A Moment To Dance (8 page)

His head bobbed up and down. “They used to give me money for every A on my report card. Uncle Tony doesn’t. I don’t think he cares. I get in his way.”

“That’s not true. He loves you. I doubt your uncle knows about your parents’ reward system, or he most likely would do the same. Your uncle still has things to learn, but he’s trying. You could help him by telling him about what your parents used to do and what you’d like him to do, too.”

Again Johnny shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Let’s see what we can accomplish before your uncle returns to pick you up.”

Time passed quickly, and all too soon, Tony appeared at the doorway. While Johnny finished a math problem, she approached him.

“How’s he doing?” Tony nodded to Johnny, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

“He’s a very bright child, and I’m not saying that to be polite. I think part of the problem may be that he’s bored.”

Tony’s shoulders straightened like a proud papa bear. “I’ve always thought he was bright. So what’s up with the grades?”

She hesitated. She had to phrase this just right. She knew Tony didn’t take well to criticism of his parenting skills.

“What is it?” His agitated voice boomed through the quiet library.

Johnny glanced up, as did the other library patrons.

“Shh…you’ll get us in trouble,” she reminded him.

He crossed his arms and frowned. “You still haven’t said what you think the problem is with his learning.”

“He’s used to a different approach than you tried—the way his mother used to help him.”

She quickly filled him in on what she’d learned from Johnny about his mother’s tutoring techniques and her reward system.

Tony ran a hand over the back of his neck. “I had no idea.”

“Try talking to him more. Get him to open up about his parents. It’d help both of you. You’d have a better idea about what he expects from you.”

Tony took a step back. His eyes grew dark and unreadable. “I try my best.”

She squeezed his arm. “I know you do.”

“But it isn’t enough. That’s what you’re thinking.” He jerked away from her touch. “Johnny, we need to go. Now.”

The boy slapped his schoolbook shut, grabbed his things, and headed for the door. “Bye, Miss Morgan.”

“Bye, Johnny,” she said as he rushed to follow his uncle. “Tony, will I see you at our lesson?”

There was a distinct hesitation, and then he nodded. “I have to drop Johnny off at home first. I might be a few minutes late.”

“No problem.”

He didn’t say a word as he strode to the door.

He might show up at their dance lesson, but he wasn’t happy about it. That much was abundantly clear.

♥♥♥

Time had slowed to a crawl.

It was Friday afternoon, and school was out for the weekend. Ella should feel relaxed, but her nerves were taut. Her mind kept replaying the events of the prior evening.

She’d interviewed for the permanent teaching position at Whistle Stop Elementary beginning with the fall term. In the end, she thought she’d satisfactorily answered all of the school board’s questions. The president said they’d notify her soon about their decision. Not wanting to jinx this prime opportunity, she decided not to mention the interview to anyone. If she landed this job, Whistle Stop would become her permanent home. Her home—she liked the sound of it.

There was a knock at her classroom door. Ella glanced up to find Melissa, the school’s receptionist, who was quickly becoming a good friend. Dressed in navy slacks and a white blouse, she stepped inside the doorway. “How’d the day go?”

“It was fast.”

“Aren’t they all?” Melissa swiped her long brown ponytail over her shoulder. “The weekends are the worst. If you blink, they’re over.”

Her weekend would be anything but fast as she waited for the school board’s decision. How long was “soon” anyhow?

Ella struggled to pay attention to what her friend was saying.

“What has you so quiet?” Melissa’s eyes filled with worry.

“Nothing.” Ella stacked a couple of workbooks she intended to take home in hopes of avoiding the loneliness that crept over her during the quiet evenings.

“I don’t know you that well yet, but I know enough to sense when something’s bothering you. Now out with it.”

Ella knew that the interview had taken place only yesterday, but she was anxious for news. She thought it’d gone well, but she honestly didn’t have a clue. And she had no idea how many applicants were vying for the position. She eyed up her friend, wanting to ask if she’d heard anything, but she didn’t want to put Melissa in an awkward position.

“It’s nothing.” Ella was confronted with an I-don’t-believe-you look. Maybe it would be good to talk to someone. “I’m just worried about the interview. I…I’m not sure how it went. I mean, I think it went well, but maybe I’m just seeing what I want to see—”

“Stop.” Melissa waved her hands to get her attention. Then her friend sent her a reassuring smile, and her eyes twinkled as though she knew all of the answers. Melissa glanced over her shoulder at the open doorway, as though verifying they were indeed alone. “I really shouldn’t say anything.”

Anticipation sent Ella’s stomach tumbling. “Say anything about what?” When Melissa pressed her lips into a firm line and shook her head, Ella prodded, “You can’t just stop there. What do you know? Do you know who got the position?”

Please let it be me
.

“Nothing has been decided yet.” Melissa’s voice lowered. “But I overheard them talking, and you’ve made the short list.”

Ella squealed with joy.

“Shh…” Melissa glanced back at the door. “I don’t want anyone to know I told you.”

“Sorry.” Ella gathered herself. “You don’t know how much I’ve been hoping for this.”

Melissa smiled. “I’ve got a pretty good idea.”

“I just hope they decide soon. The anticipation is getting to me.”

“I’m sure they will. Hang in there.”

“Luckily, I have a number of distractions at the moment.”

“That’s right.” Melissa’s face lit up. “You have a lot going on. Seems you’re putting down roots here in Whistle Stop. Have you considered adopting that puppy Tony has?”

The thought of the adorable furball tugged at Ella’s heartstrings. And then it came to her what was missing at the cabin. She needed someone to share it with. There might be a lot of unknowns in her life, but she did know that giving a loving home to that sweet puppy was the right thing to do. Excitement fluttered in her chest.

She glanced at Melissa. “You know what? I’m going to adopt it. I’ll tell Tony tonight at our dance lesson.”

“Good. I’m so happy for you. I just know that things are going to work out for you.” Melissa sent her a reassuring smile. “Speaking of your dance partner, has he stomped your toes lately?”

“Um…well, he’s improving.” Ella’s face heated at the memory of being held so close to Tony.

“That good, huh?”

Her fear of losing her position at the school prompted her to ask, “Do you think people will take issue with me being so close to the parent of a potential student, you know, for the dance competition?”

Melissa’s eyes grew round. “Is there something they should be concerned about?”

“No. Definitely not,” Ella said a little too quickly. “I just want the permanent teaching job, and a small-town scandal could ruin that.”

Her friend’s expression grew serious. “I don’t think so. As long as you don’t give Johnny preferential treatment, and since he isn’t in your class, you have nothing to worry about. If you and Tony were to get together, people would be happy—for both of you. In fact, his mother would probably throw a party. From what I hear, she’s anxious for him to settle down.”

“But we’re not—together, that is. We’re dance partners. That’s all.”

“Uh-huh. You keep telling yourself that. But I see how your face lights up when you talk about him.”

Her face lit up? Ugh. It’s a good thing she’d never tried her hand at poker. Sure, Tony was cute—er…drop-dead gorgeous was more like it. But she had restraint. She could resist his dimpled smile and dark eyes.

But for how long?

CHAPTER EIGHT

T
ony had his hands full late Friday afternoon, not only filling in for a sick ranch hand, but also trying in vain to keep Johnny from getting more attached to the puppy. It was time the ad went in the Albuquerque and Las Cruces’s papers. Hopefully there’d be a quick response. Putting it off was just going to make it worse for everyone. He’d take care of it first thing in the morning, before Johnny got out of bed.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, he had to endure another dance lesson. Ella’s comments about him not knowing his nephew well enough niggled at him. She didn’t come straight out and blame him for the boy’s dismal grades, but Tony knew it was his fault. He just didn’t know how to do this parenting thing. For a man used to having the answers when it came to ranching or fighting fires, he found not knowing the correct course of action with Johnny quite unnerving.

Still, he’d given his word to see this contest through to the end, and that’s what he’d do. He pulled up in front of the studio right on time. Ella stood on the sidewalk, waiting for him. He found himself staring at her, drawn in by her radiant smile and temporarily forgetting about his shortcomings as a parent.

Was it the anticipation of dancing with him that had her in such high spirits?

The thought drastically lightened his mood. He exited the truck, finding his steps lighter. She rushed forward. Her eyes twinkled. He fought the overwhelming urge to reach out and draw her near.

“Hi. I was waiting for you.” A happy lilt filled her voice.

This time he was the one to smile. “Looking forward to our lesson?”

“No…I mean, uh, I have something to discuss with you.”

Her words washed over him like a bucket of cold water. He should have known better than to let himself jump to conclusions. So if she wasn’t looking forward to being held in his arms for the next hour, why did she look as excited as Johnny did on Christmas morning? Had she found herself another partner? His body tensed. Was she about to dump him for someone with more experience?

Frustrated with himself, he strode to the studio door and yanked it open. “Josie’s waiting. We can talk later.”

“Uh, sure.” She entered the building, and he followed, determined to concentrate on the dance steps, and not on Ella.

Josie stood next to the speaker dock, waiting for them. “Right on time. Let’s get started where we left off last time. We were about to try some salsa dancing.”

Tony held back a groan. He’d gathered that the salsa was a sexy dance with lots of bumping and grinding. He glanced in Ella’s direction. Her pastel skirt hugged her rounded hips—hips that would be rubbing up against him. His body thrummed with heated anticipation. He turned away, trying to think of anything but her shapely body.

“Tony, face Ella,” Josie instructed.

He did as she instructed, but he made sure his gaze skimmed over the top of Ella’s blond hair. One glance at her lush lips, and his good intentions would go up in flames.

“Now take Ella’s right hand with your left.”

He hesitated. A variety of conflicting emotions raged in his gut. He could do this. He had no choice. If he backed out of the dance contest, Ella might not continue to tutor Johnny, and if Johnny’s grades didn’t improve, then the court investigator would consider him an inadequate parent.

“Ella, place your left hand on Tony’s shoulder.”

She didn’t move for a moment, but then she cautiously reached for him. Her touch was so light that he had to glance over to make sure her slender fingers rested against his shoulder.

“Ella, move your hand a little higher,” Josie instructed, interrupting his wayward thoughts. “Good. Now, Tony, hold her other hand.

He glanced down at Ella’s outstretched hand, noticing bandages on a couple of her fingers as well as a red angry blister on her palm. He gently wrapped his hand around hers, trying to avoid the irritation. He’d be willing to bet if he checked her other hand that it’d have similar abrasions. She must have started clearing the yard around the cabin. He wished that she’d get some help.

But he didn’t have time to contemplate her plight any further as Josie continued with her instructions. “Both of you look into each other’s eyes. Move closer together, you two. This is a romantic, sexy dance. Act like you’re attracted to each other.”

Tony didn’t have to act. Ella was the first woman who’d tempted him to throw caution aside and enjoy himself without thoughts of the consequences.

Their bodies moved together as the Latin melody played in the background. He continued to hold her gaze, and he’d swear desire reflected in her eyes. He didn’t know until that moment how much he wanted her to look at him that way. He longed to be responsible for this prim and proper teacher letting her hair down and getting a little rowdy. When she blinked and looked away, he strained to lasso his meandering imagination.

Stay focused.

Concentrate on the dance steps.

They tried the dance again, but he stepped forward instead of back and nearly tripped her. This wasn’t working. He couldn’t think when she was standing this close to him, with her fresh citrus scent teasing his nose, making him long to nuzzle up to her to get another whiff.

He released Ella and stepped back. “How about we go over the two-step again? I was just getting the moves down pat. One more try, and I should have it.”

He failed to mention that the other dance allowed for some space between them—a chance for his brain to function. He’d speak to Josie later and request a less sensual dance be substituted for the salsa. He’d blame it on his lack of talent, not his growing desire for Ella.

When they finally called it quits, Ella led the way out the door. She paused on the sidewalk and turned to him. “We’re getting a little better, don’t you think?”

He knew most of the mistakes were his fault. “Yea. We’re getting there. I should be going.”

“I wanted to talk for a couple of minutes. I won’t take much of your time.”

He straightened to his full height, ready for the dreaded letdown. She’d found another dance partner. He was certain a lot of guys would jump at the idea of wrapping their arms around her delicate waist. He mentally kicked himself for not staying more focused during their lesson, for giving her yet one more reason to end their partnership.

“Listen, I’m sorry we didn’t make more progress today,” he said, trying to head off her rejection. “I had problems keeping my mind on the lesson. I’ve got a lot on my plate with Johnny and the puppy.”

“That’s what I want to discuss with you.”

He paused and looked at her. She wasn’t trying to let him down gently? The tight muscles in his neck loosened. “Did you find someone to take the puppy?”

“As a matter of fact, I did.” She grinned up at him. “Me.”

Suddenly, the idea of her taking the puppy didn’t seem like the best option. Johnny was slowly opening up to Ella. In fact, the boy didn’t even put up much of a fuss about their tutoring sessions anymore. If she were to take the puppy now, after Johnny had already formed an attachment, would the boy be willing to study with her? Tony seriously doubted it.

“Are you sure about this?” Tony asked, thinking of a way to talk her out of it. “You haven’t had much time to think it over. Puppies are a big responsibility.”

Her brows scrunched together. “Are you trying to talk me out of this?”

“No.” Liar. The truth was, he’d much rather see the puppy go to her than a total stranger, but he couldn’t help thinking how Johnny would take it. “I…I just don’t want you to feel pressured to take the puppy.”

“If you’ve changed your mind and decided to let Johnny keep Patch, just let me know. I’d be very happy for them both.”

Tony shook his head. “As long as we’re living with my mother, a dog isn’t an option. She has asthma, and she’s allergic to dogs.”

“Oh, I didn’t know.”

“I’m planning to build a house, but I’ve had a lot on my hands lately.”

“I understand. So you’re okay with me taking the dog.”

He hesitated. Either way, Johnny was going to take this hard. And Patch would be much better off with Ella. Reluctantly, Tony nodded. “But we should do it this evening. Every day that passes, Johnny gets more attached to the little guy. Last night, Johnny snuck the puppy into the house. He claimed the puppy was cold out in the barn. In the end, my mother had a scary asthma attack.”

“Oh my. Is she okay?”

Tony nodded. “But I can’t let that happen again.” He really hated to separate the puppy and Johnny but he didn’t know what else to do at this point. “You can follow me to the ranch.”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t know. I’m not ready to take him home today—”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got everything you’ll need for the night.” Now that the decision had been made, he didn’t want any delays.

“Oh. Okay. If you’re sure you don’t want to talk to Johnny first.”

Nothing he said was going to make this any easier for the boy. Tony’s gut knotted. “I’ll take care of him.”

The drive to the ranch took only a few minutes. They parked next to the barn, and Tony led her inside. Neither of them talked. He was thankful that Ella was respectful of just how hard this transition would be for Johnny.

The boy strolled out of the tack room, wearing a baseball uniform. He clutched the puppy to his chest. He glanced up, noticing her. “Hi, Miss Morgan. Did you come to see Patch?”

She nodded before turning a pleading look to Tony.

Guilt over separating the boy and his puppy ate at him. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I have some good news,” he said, trying to give this situation a positive spin. “Patch won’t have to go to a stranger.”

Johnny’s eyes rounded with a gleam of excitement. “I can keep Patch?”

Not the reaction he’d been striving for. “No. But I found a local home for him.”

His nephew’s brow creased, and his bottom lip puckered. “You can’t give him away. I love him.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” He approached the boy, but Johnny backed away. “I tried to tell you not to get too attached, but at least you’ll know the puppy is safe with Ella…er, Miss Morgan.”

Johnny glanced over Tony’s shoulder at Ella. A tear tracked down the boy’s face. “You can’t have him! I won’t let you!”

Tony wanted to do anything to make this moment easier for the boy. “Johnny—”

“No!” Johnny’s eyes grew shiny. “I won’t give him up!”

“How about if we set up a playdate?” Ella suggested.

Tony spun around. What was she saying? A clean cut would be best for the boy. Get it over with once and for all. “Don’t you think we should talk this over?”

“What do you say?” Ella looked directly at Johnny.

“I…I don’t know.” The boy nuzzled the squirming puppy.

Tony still didn’t like the idea of a playdate, but if it would make the transition easier for Johnny, who was he to complain? Tony grabbed a red leash and attached it to the dog’s collar. “Hand Patch over to Miss Morgan.”

Johnny’s red face turned up to him as a tear splashed on his cheek. “No. I’m not giving him up.”

Oh, crap. I’m handling this so badly
.
What do I do now?

As though sensing his complete loss at what to say or do next, Ella stepped up to the boy. “You can come see him any time.” The boy continued to tightly hold the squirming pup as Ella knelt down in front of him. “Isn’t it better that he goes with someone you know and like than to a stranger?”

Johnny shrugged. His gaze remained focused on the pup.

Then something crossed his mind that might persuade Johnny to give Ella the puppy. “And you don’t want Grandma to have another attack like last night, do you?”

Johnny glanced up at him and shook his head. Tony knew that last night’s episode had scared all of them. Not that this scene was any easier to deal with. Tears streamed down Johnny’s face and Tony hated what he had to do.

“I promise to love Patch just as much as you do,” Ella added.

Tony reached out, taking the puppy in his arms.

“I hate you!” Johnny ran out of the barn.

A fist in the kidney would’ve hurt less than Johnny’s pain-filled words. Tony struggled to take in a breath. Johnny had never said those words to him before. They totally caught him off guard and left a painful bruise.

Tony ran a thumb over the puppy’s side as he choked down his emotions. With the adoption hearing quickly approaching, things kept getting worse. This distance between him and Johnny was widening, and the only thing he knew to do was get rid of the source of the conflict. His gaze moved to the puppy.
Time to say good-bye
.

“Here.” He held out the pooch. “I’ll put his things in your car.”

Before Tony could walk away, Ella spoke up. “Johnny didn’t mean it. You know, about what he said before he left. He’s just hurting and lashing out at the person closest to him. I could stay and talk to him if you think it’d help.”

Why did she have to be so nice now? Couldn’t she be that judgmental person he’d met last week? Where were the accusations that this was entirely his fault? If only she’d turn on him, he’d feel justified by what he had to say next.