A Family of Their Own(28)
She laughed. “You’re tempting me. Okay, just a bite.”
The waitress left, and Ross shifted to a chair adjacent to Kelsey to get a better view of the dance band. The music began as their dessert arrived, and Ross’s concentration wasn’t on the creamy dessert but on the woman beside him. He longed to hold her in his arms to feel her breath against his cheek.
Years had passed since these sensations had touched him, not even a hint of emotion, but tonight the feelings exploded in his heart. He was walking on a minefield, and each step filled him with anxiety. Was he ready to fall head over heels? Was Kelsey even interested in more than a friendship? And if tragedy struck either one of them, could their relationship survive?
“This is delicious.”
Kelsey’s comment seeped through his thoughts. “It is.” He gave a head toss to the band. “Do you like the music?”
“Nice. I love that song.”
“Need You Now” flooded the room. The female singer approached the microphone, the tender music setting Ross’s senses on edge. “Would you care to dance?”
She set down her coffee cup and gazed at him. Finally, she gave a slight nod. “It’s been years.”
“Another thing we have in common.” He rose and took her hand, leading her through the tables to the dance floor.
Kelsey moved into his arms as the music swelled, his heart pummeled his chest as they swayed to the music. He moved carefully, his mind digging back to his dancing days years earlier. She moved with him, graceful, light as gossamer in his arms. A sweet scent filled the air, her hair kissed his cheek as they moved to the rhythm.
Since they’d arrived, he and Kelsey had established things in common without talking about the girls or illness or sadness. Music, dancing, concerts, even crème brulée. He longed to be reassured that things in common could be the beginning of something special.
The song ended, but before Ross led her off the dance floor, another slow song began. Her heart stirred when she heard the song, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” He drew her closer and they swayed to the music, turning with the rhythm, their hands touching, their arms embracing each other. The lyrics moved her. She needed time to think things over, too. She’d wanted to know what love was. She’d thought once she knew what love was, but it had vanished like smoke. Taking a chance and then losing it again would be more than she could face. She wondered if Ross was listening to the words, too.
She felt his gaze on her, and she looked into his eyes. So many deep thoughts flickered there beneath the chocolate of his eyes. Her fingers glided up his back and brushed the nape of his neck, his hair soft against her hand. A spicy fragrance surrounded him, delicate but stimulating. Being in a man’s arms again warmed her like a down quilt. She’d been cold for years, but not tonight.
The song ended and they stood close, rocking to the music in their minds, until the band introduced a lively rock-and-roll tune she enjoyed, but not for dancing. Ross’s hand moved down her arm and wove his fingers through hers. As they approached the table, he chuckled. “Cold coffee, I suppose.”
She didn’t care about the coffee. Instead, she wanted to know more about him, his family, his marriage and— Wrong topic. Keep it light and fun. They’d both had their fill of sorrow.
As Ross pulled out her chair, their waitress appeared with the coffeepot and refilled their cups. Kelsey sat wrapped in the moment, the music, the aromas that drifted past—fresh coffee, pasta at the next table—but the sense that etched in her mind was being held again. She’d nearly forgotten that she was a woman.
Ross gazed at her, his mouth pulling into a grin. “I’ll be honest. I wondered if I would remember how to dance. I guess it’s like riding a bicycle. You never forget, but then you’d have to verify that.”
“You danced very well.” Her own concerns rifled through her. “I was afraid I’d be all feet, but we handled it quite well.”
His hand slipped over hers. “We did.”
His gaze captured hers, and she felt glamorous. Hearing him say she looked amazing earlier tickled her. She’d changed her clothes three times, wanting to find the perfect outfit. Normally she tossed clothes on with no thought. Whatever seemed appropriate and practical. But tonight she hadn’t been looking for practical—she wanted to look great. Alluring. Finally, she’d settled on the magenta A-line dress, because she liked the dolman sleeves and it flattered her figure. She could hardly believe that she’d given time to that concern, but she had.