take her hand, but he didn’t. She knew he was moving cautiously, catching up and letting her get to know him. She told herself that she was glad and yet all she could think about was if he was going to kiss her good night.
“It’s a gorgeous summer evening,” Gabby commented.
He nodded but continued to gaze out over the water as if deep in thought.
“Tired?” Gabby ventured, wondering if something was wrong.
“A little. It’s been a long week and next week is going to be pretty crazy.”
“Are you worried about opening the restaurant?”
Reese glanced at her and then looked down at the pavement. “Yeah, Uncle Tony needs this to go well. And so does my mom. They’re both such good people and haven’t been dealt an easy hand.”
Gabby put her hand over his and squeezed. “I’m sure it will be successful. Your uncle has been in the business for a long time. He knows what he’s doing.”
“That’s true.” Reese shrugged. “But it was different in Brooklyn. I mean, yeah, we took a hit during the recession. The rising cost of operating Marino Pizza made times tough, and competing with chains was becoming more and more difficult. But Uncle Tony wouldn’t even consider buying into a franchise when he made the decision to come to Cricket Creek. He wants complete control and I don’t blame him.”
“Oh, I know. Flower shops have to compete with grocery store purchases that are a lot more convenient. But people in Cricket Creek support each other, Reese. You’ll be fine six months down the road.”
Reese raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being you.” He gazed at her for a moment and then said, “We should probably get going.”
Gabby nodded and then stood up. Something was still on his mind, she could tell. All too soon Flower Power came into view. Gabby’s heart started beating harder. Should she invite him in? It was late, but she remained closed on Sundays so she could sleep in. But letting him into her apartment at night meant moving forward in this relationship. Right? Before Reese walked back into her life, Gabby had thought that Drew Gibbons would be her perfect match. Gabby suddenly heard her mother’s warning to find Mr. Strong and Steady echo in her mind. Not knowing what to do as they rounded the side of the building, she glanced over at Reese once more, trying to read his mind.
At the bottom of the steps she said, “I had a lovely time tonight, Reese. Thank you for going with me.”
“You’re welcome,” he replied in a soft tone, and then sighed. “Ah, Gabby, damn . . .”
“What?” Gabby felt her heart skip a beat.
“Don’t send me away.”
“I . . .” She looked up at his handsome face bathed in the moonlight and swallowed hard. She didn’t want him to go and yet . . .
“Okay . . . all right.” He inhaled a deep breath but took a step closer. “No, it’s not all right.”
“Reese, what’s wrong?”
“Ah . . . Gabby.” He looked up at the night sky and shook his head before gazing at her again. “All I could think about was holding your hand on the walk home. And now . . . now all I want to do is kiss you and yet I can feel you pulling away.”
“I’m not pulling away. I . . . I wasn’t sure what you were thinking.”
“Can’t you feel it, Gabby? This thing between us?”
She swallowed. Of course she felt it. Longing. Desire so potent that it consumed her thoughts . . . scared her. And Reese was so dangerously sexy. She could lose herself in his arms. Fall deeply in love with him. Dare she risk it?
“I’ll go. I’m glad you had a good time.”
Gabby nodded, but when he reached over and caressed her cheek, it was her undoing. Gathering courage, she gave him a slow smile.
“Gabby, what are you doing?”
“I think I’m about to throw myself at you.”
Grinning, Reese put his suit coat over the nearby railing, took a step back, and opened his arms wide. “I’ll catch you.”
With a little laugh Gabby launched herself at him. As promised Reese caught her easily. And then he kissed her. Playful at first, spinning around while she clung to his shoulders, but then suddenly she threaded her fingers through his hair and kissed him with the pent-up passion she’d been feeling since the first touch, the first kiss. He was temptation. Danger. And she wanted him with an all-consuming hunger.
Gabby tossed away the caution that she’d been holding over her head like an umbrella for such a long time. And she simply let go and gave in to the moment.
Let it rain. . . .
His lips felt so warm so soft . . . so seductive. She opened her mouth for more, dipping her tongue in to taste, to tease, to tempt. He kissed her on and on beneath the canopy of stars, the light of the moon. Crickets chirped, frogs croaked, and a cat meowed, oblivious to Gabby’s life-changing moment. This wasn’t a kiss stolen in high school or the nearly being kissed in her shop. This kiss was deliberate. Delicious. Wanted. Needed.
Still kissing her, Reese carried her up the steps to the landing leading to her back door.
“My . . . keys,” she said, breathless and between kisses. “In . . . my . . . purse.” She slid down his body to a standing position but had to cling to him for support. Fumbling with the clasp, she managed to get her purse open, but with a low, sexy chuckle Reese took the keys from her trembling fingers and opened the door.
As soon as they were inside he swept her off her feet, making her giggle until he smothered her laughter with another sweet, hot kiss. He let her slide slowly down his body and then kissed her bare shoulder, holding her close. Gabby tilted her head to the side, giving him better access to her neck, and he took full advantage. His hands spanned her waist and then moved upward to caress her bare back, causing a hot tingle to slide down her spine.
Gabby wanted to reach up and untie the halter, allowing her breasts to tumble free, but she knew that having his hot mouth on her bare breasts would be her undoing. As much as she longed to take him into her bedroom and make wild passionate love to Reese, she knew it was too much too soon.
“God, I want you, Gabby.”
“Reese—”
He put a fingertip on her lips. “No, you don’t have to say it. I know it’s too soon. As much as I want you right now, I want this to feel right. I want you to be ready to take that step.”
“Thank you.” She splayed her hands on his chest and smiled up at him. “Because, Reese, if you keep kissing me like that I won’t be able to resist much longer.”
Reese groaned up at the ceiling. “I don’t know if I should think of that as good timing or really bad timing.”
Gabby giggled low in her throat. “You’d better go before those fancy buttons on that shirt go flying.”
His eyebrows shot up. “So you want to rip my shirt off?”
Gabby felt heat creep into her cheeks. “The thought went through my mind.”
Reese closed his eyes and sucked in a breath. “You’re killing me, girl.”
Gabby leaned her forehead against his chest. She knew that one tug on his hand and she’d have him in her bed, sexy as hell and gloriously naked.
Reese gently tilted her chin upward. “Hey, if the time was right we’d already be making love. As hard as this is to do, I’m walking out the door. Because another minute of you looking at me like that and I won’t be able to go. My resistance is only so strong and I’ll have to kiss you again.”
Gabby nodded be
cause if she spoke it would be to tell him to stay.
“But I want to see you again. This week is going to be a crazy one, but let’s find time to get together, okay?”
“I’d like that,” Gabby replied, and then walked him to the door. He leaned in and kissed her briefly but sweetly and then headed out into the night.
Gabby immediately felt a sense of loss after he left. What would it be like to be his girlfriend? To make love to him and wake up wrapped in his arms? She looked over and spotted the candy necklace on the table and smiled. “Amazing,” she whispered.
While she got ready for bed Gabby relived each kiss, smiled at some of the jokes he’d told and stories of his mother and uncle fighting over spices in the kitchen. Gabby remembered how troubled he’d been as a teenager and marveled at the man he’d grown into. And yet there was still an edge of sadness lurking in his eyes. As horrible as it was for Gabby’s mother to die, it must be so very hard not to have closure with his father. Gabby shook her head, wondering how a man could up and desert his wife and child. She remembered Mike Parker as being a nice guy who seemed to love his family. They weren’t rich, but he provided a steady income and had a reputation as being a good mechanic. But Gabby was no stranger to seeing men leave her mother. Her father did even before she was born. Men left. It was a fact of life.
Well, Gabby had promised her mother that she’d find Mr. Strong and Steady and she intended to keep her promise.
Oh, but it had felt so good letting go of her worries, her inhibitions, if only for a little while. Her thoughts drifted to Drew, and Gabby knew that kissing him wouldn’t come close to the chemistry she felt with Reese. Kissing Drew might be pleasant. Safe. And yet when she tried to envision kissing Drew, she didn’t feel the slightest longing to do so. Kissing Reese felt explosive. Dangerous. And so she reminded herself to tread carefully. Chemistry wasn’t everything. She also reminded herself that she hadn’t dated all that much, so she was pretty clueless when it came to being in a long relationship. Gabby also knew that some of her restless longing stemmed from helping Addison plan flowers for weddings. Seeing happy couples so much in love had Gabby wishing that someone special would look at her with adoring eyes.