A Moment To Dance (5 page)

As though he sensed her staring at him, Tony turned to her. His gaze caught hers, sending her heart racing. This wasn’t good. He couldn’t think she was interested—because she wasn’t. She glanced away. They were dance partners. That was all.

Before long, Johnny’s fingers slipped from hers. He raced across the pasture. Her hand hung limp at her side. She missed the connection, the sense of being wanted.

The silence hung heavy between her and Tony. She knew they’d have to forge some sort of friendship if they were to be successful at dancing together. She took it upon herself to ask questions about the ranch.

“It’s impressive. Is it all yours?”

He nodded. “As far as the eye can see.”

He’d never be accused of being long-winded, that’s for sure. She struggled for another question. “So, one day all of this will be Johnny’s?”

“That’s the plan. If that’s what he wants.”

Tony sure wasn’t making her attempt at conversation easy for her. Slowly, his answers grew longer until, finally, he launched into a full-fledged explanation about the details of the sprawling ranch and what it was like to tend to a herd of bison.

They paused by the wooden fence surrounding the paddock. She glanced over at him to find him staring at her. When his gaze dipped to her lips, the breath hitched in her throat. The tip of her tongue moistened her lips. What was she doing? Encouraging him?

She was playing with fire, but she couldn’t help herself. The need to feel his touch thrummed in her veins. She’d been so alone, so isolated, for so long—

He cleared his throat and glanced away. “The land a mile or so up the road is where I plan to build my ranch house.”

“This is an idyllic location with the backdrop of the mountain range in the distance.” She tried to sound casual, even though her heart was pounding. “I don’t know if I’d rather have the kitchen window face the mountain so I could watch the splash of colors as the sun sets while I did the dinner dishes or if the picture window in the living room should face it.”

“Definitely something to consider.”

“Perhaps the living room should face the pasture so you can admire the horses. I can’t imagine ever getting tired of them.” She caught herself rambling about things that were none of her concern. Heat flared in her cheeks. “Not that I have any say in the matter.”

“I’ll keep your observations in mind.”

Anxious to put some distance between them, she turned to the barn. “Thanks for telling me about the place, but Johnny probably thinks we forgot about him.”

As if on cue, Johnny came running out of the barn. “Uncle Tony, come quick! The puppy made a
big
mess. Boy, does it stink.” The boy scrunched up his nose and waved his hand. “Gross!”

Tony groaned and rolled his eyes. “I’m coming.”

“A parent’s work is never done.” Ella broke out in laughter at his pained expression.

She hung back as Tony strode ahead to deal with the aforementioned mess. The interior of the barn appeared to be well-kept and orderly. The scent of fresh hay and wood tickled her nose. The stalls were empty, but each was clean and marked with the horse’s name painted in green on a large wooden horseshoe.

A yip from the pup broke the silence. Thank goodness the puppy was hanging in there. Ella rushed to the far end of the barn and paused at the doorway.

“Looks like he passed more of the motor oil.” Tony got to his feet and disposed of a handful of paper towels. “Hopefully, that’s the last of it. I’m not a vet or anything, but with the way the little guy is running around, I think it is a positive sign.”

While Tony washed up, the puppy bathed Johnny in kisses. Ella quietly watched the scene as a smile tugged at her lips. Johnny’s face glowed with happiness. Her heart melted into a puddle. She couldn’t remember ever seeing such a sweet sight.

“He’s better!” Johnny turned to his uncle. “Can’t we keep him? Please?”

Tony moved to Ella’s side. “I’m afraid not. I put up some flyers around town. If we can’t find him a good home locally, I’ll have to put an ad in the surrounding city papers.”

Sympathy for the puppy and the boy welled up inside of her. She wanted to beg Tony to change his mind, but it wasn’t her place to interfere. She was certain Tony had his reasons.

“What if no one wants him?” Johnny’s chin hung low.

“Surely someone will want this sweet pup.” She longed to alleviate some of Johnny’s concern. “Maybe it’ll be someone you know.”

“All of our friends either already have a dog or don’t want one,” Tony said. “How about you? Would you like a puppy?”

Her gaze moved to the little ball of fluff. The idea of having the puppy fill the silence of the cabin totally appealed to her. She hadn’t even held the puppy, and already her heart was pitter-pattering with love for him.

“You can’t.” Johnny clutched the puppy close to his chest. “I’ll never see Patch again.”

“Actually, I don’t live far from here,” she said, still toying with the idea. “Do you know where Roca Mountain is?”

A light of recognition lit up the boy’s brown eyes, the mirror image of his uncle’s. “One of Uncle Tony’s ranch hands lives there. But you still can’t have Patch. He’s mine.”

Tony knelt down and opened a can of meat, dumping the contents into the dog dish before sliding it in front of Patch. The little guy sniffed it. All three of them held a collective breath as they waited and watched. The puppy hesitated, staring at the food. Seconds dragged into minutes. When at last Patch licked at the food, they all sighed.

“He’s gonna live!” The smile returned to Johnny’s face.

“Yeah, I reckon he is.” Tony smiled, softening the worry lines etched in his face.

A zap of attraction quickened her pulse. When the puppy finished eating, Tony bent over and scooped him up. Determined to ignore it, Ella moved off to the side. She needed distance between her and this man who filled her with a nervous energy.

Still, she couldn’t help turning back and catching sight of that strong cowboy wearing a dopey grin as he pet the puppy. The sight tugged at her heartstrings. She should turn away or head home, but her feet wouldn’t move.

“Please. Can’t we keep him?” Johnny pressed his hands together as he sent his uncle a pleading stare. “He’ll be good. I promise.”

“It doesn’t matter how many times you ask, the answer’s still going to be no.” Tony handed the puppy to Johnny. “I’m sorry.”

Ella couldn’t tear her gaze from the strong man patting the boy’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort him. The love between them was blatantly obvious. They chatted softly, as though they were, in fact, father and son. She found herself wondering how she’d react if she were in the same situation with her own child. A deep emptiness consumed her.

Tony straightened and turned to her. “Do you want to hold the little guy?”

She smiled and nodded.

The boy frowned and backed up.

Tony’s brows drew together. “Johnny, let Miss Morgan hold him.”

The child’s bottom lip stuck out. “Fine. But she can’t take him home.”

“I won’t. I’ll stand right here.”

Johnny eyed her up, as though deciding if he could trust her. At last, he handed over the puppy. “Be careful. He’s little.”

“I will.” Boy, Tony had his work cut out for him when he attempted to separate these two. She didn’t envy him.

Ella rested the fuzzy guy against her shoulder and nuzzled him. She couldn’t remove the silly grin from her face. The pup’s wet tongue ran over her cheek, causing joyful laughter to fill her throat. His short tail swished vigorously, and he gave a couple of excited barks. Now she totally understood how Johnny had become so attached so quickly.

“Isn’t Patch awesome?” Johnny asked.

“Definitely.” The puppy rewarded her with another sloppy kiss.

Tony crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb. “Seems as though he’s got you wrapped around his little paw.”

She couldn’t argue. She adored Patch, even though his multicolored coat was uneven, as though matted fur had been trimmed in order to run a brush over him. Big, sad eyes stared up at her, tugging at her heartstrings. He was such a mangy mess that he was actually cute.

She reluctantly returned the furry guy to Johnny. “He’s a”—she’d started to say cutie, but in his current state, that wasn’t the right word—“sweetheart. Thank you for allowing me to hold him.”

Her immediate instinct was to adopt the puppy, but one look at the love reflected in Johnny’s eyes as he gazed at Patch told her it’d be the wrong thing to do. She doubted Johnny would forgive her for taking the puppy. Her chances of successfully tutoring him would be zilch. Surely Tony would relent and let the boy keep the puppy. She hoped.

Johnny sat down to play with Patch while Tony escorted her back to the house. They walked in silence. Intensely aware of the man next to her, she forced her gaze to remain focused directly forward.

“Do you want the dog?” Tony’s question jolted her from her thoughts.

She stopped outside the kitchen door. “Now isn’t the right time for me…” She raised her head, and their gazes locked. “Although I think we’d be happy together.”

His lips lifted at the corners. “We would, huh?”

Heat rose in her cheeks. “I…I was referring to the puppy.”

“Of course you were.” Though his smile faded, amusement glimmered in his eyes.

His teasing had her tightening her hands until her nails bit into her palms. She forced her fingers to relax. Did he know she found him attractive? Would that cause him to rethink their arrangement for the contest?

“So will you take Patch?”

Her chest ached, knowing what her answer must be. She had to be responsible here and do what was best for everyone instead of following her heart.

“Won’t you change your mind and find a way for Johnny to keep him? They’ve obviously bonded.”

Tony raked his fingers through his hair. “It won’t work. Not now.” His gaze searched hers. “You seemed to bond with the puppy.”

“He’s adorable, but I don’t think me adopting Patch would be a good idea.”

“You never know. He might end up being your good luck charm. Just promise me you’ll think about it.”

She nodded and started into the house. Why did she feel as though she was continually getting in deeper with this guy? Still, she wanted to save the puppy from being just another cute face stuck in a small cage with no family to love him.

“Wait,” Tony called out.

She hesitated before turning back. He jogged to her side. He stood so close to her that the gentle breeze carried with it the soft scent of his spicy aftershave. He certainly didn’t have that rank odor of a man who’d worked out on the range all day. Not even close. His aftershave mingled nicely with his natural manly scent, creating quite an intoxicating combination. It teased her senses and awakened long-ignored desires.

At that particular moment, the only thing Ella could think about was leaning into him. His arms would slip around her waist while her hands slid up over his muscled chest to his broad shoulders.

Caught up in her fantasy, her gaze zeroed in on his lips. If she leaned a little closer—

“You still owe me an answer about tutoring.” His voice jolted her from her fantasy. When she didn’t immediately respond, he added, “Don’t forget, I’m springing for dance lessons, too.”

Ella’s mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. Agreeing to spend more time with him—time in his arms—was dangerous. But very tempting. However, she was already having very vivid daydreams about him, and that spelled trouble.

She had to keep her mind on the competition. And at this point, Tony was the only available ticket in town. She smothered a groan.

The lessons he proposed would be the key to taking home the cash prize. Winning the competition would no longer be just a fantasy but a serious possibility. “You’re really serious about the lessons?”

He nodded. “Do we have a deal?”

CHAPTER FIVE

H
ad she done the right thing?

After a delicious lunch with the Granger family, Ella drove home, all the while rolling around the events of the day in her mind. Memories of Tony’s lopsided grin and the twinkle in his eyes throughout lunch kept coming to the forefront. There was definitely a lot more to him than the intimidating, protective side she’d witnessed at their first meeting. And this other side of him appealed to her in a way that no other man had. She groaned. Why was she letting him get to her?

He was just a cowboy. Nothing special.

Except he was tall, muscled, and had a sweet side that was utterly irresistible.

All of this had her wondering if she’d given him the right answer. Her stomach quivered as she recalled how Tony’s eyes had gleamed for the briefest second when she’d told him that she’d tutor his nephew…as long as he gave his best effort to help her win the dance contest.

However important the prize money was to her, there was something more important—Johnny. The little boy had been the ultimate deciding factor. How could she live with herself if she didn’t help the troubled boy? Maybe in some small way this was her chance to pay penance for the wrong she’d done years ago.

Ella pulled into her rutted driveway on Roca Mountain and climbed out. She paused, taking a moment to appreciate the tranquil sound of birds singing as a gentle breeze rustled through the trees. She inhaled a breath of fresh mountain air mingled with the slightest scent of pine and smiled. Even though the outside was overgrown with brush and dead vegetation, she could still envision the beauty lurking in the shadows.

The thought of turning her back on this place and letting Mother Nature have her way with it saddened her… No, she wouldn’t let that happen. At last, she felt at home. For years, she’d moved through her grandmother’s house like a visitor, afraid to break one of Gran’s many rules. But here on Roca Mountain, Ella could unwind and be herself without all of the stress.

When someone called her name, she turned, finding Tracey Romero, her childhood friend, strolling down the road. They’d spent a number of their summers together, hiking all over this area, collecting pinõn nuts and using their imaginations to make up games. Ella hadn’t realized how moving here would truly feel like coming home.

The young woman waved with one hand while the other rested protectively over her belly, rounded with her first child. A longing for her own family swept over Ella with such unexpected force that it stole her breath. There was no point hungering for something she’d never have. She didn’t deserve a family, not after what she’d done. She swallowed her yearning and ignored the empty spot in her heart.

Ella moved to the end of the drive to meet her friend, whose long, dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail and whose cheeks were a dusty pink. “Nice day for a walk.”

“The doc told me I had to slow down. No jogging until the little one makes its big appearance. But Doc Willard agreed to one leisurely stroll a day.” She gently patted her midsection. “So how’s the new job?”

Ella grinned like an overgrown kid. “I like it. A lot. In fact, I like the whole town.”

“Now all you have to do is fix up this place. I wish I could give you a hand, but after the scare with this little guy or girl, I don’t want to overdo it.”

“Don’t worry. I have everything under control. I even have a plan to raise the money to pay for a new roof.” Tony’s image flashed in her mind. She couldn’t wait to find out what it’d be like to be in his arms—on the dance floor, of course.

“What’s your plan?”

“I’m entering the dance contest.”

Tracey’s dark brows lifted. “Really? Rumor has it all of the tickets sold out a long time ago. How’d you land some?”

Heat swirled in Ella’s chest and climbed up her neck, setting her cheeks ablaze. “Tony Granger had an extra one.”

She realized her mistake in mentioning Tony’s name when her friend’s eyes lit up. The last thing she wanted to do was stand here and discuss the man who could irritate her one moment and, in the very next instant, make her pulse spike.

“So you snagged Tony for a partner.” Tracey grinned. “You’ll be the envy of every single woman in the county. They’ve all been trying to hook up with the most eligible bachelor in Whistle Stop. Who wouldn’t? He’s sooo hot. You’ll have to give me all of the juicy details.”

“Tracey!”

“What? Are you going to stand there and try to tell me you aren’t anxious to be held in the arms of that hunk? I mean, have you checked him out?”

She certainly had checked him out. How could she not? The thought of running her hands across Tony’s firm chest and over his broad shoulders caused a tightening in her abdomen. The idea of being held so close to him revolved in her mind at a dizzying pace. She’d let desperation cloud her judgment. She’d been crazy to agree to this arrangement. But what was done couldn’t be—shouldn’t be—undone.

Ella swallowed. “You’re married and pregnant. You aren’t supposed to notice those things.”

Her friend groaned. “Boy, you have a lot to learn. A ring on your left hand doesn’t mean you automatically become blind.”

Ella opened her mouth to mount a defense, but unable to find an escape from the hole she’d dug for herself, she pressed her lips together. No way was she digging herself in any deeper.

“If I wasn’t married,” Tracey continued, “I might have thrown my hat in the ring to date him.”

“We aren’t dating. We have an arrangement.”

Tracey laughed. “Is that what people are calling it these days?”

“I’m serious. I’m tutoring his nephew in exchange for him being my dance partner and providing us with lessons.”

Tracey’s amusement faded. “I should have known he’d turn it into something boring.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Tracey paused as though deciding whether to repeat what she knew.

“Don’t just leave me hanging. What do you know?”

“It’s nothing—”

“It’s something. Now spill it, or I’m letting your husband know about how you used to skinny-dip—”

“I was just a kid. And…and I didn’t know there were boys around.” Color filled Tracey’s cheeks. “It was only once. And you dared me.”

Ella sent her an expectant look. She wouldn’t really tell on her, but if the threat got Tracey to spill what she knew about Tony, it was worth it.

“Okay, it’s just that ever since Tony moved back to town, he’s been a hermit. He’s polite with all the ladies, but he never takes any of them up on their offers for dinner. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t taken some sort of oath to remain a bachelor—especially after what happened to him.”

Ella should let the whole subject drop right here. Tony’s past was none of her business—absolutely none. But no matter what she told herself, curiosity clawed at her.

What could have turned him into a confirmed bachelor? The ideas started dropping in her mind like a row of dominos. Cheated on? Jilted at the altar? Or was he harboring some deep, dark secret of his own? Did they at last have something in common?

“What happened?” Ella blurted out.

“I’m a little surprised you don’t know.”

“Why would I know? It isn’t like we’re close or anything.”

Tracey sent her a knowing look. “Not yet. Give it time.”

“Quit being ridiculous and just tell me what you know.”

“Not quite a year ago, his older brother and his wife were on their way home from visiting him in Santa Fe when a drunk driver hit them head on and killed them instantly.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “The gossip mill says Tony’s girlfriend dumped him when he decided to move home to oversee the family’s ranch and assume responsibility for his nephew. He’s never once complained or cried into his beer. At least not as far as I’ve heard.”

A deep sadness came over Ella as her thoughts turned to Johnny, who was much too young to lose both of his parents to such a preventable accident. Thankfully, Tony had been there to step in and take care of his family.

She’d have to be careful, or soon she’d end up liking him for all of his fine qualities. His dreamy smile could easily be her final undoing. But that couldn’t happen. She couldn’t put herself in the position of forming an intimate relationship with him. He’d expect her to open up about herself—about her past. And that was something she refused to do.

♥♥♥

At not quite seven thirty Monday morning, Tony trudged across the dry, uneven field with his cell phone pressed to his ear. “Do you really think that’s our best option?”

“Yes, I do,” Josie, the local dance instructor, said. “Shall I go ahead and pencil you in for the lessons?”

If this was what it took for Ella to fix her home and for Johnny to gain a qualified tutor, Tony didn’t see that he had any choice. “Go ahead. If Ella has any problems with the time or whatever, I’ll give you a call.”

He slipped the phone into his pocket as a yawn escaped. He gave his head a firm shake as he stepped up to the back door of his mother’s house, eager for another cup of coffee. After a night of tossing and turning, trying to decide if he made the right decision by hiring Ella to tutor Johnny, he’d barely gotten a wink of sleep. By the time he’d rolled out of bed long before the sunrise, he’d resigned himself to the inevitable.

Once inside the door, he slipped off his cowboy boots. What he really needed now was some of his mother’s extra-strong brew. That’d keep him on his toes. He looked up, and his gaze collided with the woman who’d filled his thoughts the night before. He blinked, but she was still there, sitting at the kitchen table with his mother.

“Howdy,” he said, trying to remember if they’d had plans to meet. “Are you here to see me?”

She smiled. “Actually, I stopped by on my way to work to give your mother these Mexican wedding cookies to thank her for lunch the other day. Would you like one?”

“Maybe later.” His tone lowered in disappointment. “Don’t let me interrupt. I just came to get some coffee. I’ll be out of here in a jiff.”

Another yawn threatened to escape, but he smothered it. He didn’t need his mother inquiring about his exhaustion, especially not in front of Ella, who looked as fresh as one of the daffodils in his mother’s kitchen window.

“I’m afraid the pot’s empty,” his mother said. “I didn’t realize you’d be in for your break this early. I’ll get another pot started.”

“No, stay there.” He waved her off. “I’ve got it.”

What was the real reason for Ella’s presence? Was it as innocent as she claimed? She was just being friendly with his mother?

Not one of his girlfriends had been close to his mother. In fact, his mother outright disliked Jessie, saying she was nothing but trouble. Not that Ella would ever be his girlfriend. It’s just now that they were involved…er, um, dance partners, he felt uncomfortable with his mother and Ella getting too chummy.

Still, his mother certainly treated Ella differently than she had Jessie—he retrieved the coffee from the cabinet—but that didn’t mean he should act any different toward Ella. They weren’t even friends. Were they? He filled the filter with scoop after scoop of the potent coffee until he realized he’d put in too much and had to remove some.

Looking back on his relationship with Jessie, he realized that they’d dived in far too quickly. She didn’t like being tied down to anything—even him. When he had talked about the future, she’d always changed the subject. Sure, they’d had an apartment, but even that had been a month-to-month obligation. Ella wasn’t so different in that respect. With no family in Whistle Stop and her home in dismal condition, how long would it be until she moved on?

He turned on the faucet and filled the pot with cold water. As he went through the motions, he continued to compile reasons why getting any more involved with the pretty teacher was out of the question.

His interaction with Johnny had taught him the value of setting down roots. They were the lifelines that held a person steady when the winds of loss or disappoint threatened to flatten you. They held you firm and steady through the good and the bad. Ella didn’t have those roots that bind…

“Tony, did you hear Ella?” his mother asked, breaking into his thoughts.

“Sorry, I was thinking about work.” He refused to share his thoughts with anyone.

“She wants to know if you’ll be calling about the dance lessons this week.”

He flicked the On switch on the coffeemaker. “I talked to Josie this morning.”

“You called already?” Ella uttered. And then, as though she realized she’d vocalized her astonishment, her cheeks grew rosy.

“Yes, I did. She said that with the contest, her schedule is filling fast.”

Ella’s face creased with concern. “Is she able to squeeze us in?”

He nodded. “We talked it over, and knowing how important winning is to you, I went ahead and scheduled us for three lessons.”

“So that’s what? One per week?”

He chuckled. “No, we decided if you and I are to be competitive, we’ll need at least three dance lessons per week.”

“What?” Her eyes opened wide. “Do you really think we need all of those lessons?”

Hadn’t she been the one who was all gung ho about making sure he could dance so they’d win? Why was she suddenly being so hesitant?