Dance Like Nobody's Watching (Summer Lake 3) Read online

  Dan grinned and spoke in the Texan drawl he'd mostly lost over the last ten years. “Yes sir, thankin' you kindly sir. Just a pair of good-ole, down-home, southern boys.”

  “Oh, my God!” cried Holly. “That is so damned sexy. Do it again!”

  Dan laughed as Pete nearly choked on his beer. “Excuse me? Fiancée of mine!”

  Holly laughed at him. “Sorry, Bigshot, but that is damned sexy!”

  “S'true partner,” Jack drawled. “All the purdy lil’ ladies sure do love us country boys.”

  Emma smiled at him. “They most certainly do, Tex.”

  Missy laughed. “Okay between this conversation and this song, I just decided the theme for the party.”

  Everyone went quiet to listen to the band. Dan recognized the song immediately. He smiled at Missy. “Cowboys and Angels?”

  “Yep! It's great, don't you think?”

  He did.

  “I reckon that'll work for us little bro, don't you?” asked Jack.

  Dan grinned. “Sure do. Tall, dark and Texan.”

  “Oh, I can go for that,” said Missy.”

  “I can live with it,” said Pete.

  “What do you think, ladies?” asked Missy.

  “I love it,” said Emma.

  “Me too,” said Holly. “And if we can all get into the city one day, I know the perfect place to get angel costumes.”

  “Slutty angels?” asked Pete hopefully.

  Holly smiled at him. “We'll see.”

  “At least we won't have to search too hard for costumes,” said Pete. “I'll bet you two Texan boys already have something that will work?”

  “Maybe,” replied Jack.

  “Looks like it's just you, me, and Ben shopping for cowboy gear,” said Michael.

  “You'll have time,” said Missy. “And you know what makes it even better?” She looked really happy now. “It means Chance might come to the party since it won't be a costume for him, just work clothes.”

  “Chance is coming?” asked Ben.

  “Yep!” Missy grinned. “I talked to him last week and since my birthday falls on a Saturday he said he'd come for it.”

  “That's fantastic!” said Michael.

  “Chance is really coming?” asked Emma. Her hands were clasped to her chest and she had a dreamy look on her face.

  Missy laughed. “Yes, Em, he's really coming.”

  “Oh, Miss, that's the best news I've heard in ages! I get to see Chance!”

  “Um, hello, wifey?” Jack put an arm around Emma's shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. It didn't shift the rapturous look on her face, though. “Hello? Your husband is sitting right here, remember?”

  “Oh!” Jack laughed as Emma's hand came up to cover her mouth. “Oops! Sorry. But it's Chance!”

  Jack looked at Missy. “Who is this Chance character? And do I need to worry?”

  “He's my big brother,” said Missy proudly. “He is wonderful. You can't blame Em. He has that effect on everyone.”

  “Yeah,” said Ben. “You need to lock up your women when Chance is around. He's awesome.”

  Jack raised his eyebrows at Pete, who laughed. “Sorry, partner. You really can't hold it against Em. I think even I have a crush on him. He's just one of those guys, you know? Good looking, good guy. He was like the home town hero, captain of the football team, played guitar, sang.” Pete paused and looked at Missy. “Then there's the tragic past that makes him a little bit mysterious, a little bit dangerous. He left town years ago on a Harley, but his legend lives on.”

  “Ooh,” Holly grinned, “I can see the appeal.”

  Michael laughed. “You really do need to lock up your women when Chance hits town. Dan's the only that's safe.”

  Dan was surprised by that. Michael gave him a small nod and a friendly smile. How about that? Dan smiled back, relieved that he didn't need to worry about Chance, or Michael.

  “I don't need locking up,” said Emma. “I'm perfectly happy with my own cowboy, especially if he'll dance with me?”

  Jack grinned as he got up from the table. “Want to come scoot some boots, bro?”

  Dan stood and looked down at Missy. “Does the little lady want a turn around the floor?”

  Missy nodded happily and followed him. Out on the dance-floor, Dan curled an arm around her waist, glad for the excuse to hold her again.

  “I didn't realize you were such a dancer. You surprised me with the Latin stuff at Em's bachelorette party, then ballroom at the wedding, now you're a country boy too?”

  Dan smiled. “You never asked.” He loved to dance. It was a skill Jack had shared with him in his junior year of high school.

  Missy gave him a mischievous grin. “Seems I need to start asking about your many hidden talents, don't I?”

  He held her a little closer. “You can ask, or I'm sure I'll get round to showing you soon enough.”

  ***

  Missy's body reacted to his words, even as her mind struggled to believe them. She was enjoying seeing more of his true personality. She was used to him being quiet, but was beginning to realize that he wasn't really shy. He said what he wanted to, and what he meant.

  “I'll look forward to that.” She rested a hand against his chest.

  He covered it with his own, his eyes twinkling down at her. “Not as much as I will.”

  The band launched into a new song and his hands dropped to her waist. He pulled her hips against his so she could have no doubt what he was talking about. The feel of him pressing against her like that sent shockwaves coursing through her. It had been a long time. She panicked and looked around. She shouldn't be feeling like this. He wasn't free yet. What would the others think? She tried to break away from him, but he only held her closer.

  “Dan! We shouldn't. I can't. Everybody's looking.”

  He dropped his head to bring his mouth next to her ear. The feel of his breath on her neck, his lean body pressed against her, made her feel dizzy, her breath shallow. She closed her eyes and leaned into him, panic forgotten as he overwhelmed her senses.

  “It doesn't matter who's looking, Miss.” He stroked her hair away from her ear. She trembled all over as his lips touched her ear when he spoke again. “You've gotta dance like nobody's watching.” He rested his lips against her hair. She kept her eyes closed, giving herself up to him and all the sensations he filled her with, as he moved her body to the music. All she could do was cling to him. If this was what dancing with him did to her, she could only hope to survive if they took it any further.

  When they returned to the table, Missy caught a few raised eyebrows, but none of them looked disapproving. And why should they? She and Dan had done nothing wrong. Yet.

  Emma was sitting in Jack's lap. “What do you think, Miss? We're all going to head back up to North Cove. Do you want to come?” she asked.

  “No thanks, Mouse. I'm about ready to keel over. I'm going to call it a night and head home.”

  “Lightweight!” said Michael. “What happened to my little hell-raiser?”

  “Life. Motherhood. Bills. Responsibilities. Need I go on?”

  Michael’s teasing smile vanished. “No, sorry critter. I guess not.”

  She felt bad; she hadn't meant to shoot him down. “No apology needed. I think I’m just a bit worn out around the edges. You know how cranky I can get.”

  Dan stood at her side. “Want me to walk you back?” he asked quietly.

  Oh, the things that voice did to her! She met his eyes. It may not be the best idea to let him come back with her, but the shivers running down her spine tried to convince her that it was. “Yes, please.”

  Missy was pretty sure there were more than raised eyebrows around the table after they left, but so what? Nothing was going to happen. She was just going to enjoy his company a little longer as they walked home. There was nothing wrong with that. She and Dan had been hanging out for months now. He'd stayed at her place plenty of times. Granted, Scot had always been there too, ’til tonight.
r />   Dan put an arm around her shoulders as they walked across the square. He didn't need to say anything. Just like when he'd sat so close to her on the bench earlier, he was silently letting her know he was there for her. She slipped her own arm around his waist. He might not be as tall or as big as Jack or Pete, but he was perfect for her. She fit neatly under his arm.

  “Thanks, Dan. I'm so tired right now, I'm not sure I'd even make it home under my own steam.”

  He squeezed his arm tighter. “Gotta take care of ma lil’ lady,” he drawled.

  Holly was right, it was damned sexy when he talked like that. It did funny things to her stomach—and other places too. “Well the little lady appreciates it, very much.”

  “No worries. We'll get you to bed. You look like you need it.”

  She caught her breath and looked up at him. Was he saying...? The smile playing on his lips told her he was at least thinking about it.

  “I mean like you need the sleep,” he clarified.

  She knew she shouldn't feel so disappointed. “I do.” They walked on in silence.

  For the second night in a row, he stood close behind her as she unlocked her front door. She let them in and went through to the kitchen. He followed, but hovered in the doorway.

  “Do you want a drink?” she asked, then tried to stifle a big yawn.

  He leaned against the doorframe, arms folded. “I'd love to, but I think you need to get some sleep.”

  She nodded. She really was exhausted, but she didn't want their time alone together to end so quickly.

  “Hug goodnight?” he asked, holding his arms out to her. She went to him and he wrapped them around her. She leaned her head against his chest. He felt so good. She chuckled.

  “What?” he asked.

  “This is our first fully clothed hug.”

  He rested his chin on top of her head. “Yeah, I considered whipping my shirt off again.”

  She laughed at that, wishing he had. He brought his mouth to her ear. “I have to keep it on though, Miss. I think, tonight, if the shirt went, everything else would soon follow it.”

  She brought her arms up around his neck and looked deep into his eyes. Her heart fluttered in her chest. She was so tempted to take him upstairs, right now. Even though she knew it was wrong. He stroked his fingers all the way up her spine ’til they caressed the back of her neck. She sighed. If he wanted to, she would happily go with him, no matter how wrong it might be.

  “Miss, if I don't stop now, I'm not going to be able to.”

  She let out a moan as he held her against his arousal. He was so hard. She was already past the point of being able to stop. She wanted him so badly. She'd fantasized about this moment for months. Her phone brought them both back to their senses, the Star Wars theme tune slicing through the tension that had been building. Scot's ring tone. Dan smiled and let her go. She rummaged in her purse.

  “Hey, Scotty!”

  “Hey, Mom. Sorry it got so late.”

  “It doesn't matter. How are you doing? Tell me all about it?” She watched Dan lean against the doorframe, crossing his arms. She wasn't sure if it was regret or relief she felt at the timing of Scot's call. Either way, the most important thing was that he had called.

  “I'm good.” He gave a big yawn into the phone.

  She laughed. “Sounds like it! You going to tell me about it?”

  “Yeah. It's awesome. We made finals, but they're not ’til tomorrow afternoon. We get the morning to work on repairs and mods.”

  “That's great. Are you excited?”

  “Yeah. I'm tired though.” He yawned again. “You mind if I go now, Mom?”

  “Course not. I'm glad you called. Have fun sunbeam.”

  “Mom!”

  “Sorry, honey, but no-one can hear me. Good luck for tomorrow. Enjoy yourself.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Love you, Son.”

  “Love you, Mom. G'night.”

  “G'night, honey.”

  He hung up. At least he'd called and he was happy. Dan smiled at her. “How's our little champ doing?”

  “You know more than I do. That was just the obligatory, 'I'm good, we're doing well, yawn, yawn, bye!'” She rolled her eyes. “He called though.”

  “You are such a wonderful mother, you know.”

  Her heart leapt at that. She tried her best to be, but she wasn't at all sure she succeeded most of the time. “You really think so?”

  He looked stunned. “I don't think so, I know so. You can't seriously doubt it?”

  “I wonder sometimes. It's not always easy to know what the right thing is, but I always try to do it.”

  “You're the best mother I've ever known.”

  That warmed her heart. “Thanks, Dan.” She had to stifle another yawn.

  Dan smiled. “And on that note, I'm going to go.”

  “Go?”

  “Yeah. I'm going to sleep in the RV.”

  “You don't need to do that.”

  “I do, Miss. I think I just proved I can't be trusted. Nothing but Scot could have stopped me just now.”

  Missy nodded. She felt the same. If Dan slept in the guest room, she didn't think she'd be able to stay in her own bed. She wanted another hug, but as she stepped towards him, he shook his head. “I can't do it, Miss. If I hug you now, it'll be game over. I'll see you in the morning.”

  She followed him to the door. He stepped outside and walked to the corner of the house before he turned around. He cocked his head to one side and blew her a kiss. “Good night, Miss. It'll be worth the wait.”

  She blew him a kiss back and watched him disappear down the side of the house. She stood there, half tempted to go after him. She jumped when his head popped back around the corner. He grinned. “Go get some sleep, beautiful. And do us a favor?”

  “What's that?”

  “Make sure you lock all the doors...and windows!”

  She laughed as he disappeared again. She went back inside and only hesitated a moment before locking the door behind her. He was right. It would be worth the wait. She'd waited this long. Though when they would ever have the house to themselves again, she didn't know. She yawned as she made her way up the stairs. She wouldn't have to worry about lying awake thinking about what they could be doing. She needed sleep too badly. She got ready for bed and was asleep minutes after her head hit the pillow.

  ***

  Dan fired up his computer. He needed to distract himself. All these feelings—physical and emotional—were driving him crazy. All he could think about was Missy. Missy laughing. Missy calling him hero. The longing in her eyes when he'd talked about getting her to bed! All he could feel was Missy. Her little arm around his waist as they'd walked home. Her hand on his chest as they'd danced. The length of her body pressed against him in the kitchen just now. He'd wanted to bury his face in her hair when he'd whispered in her ear. He'd wanted to bury himself deep inside her when he'd felt her breasts crushed against his chest. He wanted her so badly it hurt. It hurt in his chest and it hurt in his pants—he had a raging hard-on. It would have been so easy to give in. Even after she got off the phone with Scot. They could have been back to the point of no return in minutes. But it would've been wrong. He didn't feel he owed Olivia his loyalty. Hell, he was fairly certain she hadn't shown him any. Nevertheless, he had his own sense of honor. He didn't want to taint what he had with Missy by starting out like that either. Like he'd told her, it'd be worth the wait.

  For now though, he needed to lose himself in his code. While he waited for the program to load, he set the alarm on his watch. When it went off he would go to bed and get some sleep. He didn't want to work all night and then sleep all day. He wanted to be awake tomorrow, with Missy home alone.

  ***

  The sun almost blinded him when he parted the shades to peek out. He scrunched up his eyes, then slowly opened them, adjusting to the bright light. He peered at the house. The kitchen curtains were open. Good. He took a shower in record time and pulled
on his shorts. He rifled through the drawers. He needed to bring more clothes up here—or wash some. He grinned when he found one of his workout shirts. Hey, he'd worked hard to get in the shape he was in now, why not? He pulled it on and looked in the mirror. It looked good. He shook his head, wondering what the jocks from high school would think if they could see him now. He didn't really care though. He was more interested in what Missy might think. He left the RV and walked through the back yard. He could see her in the kitchen. Her hair was mostly up in a ponytail. She wore a short, blue robe, belted at the waist and clinging to her round backside. Maybe this was a bad idea? He already had the beginnings of a major hard-on. Before he could change his mind, she turned and saw him. The bulge in his shorts grew bigger as she ran her eyes over him. Seemed she liked his choice of shirt.

  She waved and pointed to the door. He hurried around and drew in a sharp breath when she opened it. If the robe clung to her backside, it did even better with her full breasts, showcasing her cleavage and doing nothing to disguise the fact that either she was cold or she was quite pleased to see him too. He only realized he was staring when he heard her laugh.

  “G'morning, hero. And by the way? I'm up here!”

  Oh, no! He bit on his lip as he raised his eyes to meet hers. “I'm sorry, Miss. I....”

  She laughed again. She didn't seem angry at all. “No, problem, honey. I take it as a compliment, not an insult.”

  He grinned, relieved. “Oh, it's definitely a compliment. They're....”

  She cut him off. “Alright! Don't push it. Come on in and have some coffee. But, when you speak, just remember, up here.” She pointed at her eyes with a grin.

  She was amazing! So easy going. He followed her into the kitchen and sat at the table. He couldn't help but admire her ass while she poured two mugs of coffee. She put one in front of him and sat down.

  “I didn't expect to see you up and about this early.”

  He grinned. “I didn't sleep too well.”

  “Me neither.”

  “Aw, Miss. You needed to.”

  “Tell me about it. But someone left me wanting and I kept having all these dreams.” The look on her face was half teasing, half serious.

  “Want to tell me about them?” He raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his coffee. He'd love to hear about her dreams.