A Moment To Dance (11 page)

He nodded. He’d intended only to pick up Johnny and hightail it home, and yet now he was proposing spending the day here. What was up with him? He had enough to do back at the ranch, but he didn’t want to leave her—not yet.

She shook her head. “Thanks, but I don’t need any help.”

“But you can’t do all this work by yourself. You’ll need to clear at least a hundred feet of brush to create a safety zone around the cabin to protect it from a brush fire.”

Her brow creased. “This is the first home I’ve ever owned, and I want to do it on my own. And I will.”

The more he looked, the more he realized there was too much work here for one person. “I have to pay you back somehow for the tutoring sessions.”

“You barely have enough time to run the ranch and be a father to Johnny. You can’t take on caring for my place, too. As for paying me back, we already have a deal. You paid my entry fee for the dance contest and the lessons. They couldn’t have been cheap.”

“But that doesn’t feel like enough.”

“It’s all I’ll accept.”

Even though he was thoroughly impressed with her independence, he knew she was being foolish. “Are you sure?”

She nodded. “Now we need to discuss another important subject.”

He tensed. “What’s that?”

“Did you eat lunch yet? I’m starved.”

One by one each of his muscles relaxed, and he chuckled at her teasing. The idea of sharing a casual meal with her was a great temptation. Still, he had already been impulsive and kissed her. Common sense said he should decline the offer, but after she’d helped him deal with Johnny, he didn’t want to be rude. Besides, she was an ideal tutor, and staying on her good side would definitely help if she bumped into the court investigator.

He could make all of the excuses he wanted, but the truth of the matter was he didn’t want to leave. It had nothing to do with being polite or hoping she’d impress the court. He was drawn to this woman. He wanted to know more about her, and explore some more of those kisses.

“As a matter of fact, I am hungry. Thank you.” Needing a few minutes to clarify his thoughts, he added, “Do you mind if I have a quick look around? It’s been a while since I’ve been here on Roca Mountain.”

“Suit yourself.” She opened the screen door and disappeared inside.

He liked the idea of sharing a casual meal with her. Since their initial encounter, he’d seen her tenacity when tackling their dance lessons and her patience when dealing with his nephew. This woman was full of surprises. He wondered what he’d learn about her next.

Tony strolled around the cabin, surveying the area and making a mental list of all the work that was needed to help protect the place from fire. Although he’d never admit it to Johnny, his stunt had alerted Tony to Ella’s predicament.

Tony struggled in places to get through the overgrowth. He was surprised by the level of neglect. Clearing this dried vegetation would take Ella a long time by herself. And no matter what she thought, she’d never be able to get rid of the dead trees on her own. He wished she would let him help, but she was right, he honestly didn’t have any spare time.

A few minutes later, he climbed the porch steps. The sound of Johnny chattering with Ella made him pause. It’d been too long since he’d heard his nephew in such a talkative mood. Not wanting to disrupt the growing rapport, Tony peered through the screen.

“Are those your kids?” Johnny asked, pointing to a framed photo in the middle of the mantel.

The long pause piqued Tony’s curiosity. Ella had yet to talk much about her past. He moved to the side, out of sight, waiting for her response. He knew so little about her. Did she have a secret life? Children at home with an estranged husband?

“No. This is a picture of me and my little brother many years ago.”

Tony expelled a pent-up breath.

“Ah, you’re lucky. I always wanted a brother,” Johnny said. “Where does he live?”

There was distinct pause. When Ella spoke again, her voice was raspy with emotion. “He died.”

Tony leaned against the wall, digesting the information. Why hadn’t he guessed she’d experienced a major loss? Thinking back to their first meeting, he realized her reaction had been too strong, too emotional, not to stem from personal experience with a premature death. He recalled the fear that had been reflected in her eyes—the emotion that was evident in her rushed words.

Questions buzzed through his brain. He ached to learn more about this woman with lips as velvety smooth as a rose petal, but he couldn’t stroll in now and admit he’d been eavesdropping.

“What’s with the dirty bear?” Johnny asked.

Tony moved to peer through the screen door once more. He spotted his nephew reaching for the stuffed animal resting next to the picture.

“Don’t touch him!” Ella lunged forward to protect the bear.

The boy jumped. “I didn’t.”

Ella straightened. Her face paled. “I’m sorry. I…I didn’t mean to snap at you. Buddy was my little brother’s favorite stuffed animal. The bear and the photograph are all I have left of him.”

“Oh.” Johnny paused as though computing what she’d told him. “It’s okay. I feel the same way about my parents’ picture. I keep it next to my bed.”

When she turned, Tony again moved off to the side of the door. He assured himself he wasn’t spying on her, but that he merely didn’t want to interrupt this chance for his nephew to forge a friendship with Ella. Johnny needed someone to confide in when he couldn’t turn to him for understanding.

“What happened to your brother?” Johnny’s voice drew Tony’s attention.

“Would you mind if we don’t talk anymore about my brother? It still makes me sad.”

“Okay.”

“Why don’t you help me in the kitchen?” she suggested. “Can you set the table?”

“I don’t know how. Never did it.”

“You mean you don’t have any chores at home?”

“Not many. Usually Uncle Tony does them for me.”

There was a pronounced silence. Tony could tell Ella didn’t approve of Johnny’s lack of responsibilities. Until now, Tony hadn’t realized how much he’d spoiled the child in his effort to compensate for the lousy cards life had dealt Johnny. Nothing could make up for the loss of the boy’s parents. Spoiling Johnny was only going to hurt him in the end.

Footsteps were followed by the gentle lilt of Ella’s voice. “How about I show you where everything goes?”

There was a slight pause. “Okay.”

Maybe it was time Tony stopped tiptoeing around Johnny in a feeble attempt to make things normal—whatever that might constitute.

“Am I late for lunch?” Tony pulled open the screen door and stepped into the entryway.

“Not at all.” Ella stood to his left in the compact kitchen. “Everything will be ready in a couple of minutes.”

He looked over the open floor plan. His gaze roamed around the tidy room, taking in the wildlife paintings on one wall and the built-in bookcases on either side of the gray stone fireplace. Framed pictures of her family, presumably, and the stuffed teddy bear lined the mantel.

This cabin was unlike any of his friends’ places, where the guys hung out, played cards, and chugged some beer. This cabin was a home. Ella’s home. The last place he should be.

A blue-and-white-block quilt draped over the back of the couch drew his attention. The blanket would be perfect to cuddle under on a cool evening with Ella wrapped in his arms.

“I’m setting the table,” Johnny announced, interrupting his errant thoughts.

“That’s good, but don’t think that gets you out of trouble,” Tony warned. “I’ve decided your punishment. It’s about time you start learning about the ranch. So you’ll be doing extra chores in the morning and after school.”

Johnny’s face scrunched up. “Ahh…that’s not fair—”

“If you complain, I’ll make sure you muck the stalls every morning before school.”

The boy’s mouth snapped shut. Tony was certain this would teach his nephew a lesson. He wouldn’t have to worry about him taking off on his own again.

Tony turned his attention to Ella. “Can I do anything?”

She stood at the stove with a spoon in her hand, looking like a domestic goddess. “Thanks, but Johnny is already setting the table, and the food is almost ready. You don’t mind grilled cheese and soup, do you? I also baked some chocolate-chip cookies earlier that we can have for dessert.”

“Sounds good.”

He noticed how Johnny’s eyes lit up with interest as he licked his lips. Tony appreciated the way she made them feel at home, and if he had to hazard a guess, he’d bet she made those cookies just for Johnny. One day soon, she’d definitely make some man a good wife.

Tony stepped further into the common room, consisting of a modest kitchen and living room. There were plenty of ways for a man to fit into this cozy scenario, from replacing the worn carpeting to fixing the leaky kitchen faucet. He looked up at the beam ceiling, finding not one but two new fire alarms on opposite ends of the common room. A splash of red next to the fireplace drew his attention to a fire extinguisher. This woman definitely believed in fire prevention. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was trying to impress him.

Ella should have some guy in her life to look out for her and help her with the yard. So why didn’t she have a special someone? Or had she left him back in the city? The thought of her with another man wiped out his appetite.

He reminded himself he had no claims on her, nor did he want any entanglements. He couldn’t give the court investigator any more reasons to provide the judge with an unfavorable report. So why get worked up over the inevitable? Ella was a gorgeous woman with a caring heart. Before long, every bachelor in the county would be beating on her door.

CHAPTER TWELVE

E
lla stood outside the Golden Nugget Jeweler. Her grandmother’s ring was burning a hole in her purse. She had only a few minutes before her Monday dance lesson. Her grip tightened on the purse strap. She considered turning around and leaving.

A little voice inside her screamed that breaking her word to her grandmother was the wrong thing to do, but she couldn’t think of another alternative. She wouldn’t risk ownership of her beloved cabin on the slim chance she and Tony could do a good enough imitation of Fred and Ginger to impress the dance judges.

She didn’t know why she was getting so worked up. Today, her only intention was to have the ring officially appraised—to ascertain her options. There would be plenty of time to figure out her next step later.

Ella pulled open the glass door and stepped inside.

A gentleman peered over his wire-rimmed spectacles. He smiled, and his ruddy cheeks puffed up. “Hello. How can I help you?”

“I was wondering if you could appraise a ring for me?”

“Certainly. Do you have it with you?”

She retrieved the black velvet box from her purse and slid it across the counter.

The man wasted no time retrieving the ring and holding it beneath the jeweler’s scope. “This is quite old and almost as beautiful as its owner.”

“Thank you.” Heat swirled in her chest and rushed to her cheeks. She now understood how this man eked out a living in this desert community. He certainly had a way with putting his female customers at ease.

He glanced up at her. “Is the appraisal for insurance purposes?”

“Um…no.” She might as well tell him. He might be able to help her, should she go through with selling it. “I’m considering selling.”

The man’s gray eyebrows lifted. He didn’t say anything, but the questions danced around in his eyes.

“I need the money,” she blurted out.

“May I have your hand?” She complied, and he slid the ring on her finger. “Such a pity. It’s as though this ring were designed with you in mind. Perhaps you’ll reconsider and keep it for when you get married.”

Tony’s image formed in her mind, kneeling before her with love in his eyes and this ring poised to slip on her finger. Her heart swooned at the thought, knocking the air from her lungs. Realizing how ridiculous the idea was, she banished the image from her mind. She wasn’t getting married to Tony—or anyone.

“I don’t think so.” She slid off the ring. “Could you price it for me? The sooner, the better.”

“Normally, I don’t handle antique jewelry. I have a friend in Albuquerque who specializes in it. He’d love to see this ring. Would you mind if I let him have a look at it?”

Ella hesitated, debating her decision. She honestly didn’t have any other viable options, other than winning the dance contest, to make the necessary repairs to her home before monsoon season or to pay the back taxes. “Go ahead. See what he has to say.”

After getting her contact information, the man handed her a receipt. “You’re the new teacher in town, aren’t you?”

She smiled and nodded. “Let me guess, there isn’t much that goes on around this town that all the folks don’t know.”

He chuckled. “Didn’t take you long to get acquainted with Whistle Stop. By the way, I’m Tom Ward.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Well, Ella, I’ve also heard you’re Tony’s dance partner. I can see why he changed his mind about entering the contest. If I were a few years younger, he’d have had some competition to be your partner.”

At his innocent flirting, her smile broadened. She glanced down at the gold band inlaid with turquoise on his left hand. “And I’m sure your wife wouldn’t have had any problems with us dancing together.”

A hint of pink tinged his cheeks. “Well, as one of the volunteer firefighters, I’d like to thank you for participating. The community pulling together means a lot. As for this”—he held up the small plastic bag with her grandmother’s ring—“I promise to be in touch in the near future.”

Back in her car, Ella forced her thoughts to her upcoming lesson and the thought of being held in Tony’s capable arms. Anticipation thrummed in her veins. Soon she’d be chest-to-chest with the rugged rancher. Adrenaline started to work its magic on her sluggish body.

She grabbed a tube of cover-up makeup from her purse. She dabbed some on the scar tissue that started at her wrists and trailed up her arms, just like she did before every lesson. She’d do anything to keep her nightmare from coming true.

A few minutes later, she parked across the street from Josie’s Dance Studio. She hurried inside, hoping she hadn’t kept anyone waiting. Relief swept through her upon finding she was the first to arrive. Before she had a chance to sit down with Josie, the door opened, and Tony strode into the room. A frown marred his face. She wondered if he was still having problems with Johnny.

She approached him. “Sure you’re up for this?”

She knew they desperately needed the practice, but the darkness shadowing his eyes concerned her more. Her heart went out to him. She couldn’t even imagine the pressure of being an impromptu single parent.

“I’m good. It’s just been a long day. Are you ready?”

She nodded.

Midway through their lesson, a dip tweaked a muscle in her back, causing a groan of pain to slip past her lips. She hoped Tony hadn’t heard. When Josie suggested they take a short break, Ella headed for the water cooler, and Tony followed.

He shot her a worried look. “I think I’m the one who should be asking you if you’re up for dancing today.”

“I’m a little sore is all.”

“So I’ve noticed.”

“Hey, you aren’t exactly Mr. Energy either.”

He shrugged. “Been putting in extra hours teaching Johnny the ropes around the ranch.”

“Gaining your undivided attention must be helping him.”

Tony’s eyes lit up. “Johnny is finally speaking to me. Although most of the time, it’s to ask when he can see Patch again.”

The degree with which she wanted to pounce on the idea startled her, though she didn’t say anything. Ever since he’d kissed her, things between them had been different. It was as though an electric current arced between them every time they touched. And all of her thoughts short-circuited, leaving only her need to feel his lips pressed to hers.

She sipped at the cold water, hoping it’d douse her heated thoughts. As much as she wanted to see both Johnny and Tony this weekend, it wasn’t advisable. “I…I have plans this weekend. I’ll be working in the yard both days.”

He grabbed her hand and turned it over, displaying the blisters she’d earned while raking up the dried leaves and twigs. “By the looks of you, I’d say you’ve done enough. I should have stayed on Saturday and helped.”

“I don’t need to be taken care of.” She stared directly at him, challenging him to push the subject.

He expelled an exasperated sigh and moved to the water cooler for a drink.

“Shall we get back to it?” Josie asked, stepping out of her office.

“Sure.” Every muscle in Ella’s body protested.

Tony cleared his throat. “I won’t be able to practice on Friday. I’ve got a refresher course with the Forest Service.” He turned to Ella. “I hope that isn’t a problem.”

“Is that part of your fire chief duties?” Ella asked, trying to make casual conversation. He’d been quiet and distant since their lunch on Saturday.

“No.” His gaze caught and held hers. “This has to do with fighting wildfires. With me only being a seasonal worker, I go through reviews each year. I hope this doesn’t mess up your plans too much.”

She shook her head but looked away. “Have a good time.”

She told herself she should be happy to spend one less evening in the arms of a man who was totally unsuitable for her. Yet, instead of being pleased with this change of events, disappointment consumed her.

“Ella,” Josie said, “if you want, I could arrange for a substitute dance partner for you.”

The idea appealed to her. She couldn’t help but wonder what it’d be like to dance with someone other than Tony. Would she trip over her own feet? More important, would she experience the same excitement and exhilaration in another man’s arms? Was it merely the act of dancing that made her body come alive?

“Sure, I’d like that.” Ella noticed the strange expression that crossed Tony’s face. Was it jealousy? No, it couldn’t be. But the look passed so quickly that Ella was left wondering if she had imagined it. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Tony’s expression faded to indifference. “Of course not.”

“Good.” Josie jotted a note on a tablet before turning back to them. “Now, I’d like to go over those last dance steps one more time.”

Ella resumed her position, already eager to once again feel Tony’s very capable arms around her. She told herself that it was just some crazy crush that she’d get over as soon as this contest concluded. But in the meantime, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to savor the moment…just a little.

Time passed quickly, in some ways too quickly. And then the lesson was over. Tony released her, but not before glancing into her eyes and sending her a smile that made her stomach flutter.

Josie strode over to them, breaking the connection. “Ella, I’ll give you a call if I have any problems finding a replacement.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate everything.”

“No problem.”

Tony walked away as she made sure Josie had her phone number. Once everything was sorted out, Ella retrieved her purse from the chair. She turned to find him holding the door open for her. “Thanks.”

When she headed for her car, he rushed to catch up to her. He reached for her hand. “Ella, wait.”

She stopped and faced him. With only a few inches separating them, she craned her neck to look up at him. “What did you need?”

“I wanted to make sure everything is okay between us.” Concern filled his brown eyes. “I don’t have a choice about going to this review to get recertified.”

His fingers were still wrapped around hers, and she had no interest in breaking their contact. “One missed lesson won’t ruin our chances in the dance competition.”

His thumb stroked the back of her hand, sending a current of excitement throughout her body. “I’m glad you understand.” He paused and glanced down at the sidewalk before meeting her gaze again. “Are we okay?”

She knew what he was talking about, and it had nothing to do with dancing. He was talking about the kiss. She withdrew her hand. “Yes, we’re fine. Why wouldn’t we be?”

“You know, because of the kiss. I don’t know what I was thinking. I shouldn’t have done it—”

“It’s no big deal.”
Liar. Liar
. “It’s already forgotten.”
Not it’s not. Far from it
.

His brows lifted. “You’re sure?”

“I am. I really need to go check on Patch.”

“Oh, sure.”

She moved to her car before pausing to watch him walk the short distance to his truck. His tight backside was as hot as his muscled chest and chiseled face. How had she ended up with such a sexy dance partner?

As soon as the thought popped into her mind, she frowned. She didn’t need to be drooling over him. She wasn’t ready to take a chance on revealing her scars to him—to anyone.

She was still recovering from the last man who’d rejected her. Sure, he’d never stated her scars were the reason he broke up with her, but the timing was too coincidental to be denied. A week after things had heated up and she’d revealed her arms to him, he’d called and said the relationship just wasn’t working for him. He hoped they could continue to be friends as well as coworkers. Suppressing her hurt feelings, she’d agreed.

Ella didn’t want to relive that experience with Tony. Whistle Stop was too small of a town to avoid him if things went wrong. And she didn’t want to start over some other place. This town was growing on her…then again, so was her dance partner.

♥♥♥

As Friday’s lesson approached, Ella found herself getting nervous about dancing with someone new. She hoped she didn’t make any missteps.

After pulling into her usual parking spot across the street from the dance studio, she grabbed her tube of concealer. She dabbed some on the scars just like she did before every lesson. She couldn’t be too careful about covering up her past.

The sound of an approaching vehicle had her glancing in the rearview mirror as a pickup pulled up behind her. Cord and Alexis climbed out of the truck. Happy to see someone she knew, she rushed to greet them. “Hi, guys.”

“Hi, Ella. Hope you weren’t waiting too long.” Alexis pointed to Cord. “Some people never leave the house on time.”

Ella was confused. “Um...I just got here. Were we supposed to meet today?”

Cord adjusted his tan cowboy hat, shoving it farther up on his forehead. “Josie mentioned that you needed a dance partner since Tony’s off doing the refresher course with the Forest Service.”

“Oh,” Ella said, failing to hide her surprise. “I’m sorry that you guys had to go out of your way to help me out.”

“It’s no big deal. Right, Cord?” Alexis elbowed him, causing him to grunt in agreement. “We already had a lesson scheduled after yours, so we came a little early.”