“Well, I don’tknow, Todd. I’m not up to going out tonight.”
He turnedquickly and jogged back to his car. She watched in the rear-viewmirror as he picked up a wicker basket from the passenger’s seatand returned with his bounty. He held it up for her approval. Sherecognised an expensive bottle of merlot. A crusty French baguetteangled out of the top, and a large platter of cheese, cold meat andantipasto covered in cling film nestled beneath.Looks inviting, but I should be workingtonight.
“I reallyshould be getting back to work before it gets dark … I’m planningon sanding and preparing the woodwork in the back bedroomdownstairs.”
“Surely thatcan wait until tomorrow? You know what they say about all work andno play … An early dinner will be good for both of us, don’t youthink? Samantha’s always on my back about working too late andmissing dinner.”
“Okay. Comeinside, since you have gone to so much trouble. A glass of wine andsome company is very tempting. Thank you.”
“I see you’vebeen shopping. Let me help you with those bags.” He opened the backdoor.
She hoppedout and allowed him to grab a couple of grocery bags from the backseat. I see someone taught youmanners. He headed towards the house,dumping them and the wicker basket at the door before turning tohelp her with the remaining bags. As she climbed the porch stepsshe caught her sandal on the edge and stumbled slightly, quicklyregaining her balance. His hand shot out, wrapping his fingersaround her bare upper arm. Heat seeped into her skin, tingling allthe way to the tips of her fingers.
She pulled away from himto open the door.
“I should havebrought my cane from the car. Would you mind going back to get itfor me, please?” She handed over the car keys. She needed time tothink.
This couldn’t happen. Shewouldn’t let it happen. A romantic relationship with a man likeTodd was not on her agenda. She could tell he had to be in charge.Her entire body shuddered in response to the memory of another manfor whom control was unquestionable. Her life was hers and hersalone now. The mistakes of the past would not be the mistakes ofthe future.
Chloe coveredthe little wooden table in the backyard with a snowy whitetablecloth, and set the table. She lit some citronella candles tokeep the mosquitoes at bay. Placing them inside multicolouredlanterns, she hung them on the lower branches of the lemon trees.The back porch light created an amber glow over the yard. If theywere going to eat outside, it may as well be a friendly dinner in apleasant setting.
She spread outthe platter of antipasto Todd had purchased, sliced the baguette,fanning it out on a wooden chopping board, and decanted the wine tobreathe. The dulcet tones of Tony Bennett wafted through thespeakers of the portable CD player, propping open the laundrydoor.
He gallantly pulled outher chair and inclined his head, just like a waiter in an upmarketrestaurant. Once seated, he covered her lap with a napkin. Shesmiled at him as he took his seat across the table.
“Why thankyou, kind sir.”
“You are mostwelcome, I’m sure. Let me pour the wine.”
Conversation flowedeasily between them as they shared their light meal, sipping theruby red wine, the breeze ruffling the bottom of thetablecloth.
As shelistened to his banter, her mind wandered. Is this what I have been missing? His company and the excuse for an early dinner on such abalmy evening was a tonic to her lonely soul. The full-bodied wine and the delicious Italian food had beena welcome respite at the end of her day. As Nat King Cole’sunforgettable voice could be heard through the speakers, Todd gotto his feet.
He held out his hand,imploring her to come to him.
“This is one of my favourite tracks. Wereally should dance tothis one. It’s okay. We’ll just sway to the music. I will take careof you, I promise.”
Althoughsceptical, she stood up and allowed him to take her hand. She tooka step, closing the gap between them. His strong arm encircled herwaist, pulling her gently against him. His body pressed lightlyagainst hers, from chest to knees. Warmth flooded through her,bringing back the tiny butterflies in her belly. A kiss brushed theback of her hand as he brought it to his lips. His gentle touchseeped into her skin, relaxing her. It had been such a long timesince she had been in a man’s arms, other than a show. As herbreasts brushed against his firm chest, her nipples hardened andshe attempted to pull away, a little embarrassed. However, thepressure of the hand resting at the base of her spine held herfast.
True to his word, he heldher gently and they swayed to the music. The cologne he wore wasmore noticeable in such close proximity, and it worked its magic onher senses. She snuggled closer into his embrace, her head on hisshoulder, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.
The nexttrack began to play and the tempo changed. She pulled away alittle, breaking the spell. Don’t get toocomfortable, you don’t know him.
“That wasnice. I haven’t danced since the accident. You’re probablywondering what happened to me. I haven’t wanted to talk about theaccident to anyone since I came back to Australia. It has been toopainful. But maybe now the time is right.” She looked into hiseyes. All she saw was kindness.
“You don’thave to talk about it, if it upsets you.”
“I think I doneed to talk about it. Get it out in the open so I can deal withwhat I’m feeling, deal with the loss. You see, dancing was my life,and I wanted to dance for as long as my body could cope. I neverexpected to have to give it up in my early thirties, and neverbecause of such a bad fall. I had contemplated opening a smallschool when I retired, teaching contemporary dance to young adults.I know I could still teach, but I wouldn’t be able to adequatelydemonstrate any movements
