“No, I haven’t,” she said to Nathan. “Sounds like a good adventure.” Aunt June had mentioned Nathan before, in passing, but she’d check in with her again before going out to the ranch alone.
His smile widened. “Great. How about Friday?”
“Sure.”
“I’m online—want me to send you directions? I’d offer to pick you up, but this is the only day I could get someone to cover for me.”
“No problem. Want my email?”
He nodded. Nathan seemed like a friendly, even attractive person. Not that attractiveness mattered when she was just looking for friends. She swallowed and peeked at Luke again, whose posture seemed even more closed-off.
“Can you type it into my phone?” he asked, handing her his cell open to a new contact.
She typed in her email then handed him back the phone. The tables had filled, and waitstaff came around, taking orders. She grabbed the menu again and decided on the vegetarian corn tamale plate, as she doubted she’d have much access to such Mexican food here in Loving. Besides, she loved a good tamale.
All around her, people chatted, smiled, laughed—and clapped when the bridal party filed to their table. Nathan and some of her other tablemates drew her into conversation, but she mostly listened and tried to appreciate her surroundings, from the pastel sunset to the riot of blooming flowers and shrubs, to the festive papel picado fluttering in the breeze, to the sentinels of trees guarding the party with their ancient presence.
The background music melded with the other sounds, washing together with the visuals, but everything seemed watercolor-esque, as her focus kept coming back to Luke.
She wanted to be closer to him. But she didn’t want something that drew her out of the present moment, and caused her stomach to flip-flop. She had enough change in her life, and she’d had enough of emotionally unavailable people. Shaking her head at herself, she focused on her meal, ignoring the constant tickle of knowing that Luke sat only inches away.
Chapter Eight
Gonna Carry On
Luke watched from his seat as everyone from his table danced on the wood dance floor nearby. He couldn’t see anyone clearly, but he didn’t need to. Heck, he didn’t want to. He’d gotten past the surge of jealousy that had made him practically squirm in his seat at watching Nathan and Dolly flirt. Okay, maybe they hadn’t been flirting, but just being friendly. Dolly had made it clear she wanted to make friends here. And Nathan was a good guy; Luke had done some work for him out on his sheep ranch.
Still, he wasn’t happy about Dolly and Nathan dancing together, though he’d at least be a gentleman, unlike some of the other guys here. But he wasn’t paying attention to that. He’d sit here and ignore the dancing.
“Howdy, neighbor,” Mrs. D said as she plopped into the seat next to him. Ken Taft set down a drink in front of her, kissed her head, then walked off toward the groups standing around the garden.
“Mrs. D.” He inclined his head. “Hard to believe Ken’s willing to leave your side.”
She waved her hand at him. “We’re not attached at the hip. And he can’t keep up with me on the dance floor, in any case.” She sat up and sipped her drink. “So I’ve come to change out for a new partner, someone younger...” She waggled her thin brows at him.
“Not dancing.”
“You’re not?”
“Fine right where I am.”
“Not gonna humor an old woman?”
“You’ve got Ken for that.” He gave a quick grin.
“My oh my, Luke. One little dance, pretty please?” She sipped her drink again.
He rubbed his chin. Mrs. D, the troublemaker. She knew he couldn’t say no to her, not about something so trivial.
“Ah, Mrs. D, will you honor me with a dance?”
“Glad you asked, young man.”
He stood, held her chair for her, and escorted her to the dance floor. The music changed from a slow waltz-like tune to lively Mariachi beats. He and Mrs. D skirted the floor then stepped into the crowd. Mrs. D did some cha-cha steps, and he countered with some samba moves he’d picked up long ago. He twirled and dipped her, and she circled and bumped hips with him. He couldn’t help the grin and chuckle that escaped him.
That was until he noticed Dolly dancing with Jason, the rat. “Mrs. D, mind if I...” He nodded to Dolly and Jason.
The older woman’s light eyes sparkled and her lips curved up. “Let’s just make our way over, and you get that girl. I’ll handle young Jason.”
He chuckled full-out. Jason had been in Mrs. D’s class in high school, so she’d said, and she was one of the few who could put the fear of heck into him. They danced over to the pair.
Luke didn’t care at the moment that he was only encouraging Mrs. D in whatever hopes and schemes she had for him and Dolly. He didn’t care that he was acting possessive of a woman who was barely even a friend. He didn’t care that he might make a fool of himself.
His chest heated as he watched Dolly. The heat shot through him when she turned her smile on him.
“Mind if I cut in,” he asked her.
“I mind,” Jason said. “We’re dancing. Wait your turn.”
“You’ve had your turn.” Luke grasped Dolly’s hand. He resisted the urge to pull her into him. She wasn’t the type to appreciate that kind of gesture.
The music lowered into a slower rhythm.
“Change of song,” Dolly said, glancing at Jason. “Thanks for the dance.” She stepped toward Luke.
Jason kept hold of her other hand. “Let’s keep going.”
Mrs. D swatted Jason’s arm. “Now then, young man, help an old woman and get me a drink.”
Jason opened his mouth, but then spied Mr. Taft approaching. No way would he tangle with his former teacher and his current boss. Jason let go of Dolly and skulked off toward the bar.
Mrs. D wiggled her fingers, winked, and smoothly joined Ken Taft as they walked forward together.
The tune playing, slow and plaintive, echoed Luke’s feelings. How he wanted to pull Dolly close, and keep her there.
She faced him and he placed one hand on her waist and the other on her shoulder, as if they’d be waltzing.
Her smile widened. “Why so formal?” Her gaze held a question, and maybe an ounce of hurt.
Placing both hands on her waist, he pulled her close. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck. He ached for her. He could just lean in and kiss her. Her fingers fidgeted by his neck and she leaned her head on his chest, by his shoulder, instead of continuing to meet his gaze.
This closeness, her soft curves pressed lightly on him, made him slow until they were only swaying. He breathed her in, her floral, clean scent combining with her nearness wiped his thoughts.
He nuzzled her hair, brushed his lips on the tip of her ear. “Dolly,” he whispered hoarsely.
Her head turned, her lips almost touching his neck. Her breath warmed his skin. Her breathing synced with his.
He needed this, her. Needed her more than he needed anything. He wrapped his hands closer around her, bringing them flush. For a moment, they stilled, as if frozen, on the brink.
But Dolly stepped back. Fear infused her gaze as she glanced at him then opened her mouth. “I...I need some air.” She turned and hurried off the dance floor, bumping into a few people in her hurry.
He stood a moment, holding himself back from running after her.
To heck with it. She hadn’t said she wanted to be alone. He ran, skirting the couples, and caught up with Dolly, who’d had to slow when she reached the grass. He stopped near her by a bed of pink flowers, a whiff of jasmine not helping the mood he was trying to talk himself out of with its sensual fragrance.
“What happened?” he asked, not sure he wanted the answer.
“Nothing,” she said in a low voice, barely a murmur.
“Doesn’t feel like nothing.” What was he doing? He couldn’t get close to this woman, or anyone. He didn’t have enough of himself to give, not to som
eone like her. But she made him want to, or something in him responded to her in a way he both wanted and shunned.
She hung her head then slid her hand into his, and he clasped her fingers in his, something they did together.
His heart seemed to beat faster, and though there was no breeze, he felt as if a warm one skittered over him.
Meeting his gaze, she blinked, as if seeing him again for the first time.
“You’re right.”
His chest expanded. He took her other hand in his. They stood together, facing each other, fingers entwined.
His world tilted on its axis. But with Dolly near, he was gonna carry on. He’d do more than that. He’d thrive. And he’d do whatever he could to make sure she did, too.
Chapter Nine
Before the Parade Passes
Dolly’s stomach careened with too many feelings. The way Luke looked at her, with tender caring and fiery longing, she didn’t know whether to kiss him or run again.
When he’d been holding her as they danced, she’d almost kissed him, on his neck, his throat, his chin, his lips. Instead, she’d run. She couldn’t get close. Not to him, not to anyone, not that kind of closeness. It was too intimate, too risky.
So why was the fear escaping, like a trapped bird, flying away, leaving her free. Why was she leaning toward him, tilting her face up to him, wanting, willing him to kiss her?
Because she wanted him to. Because to not kiss him now would be criminal. Because she was tired of letting the parade pass her by.
“I want to kiss you,” Luke said in a gruff tone.
Certainty met anticipation with a clap, a band leader signaling the start of a rousing tune. “Yes.”
Their lips met, just a whisper. A murmur. Then a shout as they pressed firmly, exploring, panting, needing. They mirrored each other’s movements, holding each other close as they had on the dance floor.
They were dancing, Luke leading, she following. Each caress, each nip, each sigh, she responded, going further into the moment, falling for this man, for what they created: bliss.
She laughed as he pulled back, caressing her hair, fingering a wave here, brushing her cheek there.
“You’re wonderful,” she said.
“You’re beautiful.”
Heat from her belly rushed up, rising into a blush. She fingered his shirt, nervousness returning. The fear bird was circling, ready to return to the nest it seemed to inhabit in her heart. She looked away, but it didn’t help, seeing the couples dancing and laughing together. She tried to be carefree, tried to be everyone’s friend. But she couldn’t deny the fear anymore. Luke made her face it, or her feelings for him did. She didn’t want to face it, that fear. Who had time for that? She rubbed her forehead and ducked her head.
“I don’t usually just go around kissing people.” She dropped her hands.
“I didn’t think you did.” He tipped her chin up with his fingers. “I’m glad you kissed me.”
“You kissed me. You asked, remember?”
“Couldn’t forget.” His smile, the tender look in his eyes, caused that jumble in her again.
“I mean, maybe, we shouldn’t have kissed. I thought we were going to work together?”
“Can’t we do both?” His tone wasn’t convincing and he shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Seems like a bad idea.”
“Does it?”
“Don’t you think? And, I mean, I don’t... I’m not looking for a summer fling.”
He nodded. They both looked away.
“I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I like you, Luke,” she said, touching his arm.
He shrugged. “I like you too. Most people seem to. You’re a likeable person.” He was back to that serious, closed-off man. She’d seen another side of him, felt his caring and tenderness, his heat and intensity, and part of her wanted to know that. But the bird had roosted again, and she stepped back.
Who was she kidding? She didn’t like parades, not since she was little. Let it pass her by. She could just stay in, and pretend the parade didn’t even exist.
“Thanks. Uh, maybe we shouldn’t work together.” If she wanted to ignore this cacophony he produced in her, she couldn’t even see him. “There are other contractors in town, right? Riggs and Sons?”
“Jason’s dad and brother.” His tone edged further into harshness.
“Jason seemed...okay.” Actually, she’d gotten kind of a slimy vibe from him, and if his dad and brother were similar, she wouldn’t want to hire them. She’d cross that creek when she came to it. “Well, Mrs. D recommended I mingle, right? Mind if we meet some more people?”
He put up a hand, and Dolly saw her aunt coming toward them.
“Mrs. G would be the best person to introduce you around,” he said. “I’ll be at the table.”
“Okay. See you for the cake cutting.”
He nodded, greeted Aunt June, and excused himself, striding toward the dining area.
“Was I interrupting something?” Aunt June asked. For someone who’d been working all day, Aunt June glowed with verve, and Dolly eased a bit.
“No, we were just talking.” Dolly checked her shoes, a nervous gesture.
She had no idea who’d seen her and Luke kissing. What had she been thinking? Oh, right, she hadn’t been. She’d been in the moment. So much for the benefits of living in the moment. She’d take thinking things through any day. Luke had acted like she hadn’t carefully considered her business choices, or anything else, but she had. It had taken over a year to even put all this in motion, and to arrange the move and the transfer of her business, and to find the right location here in Loving.
“Who have you met so far?” Aunt June asked, patting her blondish-silver upswept hair.
“Nathan, the Raineses, of course the bridal party, Jason Riggs.”
“I don’t want you around those Riggs men, all right?” It was rare for Aunt June to say anything against anyone.
She should’ve trusted her own feeling, and what Luke seemed to think, too.
“All right. I trust you, Aunt June.”
Aunt June squeezed her hand. “Let’s get around. I want to check all the zones, so to speak, make sure it’s all going smoothly.”
“Happy to walk with you.” She matched her steps to Aunt June’s and they made their way over to the bar area.
“How are things shaping up with your bookstore? Betty said you and Luke would probably be working together?”
“Since the Riggs don’t seem to be a good option, I guess so. Unless there’s someone else I haven’t heard about?”
“There’s odd jobbers and such, but Luke is good at what he does, and I’d like to see him succeed with his business. Just keep it business.”
“Why wouldn’t I? And, why the warning?”
Aunt June held up a hand and then spoke to the bartender. After a few minutes, she returned to Dolly’s side.
“Not a warning, dear. But I saw the way you and Luke were looking at each other. You’re both single, of an age, and clearly attracted to each other. But I also know you, and him, and I don’t think you’re a good match, personally.”
Dolly wanted to say, “Why not?” Resistance rose in her, a defiance of teenage proportions. Which was silly, because she’d already told Luke much the same—that they shouldn’t pursue anything personal.
“Nothing to worry about, Aunt June. We’ll keep it strictly business.” Why did her body ache with the words?
“Good. Ah, there’s the Doctors George and family. They’re the town’s founding family and run the clinic. You’ve met, a long time ago. Let’s get you reintroduced.” Aunt June waved and Dolly followed her over to the elegant older Black couple who stood with a tall woman who appeared to be their daughter, and a white woman holding her hand. Why was it when she wanted to forget about happy couples and love, it was all she could see?
Dolly forced a smile and joined her aunt. She’d get through this. Getting through was what she did.
<
br /> Chapter Ten
Carry It Off
Luke nursed his cup of coffee. He didn’t want to drink alcohol this late in the evening, especially not since he’d be driving Dolly home. For about half an hour, he’d been sitting alone at the table. Most of the other guests stood near the bar, or danced, or explored the extensive gardens, probably some couples taking advantage of shadowed moonlit spots.
He shifted in his seat, replaying his and Dolly’s kiss for what he hoped was the last time. But it wouldn’t be. Because he’d have to hold onto that memory. It was all he’d allow himself of her sweetness, her softness, her trust. It was all she seemed to want to allow.
Raking his hand through his hair, he took another sip of his now lukewarm drink. Mrs. G appeared by the microphone and announced that the cake cutting would start in ten minutes. Her tone said: So get your patooties in your chairs. He almost wished he could be as commanding without actually saying anything as those two town matriarchs, Mrs. G and Mrs. D.
But not only was that not him—and he was fine with who he was—but also, it came with a side of interfering and people relying on them in ways he didn’t want to be counted on. Except he liked Dolly relying on him, and he especially liked her leaning on him, into him... There went the kiss replay again. This was worse than a bad football call for replays.
Guests wove their ways back to the tables surrounding him. Some waved to him, and he put up his hand in response. Then he saw her—Dolly. Her beauty, her luminescence, struck him again, robbing him of his breath for a flash. Her loose curls reminded him of how they’d felt against his cheek, her plump lips of how softly she’d responded to his kisses, her curves of how she’d fit in his arms as if she’d been made just for him.
He was a goner, and a fool for entertaining the idea that he’d try again with her. He’d seen her fear, but he didn’t think it was of him. Maybe, like him, she didn’t want to get too close to anyone. They both had businesses they were trying to get off the ground, and at their ages they surely both had pasts that had taught them to be cautious when it came to romance. Not that he knew the latter about Dolly. But the fear that had been in her gaze told him it was a good assumption.
Hello Dolly Page 5