Was that a slight flush of her skin? Lancethen moved closer to erase the distance between them. They swayedback and forth. Her eyes shined, becoming glossy and softening. Aslow smile built on Lance’s face. He splayed one hand across herback as they slowed. The song ended.
Then her expression turned pained. Shereleased her grip to his hand and stepped away. Rubbing at herchest as if she were feeling pain, she marched towards thedoor.
“Is there anything wrong?” Carol asked him.“You two were perfect together.”
“I’ll go check.” Just as Lance approached thefront door, a familiar face beamed at him.
“Hi, Honey.” Andrea smiled. Then she wrappedher arms around his neck and hugged him.
His mouth fell open. He held back his gaspbut stroked her back. She held him tighter. Lance broke theirembrace and moved further into the foyer.
“Why didn’t you tell me you’d be here?” Heasked.
She didn’t reply but kissed his lips. Shetasted sweet as honey, and Lance almost forgot the affect she hadover him. He kissed her back, glad to see her, but pulled back.“Andrea?”
“I wanted to surprise you,” she said. Thenshe cupped his face. “Are you happy to see me?”
Her words tugged at his heartstrings. Lancekissed her forehead. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She took his hand, lacing her manicuredfingers with his. “We’re in this together.”
Lance pulled her into another embrace. Ifonly he didn’t make eye contact with Chantelle. She stood outsidethe glass doors as her shoulders slumped. She dropped her head fora moment, but then reentered the building. Lance commended her onher boldness, especially after their dance together.
Chantelle said, “You must be AndreaWilliams.”
Andrea smiled. “Yes, I am. And you are?”
She extended her hand. “Chantelle Woods fromThe Wedding Report.”
Lance watched as the two women in his lifeshook hands. If only he could disappear.
“I’m so glad you could make it. I was aboutto contact your agent to see about a Skype interview.” Chantelleadded.
Andrea giggled. “I know. I’ve been all overthe world. Tell you what, why don’t we meet up tomorrow. That wayyou can talk to Lance and me both.” She beamed as she snuggled intohim.
Lance’s stomach hardened.
“That will be perfect. I would love to askyou some individual questions. Will that be alright?” Chantelleasked.
“That will be perfect.” Andrea agreed.
Lance glanced around.
Chantelle cleared her throat. “Well, I’llleave you two lovebirds alone. I was only standing in tonight withthe dance lessons. Plus, it’s more material for the article. I’msure Lance will love to continue with you.”
“I love the waltz, Babe,” Andrea said to him.Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
He took her hand. “Well, let’s get to it.”His eyes landed to Chantelle. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Will lunchat the house work?”
“That would be great,” she said.
“I can’t wait. It was a pleasure to meet you,Chantelle,” Andrea said.
“Same to you. Goodnight to you both.”Chantelle grabbed her jacket and walked out the door. Andreaintertwined her fingers with Lance, but it only made his chesttighten.
***
Lance set Andrea’s bags on the full-sized bedof Delta’s Heights’ Bed and Breakfast. Her eyes roamed the room.Though it wasn’t a luxury hotel, guests who stayed at Mr. and Mrs.Duncan’s place never complained. They gave quality service alongwith home-cooked meals, receiving five star reviews fromguests.
Andrea sat on the full-size bed. “This placeis... different.”
“Not what you’re used to in New York and LA,”he said, hoping she didn’t hear the bite in his voice. Could hehandle Chantelle being in the same room with Andrea?
“Are you okay?” She took off her blazer.“You’ve been quiet.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I only wishI knew what time you were coming.”
She folded her arms. “I thought you wanted mehere. You look disappointed.”
“I’m not.”
“I mean you begged me to come.”
“I didn’t beg you. I only wanted to knowwhere your priorities are,” he said.
She cocked her head to the side. “So we’regoing there again?”
“Andrea—”
“Are you even sure you want me here?” Sheshrugged.
He walked over and sat next to her on thebed. He took one of her hands. “I want you here.”
She turned to face him, still holding hishand. “Is something wrong?”
Was this the moment? Lance nibbled on hisbottom lip. “Between the wedding and work, it’s a lot.”
She clutched his hand tighter and rested herhead on his shoulder. “Why can’t it just be us?”
“What do you mean?” He asked.
She lifted her head. “I’ve been thinking. Ilike your mom, but…”
“But what?”
“You don’t think she’s too involved with...us? She left a few messages on my phone.”
If only she wasn’t right. “She has her ways,but she means well.”
“I know she loves you and only wants thebest, but Lance if we’re going to do this, it needs to be you andme. Nothing can come between us. We’re starting our livestogether.”
Their lives. Andrea was right. It was the twoof them now.
“Andrea?”
“Yes?”
“I told you... remember when I said I wasmarried before?”
“Yes. Why does that matter now?” She staredat him, focusing on his gaze. Reaching to touch his cheek, shecaressed his face. “Is that it? I knew it.” Then she huggedhim.
Lance held her tight. He had shared with herabout his past, but Andrea didn’t know who his ex-wife was.Thankfully, Chantelle didn’t let on about their history.
Andrea grazed her fingers along the nape ofhis neck. Then she drew back, giving a small smile. “I can’t tellyou I know how to be a wife. I wish I could tell you I won’t hurtyou, but I know it won’t be on purpose.”
He looked back at her. “I can’t promise I’llbe perfect.”
“Is that what you’re worried about with us?All this time. Because... it didn’t work out with her?” Andreaasked. Her bottom lip trembled.
Lance swallowed. “I don’t want you to worryabout that. You’re right. This is about us and our livestogether.”
She kissed his lips, cradling his face in herhands. Then she pulled back. “I’ve been on a plane most of the day.If you don’t want me looking tired tomorrow, I think I need to getsome sleep.”
Lance bobbed his head. He then checked thetime on the alarm clock on the end table. “I’ll see you tomorrowfor the interview.” He cupped her cheek and returned the soft pecksto her supple lips. With that, he stood to
