Chapter 18 #2
Lucy presses her lips together, but a smile breaks free despite her efforts.
“He’s absolutely adorable. So awkward and sweet.
I could write an entire story about him.
” Her eyes widen. “I mean, I … don’t they look like characters in a book?
You could write a story about them, too!
I bet yours would be even better than mine, because you know them.
Or, you know the community here. Gram and Pa would give you great first-hand info, and… ”
She continues to prattle on, and I catch myself grinning. This seems to be the tell for Lucy’s nerves: Words pour out of her. It’s got me wondering what’s so nerve-wracking about admitting that she could write about Titi and that older man.
“Alright, my fine folks, let’s give ’er another go.” The dance instructor’s voice rings out through her headset microphone, and Lucy snaps her attention to the stage. “Line up! Or should I say, square up.”
The music starts, and I clasp hands with Carol on my left and Lucy on my right.
I give her hand a squeeze as we start doing as the music instructs us and circling around the old oak tree.
When we get back to our starting position, I let go of Carol’s hands and swing with Lucy around in a circle.
I lean closer to her and say into her ear, “Do you write a lot of stories, Lu?”
She sucks in a breath, but before she can respond, we’re separating, and I’m dosi-do-ing with my corner girl, who happens to be Carol.
Lucy is matched up with Titi’s man of the hour.
When we come back to our home position, Lucy has her lips pressed together, and her eyes are darting around my face.
I take her hands, and heightened color dots her cheekbones.
Maybe I shouldn’t be enjoying this as much as I am …
with my friend. I push my luck, leaning into Lucy’s airspace again and speaking into her ear as we promenade around the circle. “I think you do.”
“Do what?” She feigns innocence, but gives herself away when she breaks eye contact.
I squeeze her hand, and she glances back at me. “You tell me.” I tsk. “Friends don’t keep secrets from friends, Lu.”
Lucy looks like she swallowed her least favorite food and is trying to keep from spitting it out. There’s obviously something going on here. Something Lucy isn’t telling me. If she tells me to buzz off and leave her alone, I will. Until then, I’m letting my curiosity run the show.
I arch my eyebrows at her whenever we make eye contact as we dance.
We go in and out of the same formation several more times before the song concludes.
Every time I’m tugged away from Lucy, my adrenaline spikes with anticipation to get her back in my sightline.
When our fingers brush, my pulse takes off faster than I do when I’ve got a full head of steam on the football field.
It’s like there’s a thread between us that’s pulling tighter and tighter by the second, until it’s kicking out sparks.
Do I pull her a little closer the last time we have to promenade around the circle, making it so our arms are pressed firmly against each other’s?
I can’t be sure, but our proximity allows me to catch a whiff of her perfume, and the tropical scent is like a shot of espresso, stirring me up inside until I feel wide awake.
When the song is finally over, I join the other dancers in clapping.
Gram hoots and Titi lets out an ear-piercing whistle of approval before turning to the guy next to her and wrapping her arms around his neck.
He lets out a startled yelp, but recovers himself and pats her primly on the back.
In my periphery, I catch sight of Lucy, gaze locked on the two of them, mouth curled in a delighted smile. It’s a good look on her.
Carol turns to me and does a theatrical curtsy. “Thanks for the dance, TJ.”
“Likewise, Carol.” I bow back at her before excusing myself.
Gram and Pa are caught up in conversation with someone who grabbed them from a different group, and I take Lucy’s hand and pull her away from the dance floor. “Let’s get out of here for a sec.”
I feel semi-guilty for sneaking off, but I’d like to talk to her and not have our conversation interrupted by the square dance sequence or my well-meaning but very invasive grandparents.
“Where are we going?” Lucy hurries to keep up with me.
“To get some fresh air. To talk about the secret you’re keeping.” I lead her out the door and into the lobby of the gathering space.
“You can’t possibly guess my secret based on one interaction!”
“Ha! So you’re admitting there’s a secret,” I say victoriously.
“I—” She stops talking at the sight of the worker who’s staffing the desk. It’s a younger woman, and she looks up from her cell phone when we appear. Lucy instinctively ducks her head and steps behind me.
I curse under my breath. I forgot the desk in this community building is manned twenty-four-seven to meet the residents’ needs. I spin around and tuck my arm around Lucy’s shoulder, pulling her into my side. She stuffs her face into my shirt, and I angle my body so she’s cocooned.
“Can I help you, TJ?” The woman bats her eyelashes at me. I’ve never met her, but she must be a River Foxes fan.
“We’re good for now. I’ve got everything I need.
” I wink at the woman behind the desk before I drop a kiss on Lucy’s head, nuzzling my nose into her hair for good measure.
I hold her firmly against my side, keeping us moving in the direction of the exit.
I want her all to myself. There’s nowhere in this retirement community that doesn’t have eyes and ears.
My best bet for some privacy is my truck.
The desk lady flicks her gaze from me to Lucy, her brow taking the shape of a V. I don’t think there’s any way she could figure out who I’ve got tucked into my chest, but to make sure she doesn’t try, I continue with my fib.
“Some of the chili is messing with her stomach,” I tell the woman, who, according to the name placard in front of her, is named Summer. “Couldn’t handle the heat.”
I jump when I feel fingers digging in below my rib cage. Lucy’s found a sensitive spot, and I tug her closer to me, trying to cut off her access to tickling me.
“Anyway, I’m going to get her home.” I grin at Summer.
“Of course.” She flips her hair behind her shoulder.
“Let me know if you ever need anything while you’re visiting your grandparents.
I work the evening shift on weekdays, and I’m always up for some company.
” She wags her brows suggestively at me before dropping her voice. “I can definitely handle the heat.”
I have to fight back a grimace. Having women throw themselves at me because of my profession has never bothered me. I’ve always considered it a perk of the job. But maybe my teammates are right. Tonight, with Lucy tucked under my arm, I can’t get away from Summer fast enough.
I paste on a smile. Lucy tries to take a step away from me, but I don’t want to let her go until we’re out from under Summer’s watchful gaze, so I keep her close.
“See you around,” I tell Summer noncommittally as I push open the exterior door.