Midnight Ballerina

by Cori Williams

  “You better call me as soon as you get back,” she demanded. I finished sliding on a pair of dark brown, knee- high boots that Amelia suggested, and checked my reflection in the mirror. I looked casual in a pair of jeans but sexified it up a bit with a tight, emerald green tank top that accentuated my assets nicely, and I threw a denim jacket on since I knew it would be a little chilly out. Well, not for me really. I know people around here thought it was winter out and most of them bundled up, but not me. This was the perfect weather in my eyes.

  The first time I tried to break out shorts this time of year, Amelia was appalled, acting like I was insane. It was pretty hilarious, actually. But I probably didn’t want to wear shorts for horseback riding. I was a little worried and nervous about the idea of it. I’d always wanted to learn how to ride a horse, but dancing had been my one activity during school and I knew that my parents could barely afford that, so I never even mentioned it.

  “Yes, I’ll call you,” I answered distractedly. “I have to go,” I rushed out. “He’s here.”

  I took a deep breath before opening the door, nervous for the day ahead of me but excited at the same time. Miller was dressed delectable as always, back to his casual, country boy look in a plaid button up, the sleeves rolled to his elbows, and nice fitting pair of jeans. “Mornin’.”

  Oh my…I wish I could wake up to this every day. That voice…that body…that man. Well, Monroe, let’s get the first date out of the way first.

  “Good morning. I’m all ready. Promise not to laugh when I fall off the horse?”

  “Trust me, I’ll make sure you don’t fall off.”

  Once he got me settled in his truck, we headed for the town he lived in, which was just a short drive from Athens. “So I have a surprise for you later. It sort of has to do with the new job you’re going to be doing for me.”

  “What kind of surprise could that be?”

  “You’ll just have to wait and see.” One hand moved to my thigh, and he gave a light squeeze, grinning adorably at me before turning his eyes back to the road. He turned the radio on and I groaned when a country song came blaring from the speakers.

  I might love country boys, but that didn’t mean I had to like their music. Amelia had been trying for the past couple of years to get me to listen to it, so we could go to all of the fun concerts together, but I refused. You couldn’t dance to country music unless you wanted to do a ho-down or a square dance. I wasn’t into that.

  “Not a fan of country music?” Miller asked, turning the volume down a little as he shot me a sideways glance.

  “Nope. Not at all.”

  “Really?” He moved his hand back to the volume, but instead of turning it down, he turned it completely up, blasting my ears and singing obnoxiously loud to the music. I couldn’t help but smile. It was a side of Miller I had yet to see. Gone was the serious business man and replacing him was a carefree boy singing his heart out. It made me happy. Miller didn’t have an easy childhood, and even though his grandparents did right by him and raised a great guy, I’m sure the effect of not having either one of your parents involved in your life was hard.

  He didn’t turn the music down until he pulled onto a long, curvy, dirt driveway, and my mouth fell open when he finally put his truck in park. “This is where you live?”

  The house was huge. No, huge wasn’t even a good word to describe it. A mansion, possibly, but that didn’t even sum it up either. It wasn’t over the top richy looking, like some stuck up person lived there, needing to have a perfect lawn and plain façade to impress everyone. Miller’s house had character.

  There was a massive porch that stretched the whole front length of the house and then seemed to stretch around both sides. At both ends there were hanging porch swings, and rocking chairs and potted plants dotted the space in-between them. Each window was boxed in by a pair of shutters and planter boxes. All of the little touches made it seem homey and comfortable, and I hadn’t even made it to the inside yet.

  “Yup, I finished building it about a year ago. My Mamaw lives that way.” I squinted in the direction he was pointing, barely able to make out a house. “She’s always nearby, but I can lock my doors when she gets to be too much.”

  I laughed as he exited the truck and jogged over to open my door. I wasn’t sure if he was joking or what, but I was super nervous to meet her. He talked about her a lot, not obsessively like he was a mama’s boy or something, but enough for me to know she was pretty special in his life.

  I started in the direction of his house, but he steered me the other way, toward a big white barn with a red metal roof. “We’re not going in there quite yet, unless you want to be grilled by my cousin.”

  “Nope, not really.”

  He walked me into the barn, introducing me to four different horses, each in their own stall. After he handed me a couple of carrots and encouraged me, I nervously approached each one, but quickly warmed up to them as they each nuzzled my hand and gobbled up the carrots. I fell in love with one though—Abby. She was pure black and silky looking, seemingly the gentlest out of all of them. I think it was an instant love connection between the two of us.

  “Decide which one you want to ride yet?”

  “Yup, Abby.”

  “Abby,” he repeated, shaking his head before going to open her stall. “Of course you would pick Abby. I think you two will get along all right.”

  “What’s so special about Abby?” I asked as he saddled her up and finished explaining a few of the basics to me.

  “I got Abby when I was about ten,” he explained, holding out his hands as he helped me up onto the horse, not letting go until he was sure I was steady. I definitely felt a little bit of panic coming on, being up so high on top of an animal. Miller must’ve sensed it too because his hand glided up and down my back a few times before he squeezed the top of my thigh. “Just breathe. You’re doing all right.”

  “I’ve totally got this.” I took a deep breath and Miller got up on his own horse, clucking his tongue, and Abby followed him slowly out of the barn.

  “So anyway, I named her after my ma. It was stupid really. I think I was just trying to make a horse a substitute for my ma who kept coming in and out of my life. That horse became my best friend. I told her everything I wished that I could tell my ma. I don’t really ride her much now, since she’s not as big as Sam here. I think she’s the perfect size for you.”

  I rubbed Abby’s back, appreciating the fact that she was there for Miller when he was young and needed someone to listen, even though his grandparents were such a big part of his life.

  We rode for what seemed like a few miles, and I enjoyed all of the beautiful scenery and peacefulness that surrounded us. Miller explained that his grandparents owned all the land that we were riding on, and the amount of acreage baffled me. We came to a stop near a small pond and he helped me off of Abby before pulling a bag down off of Sam that I hadn’t noticed before.

  “So, I’m not going to lie and say I came up with this all by myself. My cousin, Luke, gave me a few ideas and I went with them.”

  “Okay.” I giggled as he gave me a flustered look and I loved how much effort he had put into our date, even if he had help from his cousin. He pulled out a blanket, laying it flat on a small patch of grass right next to the water, and then began pulling out sandwiches, chips, cookies, and what I assumed to be lemonade in a small clear thermos. Then he topped it all off by setting some fresh daisies in the center of the blanket.

  “Those were Luke’s idea.” He gestured to them, and I dropped down onto the blanket next to him to smell them.

  “Luke is a very smart man. I love them.”

  We ate our lunch and Miller pointed out the fact that he made the sandwiches, something that he was very proud of. “I can barely cook anything, so those are a big accomplishment for me.”

  “Oh, really? Well it’s the best sandwich I’ve ever had, so I guess you did pretty well.” He laughed when I stole one of his chips. “So this
probably isn’t the best time to tell you I can’t cook either? Isn’t that like against the law down here or something?” I whispered the last part.

  “It probably is,” he replied. “But your secret’s safe with me.”

  “Are you getting cold?” he asked after we had placed everything back into the bag.

  I shook my head. “This is not co—” I stopped talking as Miller pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me. “I guess I could use a little bit of warming up.”

  He laughed against the crook of my neck, his warm breath causing goose bumps to break out all over my whole body, but I certainly didn’t mind. “Well that’s good,” he murmured against my skin. “Because I think I can help you out.”

  His teeth lightly grazed my skin before he reached to move my jacket back and kissed my bare shoulder. I faced him, wrapping my legs tightly around his waist, pushed against his chest so he fell backward and pressed him against the blanket.

  “This really isn’t what I was trying to do.” He laughed, digging his fingers into my hips as I looked down at him, trying to decide what to do next since I was the one in control. I had a feeling Miller wasn’t used to being on this side of things. He liked being in constant control, being able to boss everyone around, to do things the way he liked them to be done.

  “Really?” I dipped my head down, brushing my lips against his, before pulling away. “Do you want me to stop then?”

  “Not at all,” he replied with an adorable grin before I attacked his lips and finally had my way with him.

  AFTER A VERY frustrating make out session with Miller, in which he didn’t let his hands stray once from my hips, he told me the next activity that he planned. Fishing. I felt like jumping into the water instead, just to cool myself off after getting so worked up and not having any relief. The shock of the cold water probably would help me out, but the possibility of hypothermia stopped me.

  “Have you ever been fishing before?” Miller asked as I followed him over to a small shed that was situated on the other side of the pond. He pulled out a couple fishing poles and a tackle box, handing a pole to me that I carefully held in my hands.

  “Um…a few times.” Once to be exact. I wasn’t too crazy about the idea, really. I remember the one time that I went and it wasn’t a happy memory. First, because I wanted no part in hooking the bait, and two, because the small boat we had taken out on the lake ended up tipping over. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about the second part because I didn’t see any boats in the vicinity and there certainly wasn’t one in the tiny shed.

  “Good,” he laughed, “you aren’t one of those girly girls then.”

  Miller walked to his horse, pulling something out of the side pocket on his saddle, before coming back to the bank of the pond where I stood waiting for him, fishing pole in hand. I gulped thickly when I realized that he had a container filled with live bait. Great. I thought maybe I would get lucky and use one of the pretty plastic things in the tackle box, but no such luck.

  I glanced at Miller as he set the container down, pulled the lid off, and quickly had the bait on the end of his hook. He then cast his line, landing in the center of the pond, looking like a professional. “Do you need some help with your bait?”

  “No,” I scoffed. “Not at all. I’ve got this.” Definitely not one of those girly girls. Well, most of the time.

  “All right then.” His head turned forward once again as I bent down to grab the container. I looked around, finding exactly what I needed, and dragged my fishing pole behind me. I popped off the lid, tipping it a little, and watched as two dropped onto the large rock that I found, but a stray one landed on the top of my boot and I shook it off as quickly as possible, flinging it several feet into the air.

  It was not starting off so well.

  I TRIED NOT to laugh as I caught sight of Monroe, who was attempting to hook her bait without touching it. That girl was independent and stubborn, two of the qualities that I liked best about her, and it was obvious she wasn’t going to ask for my help. But I couldn’t stop myself from laughing when one of the worms landed on her boot, and she sent that thing flying through the air so quickly, I would’ve thought her foot was on fire.

  I wedged my pole into the soft bank and walked over to where she was crouched closely to the rock, trying to stab the hook through the worm without touching it. Her face scrunched up, causing her nose to wrinkle, which was one of the cutest damn things I had ever seen, and she bit down on her lip as she concentrated. I tried not to stare at her lips. Really, I did. But the feel of them on mine was all too fresh and I wanted them again. Taking things slow with Monroe was going to be impossible, that much was clear, especially when she managed to get on top of me, wiggling her hips around the whole time as she pressed against me. Yup, damn near impossible.

  “Need some help?” I asked, snapping myself out of those thoughts that could only lead to trouble.

  “Nope, I’ve got this,” she answered, still looking determined.

  “You know, it would be a lot easier if you just picked the thing up,” I suggested, even though I knew that was the last thing she wanted to do. She proved me correct when she jabbed at the poor worm once again with her hook, but didn’t quite get it on.

  “Fine,” she huffed, shoving her pole at me. “Will you please put it on? I guess I’m too much of a girl to hook my own line.”

  “At least you tried.” I laughed and she nudged me in the stomach after I handed her pole back to her with a baited hook.

  We spent the next couple of hours fishing and I was glad Luke suggested doing it after the picnic he had helped me put together. I wasn’t so sure fishing was the best thing to do with a girl on a date, but Monroe seemed to be enjoying it and it gave us plenty of time to talk. I could tell how much she had missed visiting her family for the holidays. She was extremely close to her mom. The fact that she even left to go to school in Georgia baffled me, but I guess it was a good thing, or we would’ve never met.

  I glanced at my watch, groaning when I saw the time. “We need to be heading back in. There’s one other stop we need to make before I drop you back off at home.”

  “You’re spoiling me, Miller Buchanan. I’m not used to these kind of dates.”

  “Then whoever took you out before was a dumbass. These are the kind of dates you deserve. All the time.” And I had a feeling she was going to love what was up next.

  The ride to the barn seemed like it went by way too quickly, and before I knew it, we were both putting our horses back into their stalls. “I’m really not looking forward to going into the club tonight,” I admitted as she looped her arm through mine and gazed up at me with those green eyes I found myself staring at most of the day. I never thought I was that guy. The kind that could get lost in a girl’s eyes and zone out the rest of the world. Most of the time I thought those guys were douchebags.

  “I’m sorry. I know you’re going be so busy since you had to let Randy go. I’m sure it was nice having a manager and not have to be there constantly.”

  “Yeah, but the manager was an idiot and that makes me feel like a dumbass for keeping him on so long. I should’ve fired him a while ago. I should’ve known what was going on. That’s the last time I trust anyone.”

  “I’m sure it’s hard for you,” she responded quietly and I was glad that I didn’t have to give my reasoning behind my trust issues. She just got it.

  “The main reason I don’t want to go in is because I have to deal with Bianca.”

  Monroe snorted. “Yeah, I wouldn’t want to either.”

  “People think that just because I’m the boss, that means I like firing people or something, but it’s the hardest part of the job, knowing that I’m cutting off their source of income, their need to support themselves.” I shook my head. “But Bianca crossed the line. She knew what she was doing was wrong. I was so pissed after getting rid of Randy the other night, though, I figured I would give myself some time to cool down and let her go wit
h a level head. I’m sure she’s not gonna go willingly.”

  Monroe giggled. “You’re probably right, that girl is bat shit crazy.”

  “You got that—” I stopped short when I realized who was standing next to my truck. “Oh shit,” I muttered under my breath.

  “What’s the matter?” Monroe asked, squeezing my hand that was laced through hers.

  “Um….”

  “Oh, Miller. I’m so glad I caught you. Luke said you should be heading in soon.” Mamaw smacked a kiss onto my cheek and then turned her eyes to our entwined hands, her lips puckering up slightly before she flattened them into a small smile. “And who might this be?”

  Monroe glanced at me with a scared look in her eyes, evidence of how nervous she was, and I understood why. Mamaw could be the sweetest old lady you ever met, but when it came to me, she could also be one tough broad. “This is Monroe. Monroe, this is my mamaw.”

  “Miller, I do have a name,” she scoffed lightly. “You may call me Mrs. Buchanan. Nice to meet you, Monroe.” She stiffly reached out a hand and patted Monroe on the back.

  Mrs. Buchanan? Never in my life had she referred to herself as Mrs. Buchanan. It was either Maggie to people around town, or Mamaw to her friends and family. She was giving Monroe the cold shoulder and it was probably the first time she had ever done it to someone.

  “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Buchanan. Miller talks about you all of the time. I’m glad I finally get to meet the special lady that’s made him the guy he is today.” Monroe smiled as she looked up at me, her green eyes lighting up, and I squeezed her hand. She had no idea that Mamaw wasn’t being too friendly.

  Mamaw frowned at the compliment. “And how exactly did you two meet? Miller here sure has kept his lips zipped when it comes to you. Normally, he tells me everything.”