Dance Like Nobody's Watching (Summer Lake 3) Page 14

  “Well, I can't hold your hand on the way, but I can be here waiting when you get back, okay?”

  She nodded, “I'd like that.”

  “Me too. And you know Scot will be fine with me. We've got big plans of our own for today.”

  Missy's heart filled up. She still couldn't believe how lucky they were. Dan was wonderful for Scot, and she was starting to realize how wonderful he was for her too.

  ***

  Dan followed Missy down the steps onto the tarmac. Despite the fact that they hadn't gone out for dinner, or gone dancing, or done any of the things he'd planned, it had been a great night. He grinned, the best night. Having Missy over to his place had reinforced everything he was starting to believe. All those things that were supposed to make him feel good about himself really didn't. The success, the company, the apartment, the car.... Hmm, maybe the car, but all the rest, none of it made him feel good. Missy did. Being here did.

  Scot burst out of the building and came running towards them as they got off the golf cart. Missy smiled and held her arms out, but he ran straight past her, barreling into Dan and wrapping his arms around his waist.

  “Dan, Dan, Dan, I beat your high score! I did it!”

  Dan laughed and ruffled Scot's hair. “Way to go, champ!” He looked at Missy, afraid she'd be hurt at being bypassed, but she smiled happily at the two of them. “I guess we're going to have to battle it out now, then?”

  Scot grinned up at him. “Nah. We don't need to play today. I want you to help me with code, remember?” He stuck his tongue out. “Let me stay champion for a while, ’til you knock me off the top spot again?”

  “Hmm, I suppose.” Dan grinned. He loved spending time with Scot, and although all this hugging was a new development, he was liking it, too.”

  “Erm, hello?” said Missy. “Any chance I could get one of those?”

  “Oh. Sorry.” Scot gave his mom a quick hug. “So.” He looked from her to Dan and back. “Did you guys have a good time? Are you going to start seeing each other, for real?”

  Dan caught Missy's eye. “We did and we are. As long as that's okay with you?”

  “Okay?” Scot's eyes were wide. “I've been keeping my fingers crossed all night!” He gave Missy a playful grin. “She can be a bit annoying sometimes, but she's pretty cool, for a girl.”

  Missy laughed indignantly. “Thanks! I think!”

  “She's very cool for a girl,” said Dan. “Most of them don't make much sense to me, but your mom's different. I like her.”

  As they walked into the building he placed a hand on the back of Missy's neck and squeezed gently. “I like her a lot,” he said, as she leaned against him.

  ***

  Dan and Scot stood with Jack and Pete after they had waved the girls off on their shopping trip. Dan wished Missy could buy herself a whole bunch of new clothes instead of just an angel costume. He had no idea how to broach that subject though, so hadn't gone anywhere near it. Maybe over time she'd let him buy her things, as gifts? It was nearly her birthday. She was beautiful, no matter what she wore, but it had made him feel sad to see her with Emma and Holly. They both wore logos of expensive brands even he recognized, while she was in her worn and patched jeans. She deserved so much more, and he wanted to give it to her.

  Jack snapped his fingers in front of Dan's face. “You coming, little bro?”

  Dan shook his head, attempting to catch up with the present. He turned to Scot. “What do you say, champ? Want to get some brunch with the guys before we get to it?”

  Scot grinned. “Pancakes?”

  “Sure, pancakes.”

  “Okay then, yes please.”

  Dan smiled to himself. Missy always reminded Scot about his manners, yet as soon as she was out of earshot, the kid's manners were impeccable.”

  “Come on. We can take your mom's van so we can come get her tonight.”

  Dan looked around the table. Ben had joined them at what he'd come to think of as their table on the back deck over the lake. He'd never felt at home in a group of men, but he did here. Had for months now. Of course, it helped that these were all men he liked and respected.

  “I have to ask.” Jack grinned at him. “Do I need to add you and Missy to our table at the dinner next month?”

  Dan pursed his lips. Jack and Pete hosted a huge fundraiser every year. Jack always tried to talk him into going, but Dan squirmed out of it by making a large donation instead. For the last couple of years he'd also paid for his attorney, Leanne to attend. She loved those kinds of events whereas he just felt uncomfortable and avoided them whenever possible. But this might be different. He looked around the table. “Do you think she'd enjoy it?”

  “She'd love it!” Pete and Ben both spoke at the same time.

  “Believe me,” said Ben. “Miss absolutely loves any chance to get all dressed up and go out. It's not like she gets many opportunities, but when she does...man!”

  Dan looked at Jack. “In that case, I guess we're in.”

  Jack grinned. “Excellent! You'll enjoy it, little bro. You really will.”

  “As long as Missy does. That's what matters.” He looked at Ben. “Do you usually go?”

  “It depends. I probably won't this time. It's no fun at a table full of couples and I don't have a pretty lady tucked away anywhere.”

  “Well, if you'd be interested in escorting a stunning lady, that could be arranged.”

  He had Ben's full attention now. “Describe stunning.”

  Dan laughed.

  “Leanne?” asked Jack.

  “Yep,” replied Dan.

  Jack looked at Ben. “She'd eat you for breakfast, bud.”

  “Yeah, but you'd die a happy man.” Pete laughed.

  “I say again, describe stunning,” said Ben.

  “Okay. Long blonde hair, big blue eyes, she's curvy in all the right places, beautiful face, beautiful person.”

  Ben looked puzzled. “And you're not interested?”

  “God, no!” Dan pulled a face. “I can see that she's technically beautiful, but I don't feel it. To me she's a study buddy. We met in college. Two misfits together. We weren't cool enough for the cool kids or geeky enough for the geeks, so we stuck together. She's the company attorney.” He stopped himself. “Well, I guess she's my attorney now. She'll no doubt be up here over the next few weeks. I'll introduce you.”

  Ben nodded. “I'll look forward to it.”

  Dan's train of thought went back to Missy, though. “Is it black tie?”

  Jack laughed. “Yeah. Same as every year. Why?”

  “What does that mean for women?”

  He was surprised that, of all of them, Pete was the one who understood what he was thinking.

  “Don't worry about it, we'll talk to Holly. Clothes are her thing.” He grinned ruefully. “Especially expensive dresses!”

  Dan laughed. “Great, thanks. I'll talk to her.”

  Ben's phone rang. He checked the screen and sighed. “Sorry, guys. I need to take this, I’ll be back.” He walked away to take the call.

  “Have we got any plans for tonight?” asked Jack.

  Dan didn't know what Missy thought, but he hoped they'd be spending it together.

  “Holly had suggested that we all eat here when they get back,” said Pete. “They're usually worn out after shopping in the city.” He grinned. “I'm seeing dinner here, a hot tub and an early night on my horizon.”

  Jack laughed. “I promise I won't disturb you this time, partner. How about you?” he asked Dan. “Do you two tech guys have any plans to come up for air?”

  “I'm going to Ethan's tonight,” Scot piped up. “If you don't mind taking me?”

  Dan frowned. “Does your mom know?”

  “Err, I thought you could tell her?”

  “How about you call and ask her? If she says it's okay I'll take you.”

  Scot grinned. “Okay, but you know if I go, you have to keep her company, right?”

  “I think I can manage that
.” He'd look forward to it.

  Ben returned to the table looking agitated.

  “S'up, buddy?” asked Pete.

  “Ah, nothing. You know the old DeWinter place at the end of Main?”

  “That's the one at the very end, with the big dock?” asked Pete.

  “Yeah, that's the one. When Mrs. DeWinter passed on last year, her kids sold the place. The people who bought it thought it was a straight, by the numbers investment. They put it in the rental program with the resort. I did tell them it's not a guaranteed program, but they're disappointed with the return they made over the summer. They want to sell it on before the quiet season. I've told them they're asking too much, especially if they want a quick sale at this time of year. But of course they don't want to hear it. They call every couple of days. Drive me nuts!”

  Dan pictured the beautiful, big house he'd spotted on his breakfast run last weekend. “Does it have a For Sale sign?” he asked.

  “Yep,” said Ben. “The only place on Main with a sign in the yard.”

  It was that house then. “How much are they asking?”

  “Way too much,” said Ben.

  “How much is too much?” asked Jack with a gleam in his eye. He was looking at Dan and apparently seeing every thought in his head. He'd always been able to do that. “House prices are a little different here than they are in San Jose.”

  Dan smiled.

  “Six-fifty,” said Ben.

  Dan's smile spread into a huge grin. “Is that all?”

  “I know that's peanuts in your world, but up here it just won't sell for that,” said Ben.

  “I'm guessing it might,” said Jack with a grin.

  “Can I give you a call this afternoon?” Dan asked.

  “Sure.” Ben's phone rang again. “I'll catch you later,” he said as he stood up.

  “So what are you thinking, little bro? Want to talk about it?” asked Jack.

  “You know me,” replied Dan. “Think first, talk later. How about I call l you and we'll meet up before the girls get back?” He looked at Scot, who had finished his pancakes and was starting to get fidgety. “I think we need to be getting to work, huh, champ?”

  “Yep. Let's go. Laters Uncle Jack, Uncle Pete.” Scot scampered off while Dan reached for his wallet.

  “I've got this,” said Jack. “But make sure you call me later?” He raised an eyebrow. “We need to talk.”

  Dan smiled and nodded. He did want to talk to his brother. He thought Jack would be pretty happy about what he was thinking.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Emma emerged from the dressing room rolling her eyes. Missy had to laugh.

  “Err, I don't think so, Em!”

  “Tell me about it! I'd be okay in a school nativity, but it's not quite the look I was after for your birthday party.” Emma had tried on an angel costume that would indeed be more appropriate in a school play.

  “You could be the fairy godmother?” suggested Holly.

  “Shut up!” laughed Emma. “You're just too smug cos you already found the perfect costume. It's easy with your figure though.”

  Holly did look amazing in the short silvery shift she'd found to go with glittery little wings. Missy was enjoying herself immensely. She'd tried on a quite a few costumes, but she and Emma were finding the same problem. They were both shorter and curvier than Holly. Most of the costumes Missy had tried made her feel like she belonged on top of a Christmas tree. What she hoped to find was a costume that made her feel like she belonged in the arms of a tall, dark, handsome cowboy. She smiled to herself, knowing Dan's arms fit the bill perfectly.

  “I'm going to try this one,” she said.

  Holly looked skeptically at the dress she held up. “If you say so, but I think it's another dud.”

  “We'll see,” said Missy and drew the curtain behind her. This outfit didn't look like much on the hanger, but she had a feeling it might just work. It was sheer netting, covered in tiny golden sparkles. As she wiggled into it, she thought she might need something in a larger size. It was figure hugging, for sure. And short. Damn! It barely covered her ass. She looked in the mirror. Wow! It clung to her. Well, double damn! She grinned as she took in the halo, it was completely lopsided—that seemed appropriate considering the effect she hoped it would have on Dan. She twirled in front of the mirror. This was it! She felt like a million dollars and sexy as all get out. Not something she was used to, but she liked it.

  “Ta-dah!” she cried, flinging the curtain back.

  “Oh, my God!” squealed Holly. “Who are you and what have you done with Missy?”

  Emma clasped her hands together. “Oh, Miss! You're so beautiful! There won't be any mistaking whose party it is. You'll be the belle of the ball.”

  Missy grinned. She was used to taking a backseat to her friends when it came to dressing up. She didn’t have the looks or the wardrobes they did. But boy! This costume did great things for her and she knew it. “Isn't it wonderful?” she asked. “For once I won't feel like the dowdy old aunt around you two.”

  “What?” cried Holly. “Sweetie, you cannot be serious that you ever feel like that?”

  Missy laughed. “No need to be kind about it, hon. You're Miss Long and Lean, the hottie. Then we've got Blonde and Bubbly Barbie here.” She nodded her head towards Emma. “I know I'm just the tag-along usually. My point was that in this get-up I do feel like the birthday girl and not the poor relation for once.”

  Holly looked stunned. Emma less so. Emma had been one of her best friends since they were kids. She knew how Missy felt.

  “But, sweetie,” said Holly. “You are soooo beautiful! You have to know this? And your figure? Damn, girl! In the right clothes you have more to show off than the rest of us put together. As that costume is proving. Just look at you!”

  Missy did glance at the mirror, and had to smile. “It is wonderful, but it's a one-off birthday thing. The rest of the time, while the two of you swan around in your designer labels, the only names I do are Lee and Levi. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, just stating the obvious.”

  “But....” Holly seemed determined to continue with her argument, but Emma cut her off.

  “There's no point arguing with her. I've been telling her for over twenty years. If our Miss is anything, she's stubborn. So just be grateful she's admitting how amazing she looks in that costume.” She grinned at Missy. “And I can't wait to see Dan's face when he sees you. The poor guy won't know what to do with himself!”

  Holly laughed. “The poor guy never knows what to do with himself. He's so sweet and so quiet.”

  “Oh, he knows what to do with himself alright!” Missy spoke before she thought about it.

  Emma laughed. “And by the looks of that smile, he knows how to do it very well too, right?”

  Missy nodded happily. She'd managed to avoid most of their questions this morning, but Holly saying Dan didn’t know what to do with himself had triggered a defensiveness in her. He may come off as quiet and shy, but she knew better.

  “So?” asked Holly. She and Emma looked at her expectantly.

  “What?” she asked, knowing that big, silly grin was plastered on her face.

  Emma laughed. “If I know you.... You're not going to say much, but your face is giving it all away, Miss.”

  She nodded. “Let's just say, I think he's wonderful.”

  “And seeing the two of you together this morning, I'd say that feeling is mutual,” said Holly. “Which is weird. You two are the least likely couple I can think of.”

  “Why's that?” Missy felt defensive again, this time about herself. “You mean cos he's so smart?”

  Holly shook her head. “Come on, sweetie. You know I don't mean that. I mean he's so quiet, while you're so outgoing. You're the life of the party, while he rarely says much. You're practical, while he's intellectual. If someone gets out of line you tell it like it is, while he walks away and says nothing. You're so cute together, though. You bring out the best in each
other. He talks more when you're around.” She grinned. “And when he talks, you actually shut up and listen!”

  Missy smiled. It was all true. “Yeah. It doesn't make any sense, does it? But he's wonderful! You know what I'm like. I always felt the need to compete with the guys. I have to shout Pete down when he starts. Show them I'm just as strong and capable as they are. But Dan feels so different. I just relax around him. I feel like it's all okay, just because he's there.” She smiled as she remembered the feel of his hand on the back of her neck. She'd never wanted, or believed she needed, a man to take care of her, never understood how her friends could turn into helpless little women when a big, strong man entered the picture. Now she was starting to understand it—and to like it.

  Emma smiled at her knowingly. “I'd still lay odds on you becoming my sister-in-law. I've never seen you like this.”

  “Em, honey. He's wonderful. I admit it. I'm smitten with the man, okay? But that? No! Even if I wanted to.” Which she wasn't going to admit she had considered. “It wouldn't be fair to him. He needs to meet someone he can marry and have kids with. You know how good he is with Scot. He needs to have kids of his own. I'm past all that. I'm a couple of years older than him, but it's not about the age, it's about where we are in life. He's got it all ahead of him. I've got most of it behind me.”

  Emma frowned at her. “Does he even want kids?”

  “I don't know. Why would he not? Look at the rest of you. That's what you're all planning, plus it's the standard thing to do at our age. I'm the non-standard one.”

  “I'd hardly describe Dan as standard,” said Holly. “Maybe you should talk to him about it?”

  Missy rolled her eyes. “And say what? Dan, honey, I know we've only been on one date, but what are your thoughts on babies and a family? I don't think so. We're just going to date for a while. You have to remember that he lives hundreds of miles away and has a business there too. He'd never leave all that, and you know I'd never leave the lake. It doesn't have to be about forever, just about enjoying it for now.” She didn't want to think about it ending, about it not being forever. “Now, can we get back to admiring my ass in this costume? Cos I've gotta say, I'm looking pretty damned hot!”