His hand swept along her arm, the warmth taking away the chill of the breeze and the cold fear that had lived in her heart for so long. Could she ever be the same without him?
Nick drew back, his eyes searching hers. She had no answers, but for once in her life, she had hope. His gaze washed over her and paused on her gown. He shook his head, then motioned to the sky. “You’re part of the sunset.”
Steph melted as a wave of emotion swept through her. She managed to shift her attention to the merging colors spilling across the horizon in golds, oranges, corals, then to the soft hue of her gown. No words entered her mind.
An evening breeze swept along the veranda, sending a chill down her bare arms.
“You’re cold.” He drew his arm from his jacket.
Steph stopped him. “We can go inside. It is getting cool with the sun going down.”
Nick slipped his arm back into the sleeve and straightened his lapel, then curved his arm around her shoulder and guided her toward the door.
A cozy warmth wrapped around her, chasing away the old feelings of loneliness.
At the doorway, music vibrated through the windows. The band played a romantic song, and as they stepped inside, dancers glided across the parquet floor. Steph set her empty glass on a tray, her gaze on Nick to see what he might do now.
He slipped his arm from her shoulder and captured her hand. “How about a fresh drink?”
She agreed, and he led her past the dance floor, only letting her hand go when he stepped up to the bar. His thoughtfulness touched her more than his offer to let her use his jacket.
She studied him as he ordered their soft drinks. She’d never seen him in a suit, and the vision etched in her mind. He wore a suit well, a dark gray with a white shirt and a tie colored in a slate tone. The line broadened his shoulders and accentuated his trim physique.
Nick pivoted and handed her the glass, then pressed his palm against her arm and guided her away from the crowd. They wandered past the dance floor into a small nook with a few tall tables and high stools. The music drifted in from the hall, providing a pleasant background.
“Let’s sit.” He motioned to the seats.
Steph scooted onto the stool and set her glass on the table, turning it and watching the light refract in the facets of the base. She sensed Nick watching her, and when she looked up, he greeted her with a tender smile.
“You look amazing.”
Her palm swept across the soft folds of her gown as she gained courage to admit her attraction. “You’re pretty handsome yourself.”
He flicked his lapel. “This old thing?”
His playful comment eased her mind, and she sipped her drink. “I wonder if Suzette has separation anxiety. Have you talked with Martin about obedience training? Molly can help him with that, too.”
A puff of air shot from his nose. “I mentioned it, but the conversation veered away to another topic.” He looked away a moment, then turned back. “I’ll be honest. We were arguing so I never had a serious talk with him, but I did mention it.”
Picturing Nick arguing seemed unreal. Even the day he rescued her from Martin’s anger, he approached his brother with humor and gentleness. “I hope it wasn’t about Fred.”
“About many things.” For a moment, he’d settled into thought. “I learned one thing that surprised me that day.”
Steph waited, hesitating to ask. When the time stretched, she spoke. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“Tell you?” He gave her a quizzical look, then understanding lit his face. “Sorry, I was thinking. I learned that he plans to breed Suzette.”
“Breed her.” A weight fell to her shoulders. “She’s a beautiful dog, but the world has so many homeless animals. I wish people would give a home to those first. They might not all be purebred, but some of them are great dogs.”
He nodded. “I know. I saw a handful of them at the shelter. It’s heartbreaking”
The look on his face made her weak. She loved his sensitivity. Yet he saw it as a weakness. She didn’t understand that.
His hand balled into a fist and plopped onto the table. “Martin doesn’t think of others.”
“But you do.” That’s one thing he could never deny.
His expression relaxed. “I try to.” He caught her gaze and sent her a sweet grin.
The relaxing moment wrapped around her like his hug. They could talk and discuss things with a mutual respect. She’d never had that after she married. Steph pushed her glass aside and glanced through the archway to the festivities. She hoped Molly didn’t need her for anything, because she was enjoying these moments with Nick.
Nick dropped from the stool. “Can I get you something else?”
His look sent prickles down her arms. “Maybe later. Thanks.”
He tilted his head toward the couples swaying to the music. “Would you like to dance?”
Her heart stood still. She hadn’t danced in years, and she wasn’t sure she remembered how.
Nick didn’t wait for an answer. He placed his hand beneath her elbow as she lowered herself from the stool, then guided her to the dance floor. His arm slipped around her waist, and his hand captured her palm. He drew her close, his feet gliding to the music as hers followed without error. Maybe she hadn’t forgotten after all. As they moved across the floor, an astounding feeling of oneness rolled through her. How long had it been since she felt whole?
The music segued from one love song to another, and Nick drew her even closer, his hand warm against the small of her back, his strong fingers guiding her to move and sway with the slow rhythm. Her heart sang louder than the concern that beat like an unwanted drum in her subconscious. She’d wanted to be friends, nothing more, but tonight she admitted her feelings had sailed away and her heart with them.
She’d settled on a life alone. Romantic thoughts of love had been warped by her marital struggles and had died with Doug. The idea of another relationship felt like a dark shadow. But meeting Nick cast light on her future. Then hope slipped from the locked recesses of her heart, and now the deep emotions frightened her. Trusting someone again took confidence and faith, attributes she wasn’t sure she had. Nick’s strong Christian beliefs influenced his thoughts and actions. Could he accept her as she was, a woman longing to know Jesus as he did, but not knowing how?
Nick’s breath whispered against her cheek. He held her in his arms, swaying to the music and making her feel worthy. She enjoyed the melody filling the room, a lovely song with words that stirred her heart. It would linger in her mind tomorrow, bringing her back to this moment.
Wasn’t hope like that? It played over and over in her mind like a memorable tune, drawing her to reach out for things that seemed impossible. But for the first time in years, maybe they were. Somewhere she’d heard that with God all things are possible.
Her hope came from the heart, but she’d lived with her head for too many years. Logic and reason. Falling for someone she’d only met a month earlier proffered no reality. Reality was true. What about hope?
When the song ended, Nick guided Steph from the dance floor, wondering what had happened. Her kiss had been warm, and she’d moved easily on the dance floor until he’d felt her tense. Though her expression hadn’t wavered, something had caused her to withdraw for a moment. Had he held her too close? He didn’t think so. But something had gone wrong.
His experience with women fell short. Dating sat on his list with organizing his pantry and cleaning his storage closet. It didn’t happen. He’d stacked and pushed items from one spot to another until he couldn’t find a thing.
Dating fit right in with his “things to do one day” list. Women appeared in his life with encouraging smiles, but no one had captured his attention until Steph came along, and she did it without trying. His company needed his undivided attention and took the bulk of his resources. Then tonight Brent initiated some business and talked about an order he planned to send in that would be a boon. That was the kind of large order his
business needed.
Yet his concern didn’t end with his company or finances. He wanted to understand himself and figure out where he’d gone wrong with Cara. Each time he saw Steph, his feelings grew. He lost sight of reality, and his heart took over. That scared him. But he didn’t want to lose her. Martin’s comment about Cara struck him often. Had she really expected too much?
Steph’s arm brushed against his, and her expression let him know he’d drifted off in thought too long. He clasped her arm above the elbow. “Let’s check the dessert table.”
Her full lips tilted to a grin, and she looked relaxed again.
He wanted to be honest, but finding the courage took strength, and he didn’t know if he had enough. He guided her to a display of cookies and slices of fruit-drenched cheesecakes. Though he wasn’t one bit hungry, he grasped a napkin and selected a cookie.
Steph studied the desserts. “I’ll just have coffee.” She patted her slender tummy as if she were too full.
She looked perfect. Too perfect.
Steph strode to the coffee urn, poured a cup, then doctored it to her taste and swung around to face him.
His table had emptied when he returned, and Nick scanned the crowd. “The others are dancing.” He motioned to the dance floor, then pulled out the chair beside his and held it as she sat.
The muted light turned her gown to a deeper coral and brought out the colors in her skin. A wistful expression caused her to look ethereal like the Mona Lisa’s secret smile. He longed to know what drew her away sometimes when they talked.
“We’ve become so close this past month.” Mundane comment. He had no idea why he’d said it.
The color in her cheeks deepened. “It seems much longer.”
His pulse gave a tug. “I hope that’s good.”
“It is, and it’s odd. I usually take a long time getting comfortable with people, but you’re different.”
Different. He could relate to that. She’d affected him more than he could put into words. “Unique. That’s what you are. A unique woman.”
“I think I’m supposed to say thanks.” Her grin faded. “I’ve been thinking about that.”
That? “You mean, being unique?”
“No. About us.” She turned her head slowly and studied him.
Air drained from Nick’s lungs. An overwhelming concern struck him. What if he led her on to think their relationship could be more than he could offer right now? What if she wanted to end their friendship?
“You look upset.” Steph’s smooth brow had furrowed.
Nick’s head jerked toward her. “I’m…hoping I haven’t done anything to—”
“You’ve done nothing, Nick, except be who you are.”
Late. The word flashed through his mind. But he wanted to work on that. Before he made reference to being late again, her comment struck him. Be who you are. “I’d love to know who I am, Steph. That’s one of the things I talked about with Martin.” The admission spilled into the air, but the comment didn’t phase her. She looked miles away.
She stared into the coffee cup. “I’ve lived on the edge of life for a long time, and recently—since I met you—I’m actually living again.”
“You went through a bad time when your husband died. I know it takes years to paste yourself back together.”
A spark of surprise lit her eyes. “Have you ever felt like that?’
Felt? He’d eaten the paste and it tasted awful. “I have.”
She looked at him as if waiting for him to elaborate. Instead he felt tense. Before he could wrap his tongue around words, he heard a rustle behind him and glanced over his shoulder.
“Molly.” Steph’s voice broke the silence. “I hope I didn’t miss something I was supposed to be doing.”
She grinned. “No. You haven’t missed a thing.” She waved her hand across the room. “I’m trying to follow Brent to meet all his associates, but I haven’t had a chance to talk with you since the church.” She shifted toward Nick. “Nice to see you again.”
He rose. “You’ve put on a great party, Molly. I pray you and Brent have a long and happy life together.”
“Thanks, Nick.” She grasped his arm and gave it a squeeze, then looked toward the dance floor. “Looks like I have to stop socializing. Already. I’m being summoned…by my husband.” She giggled. “I love hearing that.” She sent them a grin and hurried off.
Nick grasped the chair back, watching her. “She looks happy.”
“She’s happier than I’ve ever seen her.”
His breath hitched, hearing melancholy in Steph’s voice. He couldn’t imagine what she’d gone through losing her husband. Losing Cara couldn’t be compared to the loss of a mate. He shifted his eyes toward Steph, his pulse skipping again when he saw the cascade of curls spiraling to her shoulders.
She brushed a ringlet from her cheek as if she’d read his mind, then turned his way. “It’s probably time for the bridal dance.”
Nick moved back to his chair, his mind tumbling back to their conversation before Molly arrived. Sometimes Steph had seemed lonely. He’d often wondered if she’d had a good marriage. If he could guarantee he’d be a good husband, the thought of marriage wouldn’t worry him so much.
Marriage? What happened to the friendship he and Steph had been talking about? How did marriage slip into his thoughts? He scanned the festivities. A wedding reception. Naturally marriage would come to mind.
He searched for something to say as they sat in silence. He suspected Steph was doing the same. They both had things to discuss, but tonight having a serious talk wasn’t going to happen. Another time and place made more sense.
Her absorbed expression vanished, and he turned toward the dance floor to see what was happening. The couples from his table were returning. Nick eyed the activity, suspecting it was time for some of the typical wedding traditions.
Steph tilted her head. “Molly’s beckoning to me. I’m not sure if she wants me or both of us.” She stepped behind Nick, then rested her hand on his shoulder. “Looks like she’s throwing the bouquet.” She backed up and returned to her chair, resting her hands on the back. “I’m not going.”
Nick shifted so he could see Molly. Her wave was obvious. “She wants you, Steph.”
Tension showed on her face as Steph closed her eyes. “I’m supposed to join the unmarried women hoping to catch the bouquet.”
Though she took a step forward, Nick could see her mouth, “Do I have to?”
Molly’s head bounced in a determined nod.
She looked defeated. “I have to do this.”
“Go ahead. I’m right behind you.”
Though Steph crept forward, she stayed in the back fringes of the women, and Nick planted his feet a few steps behind her, encouraging her to move closer for Molly’s sake.
Steph didn’t budge.
Nick never understood those traditions, and Steph made it clear what she thought of the practice.
When Molly turned her back to those waiting, she dipped so low Nick lost sight of her behind the throng. The DJ began. One. Two. Three. Molly rose like a catapult, and the bouquet sailed above the heads of the women.
Steph spun around while Nick tried to back away, but the bouquet landed in his arms.
A burst of laughter filled the air as he rushed forward with the flowers and slipped them into Steph’s arms. “These were meant for you.”
Steph’s startled expression melted as she broke into laughter.
A warm flush rose to his cheeks, and he watched her gaze at the flowers, then back to him. “You caught it, and you know what this means?”
He nodded, his embarrassment growing.
“Congratulations.” She sidled up to him with the bouquet. “Who’s the lucky lady?”
Nick bit his tongue, jarred by the name that flew into his mind. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” He managed a lighthearted smile, then headed back to the table. He felt safer there.
When he reached it, he pulled out Steph’s ch
air, but when he looked up, he saw the photographer nab her. She gave Nick a shrug and followed the man back to the dance floor where they were preparing to do something. The garter toss, he guessed.
Nick made a quick getaway and headed for the restroom. He’d already snatched the bouquet. He definitely had no interest in catching the garter.
Chapter Ten
Steph cuddled the new cocker spaniel. Its wet tongue dragged across her cheek, and her heart burst. “Here. Take him back, or I’ll be tempted.” She handed the dog to Emily.
“That’s what I was hoping.” Emily released a faint smile, which was rare for her.
Steph always wondered why. The young woman usually wore faded jeans and a baggy T-shirt, and though she appeared to be in her early twenties, her body language signaled an older woman. “Your job here is only part time, right?”
The cocker squirmed in Emily’s arms, and she cuddled it to her, both of them looking a little lost. “Molly said she hopes to let me work full time soon.”
“That’s great.” But something about Emily left Steph wondering. “You must work somewhere else, too.”
“I’m a dog sitter.”
Steph drew back. “Really? You mean, you live in people’s—”
“Not always. I have a studio apartment so I enjoy staying in homes, but I walk people’s dogs and care for them when they’re away from home. Vacations or some people work long hours.” She shrugged. “You know.”
“That’s an interesting job, and you make life easier for pet owners.”
“I hope so.” She gave Steph one of her serious looks.
As she shifted the cocker in her arms, Steph’s stomach smacked her heart. A thick scar marred each of Emily’s wrists as if she’d…No. Her mind flew back to Doug, then withdrew as she peered at the scars again.
Emily’s face blanched as she stepped away. “I need to—”
“Don’t go.”
The woman’s eyes widened, and she curled her arms around the puppy to hide her scars. “Why?”
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