Chirp(34)

She didn’t remember inviting him to join her. All she wanted was to be left alone with her fantasies about Rance, because the moment she’d seen the corsage, her imagination had shifted into overdrive. He must like her, or he wouldn’t have done something this nice.

Then her euphoria crashed like a jumbo jet. Rance felt sorry for her! She was an idiot to think she meant more to him than just a silly kid. Still, whatever the reason, she should thank him and stop jumping to conclusions with so much alacrity.





Rance


Rance didn’t know if the corsage pleased Blaze or not. Her solemn demeanor gave nothing away. She’d thanked him, but he’d expected more of a reaction. She’d been acting weird since she got home, quickly disappearing into the woods and taking Muttly with her. He figured she’d gone to the tree house to sketch. Just as well. Without interruptions he finished the back deck, except for staining. The bathroom was complete, and laying carpet was the only thing left to do in the master suite. No more outside baths.

By the time he came from the shower, he heard the water come on in her bathroom. He found his new clothes, pressed and on hangers. Didn’t know when she’d ironed, but the proof was before him. He stepped into his khakis, then removed the red-and-white-pinstriped sport shirt along with a navy tie.

Why the hell was he nervous? Easy answer. This would be his first social event since getting out of prison. He’d logged plenty of interaction in bars, but those didn’t count.

Tie in one hand and the item he’d taken from Gran’s jewelry box in the other, he strolled outside for some air.

He’d spent nights in his cell dreaming of what he’d do here, and now those dreams had come to fruition. He needed bedding. Maybe he’d take Blaze into Danvers to shop. Who was he kidding? She avoided mingling with people, and if tonight’s function wasn’t required, she’d skip it.

Damn, he wanted a cigarette, but it’d been over a week without nicotine and it was getting easier. At least he wasn’t waking in the middle of the night craving one.

“Are you ready?”

Her voice shook the Marlboro urge away, and when he turned to face her, his pulse skipped. Who was this person? Big eyes and long legs. “Damn, kid. You look great.”

“Thanks. You too.”

He came inside, reached for the pendant, and dangled it in the air. “I remembered Dessie had this, and it matches your dress. Turn around and I’ll put it on you.”

Blaze stared at it, then at him. “You don’t have to feel sorry for me.”

He lowered his hands. “What are you talking about?”

“Agreeing to be my plus one. The corsage. The jewelry. You’re trying to make up for the prom I never had, and I don’t need you to.”

She’d misunderstood everything. Hell, how could he feel sympathy for her when she had a shit load of cash hidden in her room? “That has nothing to do with this. You work hard. Cleaning, cooking, laundry. I wanted to do something nice for you. But excuse me for trying to show some appreciation.” He dropped the necklace into his shirt pocket, grabbed his tie, and looped it under his collar. After two attempts at tying it, he yanked it off and tossed it onto the back of the chair.

She picked it up and stepped closer. “I used to tie my dad’s all the time,” she explained as she worked. “This is a four-in-hand knot. You cross both strips, wrap it twice, bring it up, and back through the bottom loop.”

She was so close, her warm breath floated over his skin, and his pulse pounded. When she was done, she slid the knot tight, then rested both palms flat against his chest. “The corsage is pretty, and I’d like to wear the necklace. It was Dessie’s favorite.”

Rance slipped it around her neck, and she turned for him to fasten it. “Pops gave this to her on their twentieth wedding anniversary. Had it made special.”

She pressed her hand over the bluebird. “I know. It has twenty tiny sapphires for the body and twenty rubies for the breast. Dessie said he must have confused a bluebird with a robin.”

Rance leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Sorry I snapped at you.” God, she smelled good. Honey and vanilla. “Turn around.” Those big green eyes. High cheekbones. Flawless skin. Kissable lips. At that moment he stopped thinking of her as a kid, and just like that, blood rushed to his groin. “Looks great. You ready?”

“Yes.”

Two hours later he fidgeted in his chair waiting for Blaze to return from the ladies’ room. The banquet food had not disappointed. Delicious steak and a decadent dessert called molten chocolate cake with cherry sauce. As usual, Blaze picked at hers, but Rance devoured everything put before him.

He glanced at his watch. She’d been gone too long. He rose and rushed to the exit. As he came to the end of the hallway, voices echoed.

“Damn, Blaze. How old is your boyfriend? Forty?”

“He isn’t my boyfriend.”

“Well, then, he won’t mind if you give me one little kiss.”

“Stop, Cam. You’re drunk.”

“No, I’m not. I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time. That and a few more things.”

“Don’t touch me, or I’ll tell your dad.”

“You think he’ll believe you over me? Come on, just one little smooch. One little feel.”