A Moment To Dance (9 page)

“Maybe you should stay away for a while, until this blows over.”

“But what about the tutoring?”

What about it? He ripped his hat from his head and raked his fingers through his hair. It didn’t matter what he did now. He’d be doomed in Johnny’s eyes.

“I don’t know what we’ll do about the tutoring sessions.”

Ella’s face noticeably paled. “You mean you might cancel them altogether?”

CHAPTER NINE

A
week had passed, and Johnny still wasn’t speaking to him. Tony had hoped that by now Johnny would have gotten past some of the anger, but so far they’d only progressed to nods and shrugs. Tony had apologized profusely. Still, Johnny said nothing.

Not that Tony let it deter him from escorting Johnny to his tutoring session. He realized the tutoring sessions were too important to be suspended. No matter what Johnny said—or, in this case, didn’t say.

Why hadn’t someone warned him that parenting was so difficult? The experience had given him a whole new respect for his own parents, who’d had to deal with the antics of two lively boys. How they’d managed was beyond his understanding.

Carlota agreed to pick up Johnny from the library so that Tony could get to the dance lesson on time. His friendship with Ella was a bit strained under the circumstances. He appreciated everything she’d done to help him out with the puppy, but he just couldn’t forgive himself for making Johnny miserable.

Maybe if he concentrated real hard on the dance lesson, he’d be able to forget just for a little bit about the problems waiting for him at home. He hoped.

Josie moved toward the stereo system. “Let’s get started. Take your positions for the two-step.”

When Tony didn’t move, Ella reached for his hand. Her skin felt smooth and soft, like satin. Her pale, slender fingers with pink nails curled around his hand, sending a jolt of awareness through him. His body longed to spend the next hour close to his exquisite dance partner. Yet, he tamped down his eagerness, knowing they had no future.

“What’s the matter?” Ella asked, placing his hand on her waist. “Did you forget what we learned last time?”

Oh, he remembered their lesson. He remembered every agonizing moment of it. “Don’t you worry about me. Just concern yourself with your own memory.”

However, tonight, with Ella in his arms, he refused to get swept up in her floral scent. He refused to get distracted by the way her hips swayed. After all, he had a plan.

Concentrate on perfecting their routine. When the lesson was over, he could escape back to the peacefulness of the ranch before she could reestablish her spell over him. It would work if he stuck with the plan.

The music started to play in the background. Here they went.

“Okay. Left. Left.” Josie clapped her hands in rhythm. “Right. Right.”

When Ella leaned forward to glance down at their footwork, the scent of wildflowers caught his attention, and he found himself longing to pull her closer to breathe in more of the delicate perfume. His fingers itched to release her hair from its big, wooden barrette, to watch the blond curtain cascade down over her shoulders, to run the flaxen strands through his fingers.

No, he couldn’t do this. He couldn’t continue to torture himself with thoughts of a romance he refused to start. He couldn’t put himself in the position of failing another person, like he did his whole family. He’d already made Johnny so unhappy with his parenting ineptitude.

Tony stopped dancing and stepped back.

Ella’s eyes rounded with worry. “Did I step on your toes?”

“No, you didn’t. I can’t do this.” He hoped she wouldn’t ask questions he couldn’t answer. “Josie, I’m sorry. I’ll write you a check for the rest of the lessons.”

“What are you talking about?” Ella gave him a puzzled stare.

“This whole thing is a mistake. No amount of practice is going to change the fact that I can’t dance. I don’t want to waste everyone’s time.”

Before Josie could speak, Ella grabbed his hand and headed for the door. “I want to talk to you outside.” She turned to Josie. “We’ll be right back.”

Once they reached the sidewalk, she turned to him. “What was that all about?”

“Don’t sound so upset. You were the one who didn’t want us to be partners in the first place. You were right. I’m not a dancer. I’m a cowboy.”

Ella frowned at him. “And that’s it. You’re just going to let everyone down.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll explain it to my mother. I’ll tell her that I have two left feet.”

Ella crossed her arms as frown lines etched deeper into her fair complexion. “You can stop your pity party, or whatever has you acting like this. You’re not walking out on me and these lessons.” She poked a finger into his chest. “We both have obligations to fulfill, and you’re not about to force me to let people down—people who are counting on me.”

“Who’s counting on you?”

“Your mother, for one. Johnny, for another. Did you see his math test this week?”

Tony nodded. “His grades are starting to come up.”

“And I’m not about to quit on him. You made an agreement with me, and I expect you to hold up your end of it.”

Her change of attitude surprised him. In any other situation, he might have taken her insistence on continuing their lessons as an admission of her interest in him, but he knew better. She was just doing what she had to do to help Johnny and to keep a roof over her head.

Tony shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “What if I could find you another partner?”

A light shone in her eyes. The idea appealed to her, and suddenly he hated the idea. But that made no sense. He didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to dance. So then why did the thought of her in another man’s arms dig at him?

“Chief Granger,” Ella said, her tone firm, as though he were one of her students. Hands on hips, she frowned at him. “You have an important fundraiser to consider, and the whole town is counting on the fire department to help raise funds to rebuild this town. So suck it up and get your dancing feet back in there. We have a dance to practice, and we’re wasting time out here.”

He’d never seen her so bold. He now understood how she kept a bunch of rowdy kids under control. His resolve cracked beneath her determined stare. She was right. The town was counting on this contest being a success, including his mother.

“Yes, ma’am.” He moved to the studio door and pulled it open. “After you.”

Her renewed determination and professionalism drove Tony to try his best to catch on to the moves. By the end of the lesson, they’d perfected their execution of the Texas two-step. In fact, Josie clapped when they finished. And Tony found himself resisting the urge to grin. He didn’t want either of the women to know how much this accomplishment meant to him. If only he had the same success while dealing with Johnny.

“That wasn’t so bad, now was it?” Ella asked.

He shook his head. At last, he was making real progress. “In fact, it was pretty good.”

“I agree.” Her words said one thing, but her expression said the opposite.

“Then why are you frowning?”

“It’s not the dance. I was thinking of Johnny and Patch. I feel so bad about separating them. He’s still not speaking to me, which makes the tutoring sessions a real challenge.” She eyed Tony as though wanting to say something more, but hesitated.

“Okay, out with it,” he said. “What’s going through that mind of yours?”

“Remember how I promised Johnny he could play with the puppy every now and then?” When Tony nodded, she continued, “Would you consider bringing Johnny to my cabin this weekend so he can see that Patch is safe and happy?”

“I don’t know.” Tony paused. “I’m not so sure letting Johnny see the puppy again so soon will help. It’s likely to bum him out even more.”

“I had the same concerns, but after seeing him at tutoring, something needs to lift his spirits. If you have another suggestion of how to ease his misery, I’d like to hear it.”

He’d already racked his brain trying to find some way to make this situation better for Johnny, but he’d failed to come up with anything viable. Her suggestion actually had some merit. “When did you want to do this?”

“Does tomorrow at noon work for you?”

Instead of putting distance between them, they were continually being thrown together, it seemed. Still, he had Johnny to consider, and his happiness was more important than the conflict Tony had with Ella.

“It’s a date.” Talk about a poor choice of words.

He followed Ella outside, where they ran into Cord, a firefighter and lifelong friend of Tony’s. Cord was accompanied by his girlfriend, Alexis. “Hey, Cord. This is the last place I expected to find you.”

“And I’ve got you to blame.” The man poked Tony’s chest.

“Me?” Tony feigned innocence. “I don’t recall asking you to dance.”

“Humph. You set an example, and now all the women think their men should turn into Fred Astaire.”

Tony chuckled. “It’s for a good cause, right?”

Cord rolled his eyes, causing Tony to laugh harder.

“Okay, enough laughter at my expense.” Cord eyed Ella. “So are you going to introduce us to your friend?”

“Oh, yes.” He glanced at her. “This is Ella Morgan. She’s teaching at the elementary school. Ella, these are my friends Alexis and Cord.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Alexis said. “I heard through the gossip mill you were taking over the position at the school for Mrs. Vega.” Alexis smiled and extended her hand. “I’m Alexis Greer. I’m also new in town.”

“Good to meet you.” Ella shook the woman’s hand. “But I’m only going to be at the school until summer break. Well, that is, unless I get hired on permanently.”

“I have a feeling you’ll have a long future in Whistle Stop.” Alexis’s gaze swung over to Tony. “This place has a way of drawing people in and making them feel at home.”

Cord cleared his throat. “Nice to meet you, but I wish it was under different circumstances.” His brow furrowed as he glanced up at Josie’s studio. “Lexi laid down the law and said this was our chance to learn to dance like those stars on television. She thinks it might come in handy if I can ever convince her to make me respectable and take a stroll down the aisle with me.”

Alexis’s mouth gaped open before she elbowed him. They all broke out in laughter. Tony envied their easy playfulness. Not that he needed anyone like Alexis. He was just fine on his own. All he needed was his horse and the wide-open landscape.

“Apparently, Alexis likes to take chances with her toes.” Tony smiled, thinking they truly did make the perfect couple—if there was such a thing.

“I always live on the edge with this guy.” Alexis stuck her hand through the crook of Cord’s arm. “After all, I traded in my business suits for him, didn’t I?”

Cord eyed them. “So I hear you two are the competition to beat.”

“Who? Us?” Tony couldn’t believe that anyone would consider them competition. He glanced over at Ella. She was good. He was the one holding her back. Guilt gnawed at him.

The four of them stood there, talking about the dance contest, for a couple of minutes. Both women were excited about it. And both men were dreading getting all dressed up and dancing in front of the town.

“Well”—Cord checked his watch—“time to live dangerously. You two have a good evening.”

Once they said good-bye, Ella unlocked her car door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He paused and gazed into her eyes. He should say something to get her to stay—to have a late dinner with him. Instead, he heard himself say, “See you then.”

Why did it feel like they were turning some sort of corner in their relationship? When they’d been talking with Cord and Alexis, it was like they belonged together. But how could that be?

He wasn’t even sure what label to put on this thing between them. Then again, it was probably best not to analyze it too much. It’d only lead him into trouble, and that was something he’d had enough of for one lifetime.

CHAPTER TEN

P
atch’s insistent bark acted as Ella’s fuzzy alarm clock the next morning. She stretched out an arm. Her hand ran over the empty pillow next to her. Her eyes fluttered open, and she was momentarily blinded by the brilliant sunshine streaming through the cabin windows. She blinked. She glanced around the room, finding herself all alone except for Patch. There was no sign of Tony. Then she realized he’d only been a dream—a very vivid dream. A frustrated sigh escaped her lips as she recalled the prior evening.

She could no longer deny it. She wanted to get close to him. After all, he was handsome and kind. And every time she saw him with his nephew, struggling to get the parent thing right, she fell for him a little more.

As a cool breeze rushed through the cracks in the roof, she ran her hands up the uneven skin of her forearms. The scars were a brutal reminder that she had to keep her distance from the sexy cowboy. Once men saw her unblemished face, they expected the rest of her to match. She couldn’t stand the thought of Tony turning away from her.

A frustrated groan slipped past her lips. Why did it always come down to her physical imperfections? Was there a man out there willing to see beyond her body and care about who she was on the inside? Could Tony be that man?

These questions tumbled through her mind as she threw back the blanket in order to get on with her morning routine. She couldn’t deny that she wanted someone special in her life—someone with whom to do things and share her innermost thoughts. Yet, when she’d thought she’d found Mr. Maybe, he’d turned out to be Mr. Shallow.

Once she’d showered and fed the puppy, who settled on the couch for a mid-morning nap, Ella glanced around the room. It was time to make this place homier.

She retrieved a moving box from the spare bedroom and used a kitchen knife to slice open the top. Opening the flap, she retrieved a tissue-paper-wrapped object from the top. Having no clue what it might be, she pulled back the paper to reveal a silver frame. She found herself staring at a picture of herself at the age of ten, sitting on the monkey bars next to her little brother. She recalled the sunny day with crystal clarity. Her mom had just been hired as a waitress, and they’d celebrated at a local park.

Ella’s fingers traced her brother’s grinning profile before she hugged the picture to her chest. The piercing sadness and guilt, which at one point had threatened to crush her with its enormity, had faded into a dull ache in her chest. She inhaled a deep breath before placing the frame in the center of the fireplace mantel. After unwrapping a few other pictures, she settled them around the special one of her brother. She made adjustments here and there, until at last they were just as she wanted them.

Ella settled on the couch next to Patch. She stroked her hand over his side, and he exhaled a loud sigh but didn’t otherwise move. This place was definitely starting to feel like home. It just needed a little more TLC. A gust of wind rattled the windows, and the loose parts of the roof banged repeatedly.

Patch jumped up, startled.

“It’s okay.” Ella worked to calm him.

Okay, this place needs a lot of work
.

After petting Patch for a couple of minutes, she bent over and placed a kiss atop his head. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

Just then there was a knock at the door. Not expecting Tony until later, she rushed to the door, curious. A smile tugged at her lips when she spotted Tracey standing on the porch.

Ella swung the door wide open. “Good morning. What are you doing out and about?”

“Enjoying the mountain air and sunshine.” Tracey made her way inside and over to one of the stools at the kitchen counter. “And what has you beaming so brightly today?”

“Who? Me?” She was beaming? Really?

“Yes, you. This is the happiest I’ve seen you since you moved back.”

Ella shrugged. “Can’t a girl just be in a good mood?”

Tracey sent her a knowing smile, but she let the subject drop. “I was thinking of grilling today. Would you like to come over for the afternoon?”

“I’d love to, but I can’t.” Ella bit back her next words.

“What are you up to?”

She didn’t want Tracey making more of the situation than was necessary. “Getting ready for company. Johnny is coming over to play with Patch.”

“Really?” Tracey’s tone was definitely one of interest. “So Tony Granger is going to spend the day with you?”

“No, he isn’t. He’s only stopping by so his nephew can play with Patch.” Ella wished her friend wouldn’t make a big deal out of Tony’s visit.

The Saturday morning rays peeked through the kitchen window and highlighted her friend’s animated face. Ella wished she’d never mentioned the visit. Though Tracey had a good heart and meant no harm, Ella wasn’t up for being needled about Tony, especially after her dream this morning.

“Are you
sure
that’s they only reason he’s coming over?”

“Even if I had some crazy fantasy about him, you’re the one who told me that he’s off-limits. A genuine confirmed bachelor, remember? And before you say anything, I’m not interested in hooking up with anyone, and that includes that sexy cowboy.”

“Ah, so you admit it. You are attracted to him.” Tracey grinned at her.

Ella busied herself by refilling her coffee mug rather than continuing the ridiculous conversation. “Can I get you something to drink? I’m afraid all I can offer is coffee or water.”

“Water’s good.”

Ella filled a glass and placed it in front of her friend.

Tracey took a sip, then set the glass aside. “You know, you two would be perfect together.”

Ella ignored the way her friend’s suggestion created a warm spot in her chest. “How do you get that?”

“You have the same goals. Maybe I was wrong to steer you away from him. Perhaps he’s exactly what you need to break you out of this shell you’re hiding behind.” Tracey took another sip of water.

“I’m not hiding.”

No one would want her when they found out about her past. Her grandmother had tolerated her because there was no one else to take her in, but the woman never let her forget she was the reason her family was dead. The coffee sloshed in her stomach, making her nauseated. This door into her past had been slammed shut and nailed closed years ago. She wasn’t going to open it again for some guy. She wasn’t going to explain how she’d become disfigured.

“Tell yourself what you want,” Tracey said, “but secluding yourself isn’t the right answer for what’s bothering you.”

“I’m not secluded. I have Patch.”

Tracey rolled her eyes. “The puppy’s cute, but he’s no replacement for a hot, sexy man.”

Her friend was right, but Ella refused to encourage her in any way. “Tony and I are never going to happen. He made it crystal clear that he isn’t interested in being more than dance partners.”

“So you have thought about hooking up with him.” Tracey’s eyes lit up. “Maybe there’s hope for you two after all. But you should know you’ll have your work cut out if you want to break through his crusty shell. Ever since Jessie, he hasn’t been in a serious relationship. Rumor has it he’s waiting for her to come back. I don’t know if I believe that, not after the way she walked out on him when he needed her the most.”

The thought of Tony pining away for his ex-girlfriend had Ella gripping her coffee cup tighter. “I don’t have any intention of threatening his bachelor status.”

The phone rang, and she welcomed the interruption. When she heard Tony’s tense voice on the other end, she grew concerned as she tried to follow his clipped dialogue.

Before the phone even hit the receiver, Tracey asked, “What’s the matter?”

“It was Tony. He and Johnny aren’t going to make it today.”

“Why not?”

“There’s some sort of emergency at the ranch. Someone’s hurt.”

Worry lines etched Tracey’s olive-skinned face. Her arm wrapped protectively around her unborn child. “Did he say who?”

Ella shook her head. She knew Tracey was thinking of her husband, Mike, who was a ranch hand. She wished she could ease her friend’s stress. “He didn’t give me any details.”

The line between Tracey’s thin brows deepened. “I better go. I didn’t tell Mike I was stopping over here. If he gets home and I’m not there, he’ll worry.” She got to her feet. “Did I tell you that ever since I told him I was pregnant, he makes a point of coming home for lunch every day?”

“That’s so sweet.”

“It’d be cute if he didn’t coddle me quite so much. He’s worse than a mother hen.”

Tony’s image came to mind. Something told her he wouldn’t be a bachelor forever, and when his wife was pregnant that he’d dote on her, too. The thought of him settling down with another woman—with his ex—left a sour taste in her mouth.

Ella followed Tracey to the door. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

“I hope so.”

Ella stood on the porch and waited until Tracey safely made her way to the road. With a final wave good-bye, Ella stepped inside and closed the door. There was work to be done.

She might as well get busy. There was more unpacking to do. She headed to the spare bedroom and lugged a heavy box to the living room. Patch woke up and barked. He did his best to assist her by trampling all of the discarded newspaper that had been used as packing material. While the puppy amused himself, she uncovered a picture of her grandparents at their fortieth-anniversary dinner. She carried it to the bookshelves and placed it in front of a complete set of Zane Grey novels her grandfather used to read in the evening out on the porch.

She returned to the box and removed a carved jewelry box. Lifting the lid, she stared at her grandmother’s diamond engagement ring. When Gran had become bedridden, she’d handed the ring to Ella and insisted she keep the stunning piece of jewelry safe.

Until that point, Ella had never seen the ring before, let alone known her grandmother owned such a fancy piece of jewelry. Ella had grudgingly accepted the ring that had been handed down through the generations. But she didn’t like what it represented—her grandmother giving up on her fight to beat cancer. Though she and her grandmother had endured a very rocky relationship, she loved her grandmother and had hated the thought of being all alone in this world.

Ella stared at the sparkling gem, and a crazy idea took shape. Could this be the answer she’d been looking for? Could Gran’s ring provide the money she needed to make the necessary repairs to the cabin? But could Ella go back on her word to her grandmother to keep it in the family? Before stressing herself out about parting with the heirloom, she decided to get it appraised. At least then she’d know her options.

After returning the ring to the velvet-lined box, she stashed it at the bottom of her bedroom closet. Even in this safe community, she couldn’t afford to take any chances. It was the only thing of value she owned.

A knock sent her rushing back to the living room. Patch barked and raced to the door. Strange. She wasn’t expecting company, and her place was too far out of the way for a salesperson.

A glance out the little window didn’t reveal anyone. A knock sounded again. Cautiously, she opened the door a crack and spotted Johnny. His dark hair was mussed with a couple of small pieces of straw mixed in. His jeans and T-shirt were rumpled, as though he’d been rolling around in the barn.

“Hi.” She yanked the door wide open. “Johnny? Is everything all right?” She craned her neck to search for Tony, who was nowhere in sight.

“I came to play with Patch like we agreed.”

She stepped out onto the porch to get a better view of the rutted driveway, but she found only her own little coupe. How in the world had Johnny gotten out here by himself?

Turning around, she noticed the boy had slipped past her and entered the cabin. He plunked down on the floor and started to pet the dog, who in turn climbed into the boy’s lap and lathered him with kisses.

Johnny turned a grinning face to her. “He remembers me.”

“Sure he does.” She recalled her conversation with Tony. She was certain he hadn’t said anything about dropping the boy off. “Johnny, where’s your uncle?”

The boy didn’t move except to continue to scratch under the puppy’s chin.

“Johnny, look at me.” She waited until he made direct eye contact. “Where’s your uncle?”

His gaze slid to the floor as he continued petting the puppy. She’d never gain Johnny’s full attention with the dog distracting him. She approached them and scooped Patch into her arms.

“Johnny, where is your uncle? He must be worried about you.”

“He was too busy to come.”

Johnny’s acknowledgment confirmed her suspicion—the boy had run away. Worry, combined with anger, consumed her when she thought of the risks Johnny had taken getting to the mountain. Ella had an urge to make it abundantly clear the risk he’d taken, but at the same time she wanted to gather him in her arms and hug him, relieved that he was safe.

“Who’s supposed to be watching you while your uncle is working?” When he didn’t answer, she said, “Tell me.”

“Doesn’t matter.” His face scrunched up, and his eyes darkened with anger. “None of them care about me, or they’d let me visit Patch.”