“That’s better,” Ivy said.
“Like riding a bike, right?” He winced inwardly at his clichéd comment and hoped she wouldn’t take it in the wrong way.
Despite his faux pas, Bennett was in heaven just holding her in his arms. Ivy fell naturally in step with him, and thankfully, he overcame his stumbling feet reasonably quickly. He hadn’t enjoyed dancing with a woman this much since Jackie, who would always hold a special place in his memory.
Could Ivy be his future? The thought surprised him but didn’t make him uncomfortable. She was the most mesmerizing woman he’d met in a long, long time. Smart, compassionate, beautiful, ethical. Many people he knew wouldn’t have returned the paintings. And those lovely legs…
He twirled her around again, just to hear the music of her laughter and see the sparkle in her eyes. “Having fun?”
“Now I am,” she said, laughing.
Her smile was intoxicating. As they danced, Bennett felt himself coming back to life, surging up to the water’s surface and breaking free from the depths of despair he’d nearly drowned in years ago. The prospect of sharing his heart with Ivy heightened every movement, every breath. The music seemed livelier, the sunset more stunning, the scent of jasmine even sweeter.
Although he’d been in love before, his heart had known pain for so long that he’d forgotten what it was like to fall in love again. Every poet must have been in love at some time, he decided, as snippets of verses floated through his consciousness. Corny, perhaps, but the connection with Ivy was more real than anything he’d experienced in years.
The band began playing another upbeat song, and the Bay family and friends tumbled onto the dance floor, laughing and pumping their hands in the air. This family knew how to have a good time. Soon the siblings surrounded them—his friend Flint and his brother and their wives, and a slew of younger cousins.
Ivy was bumping hips and twirling around with them, introducing them as they passed. “Here’s Poppy and Coral, there’s Reed and Rocky.” She spun around. “Honey and Gabe from Sydney.” She erupted with laughter.
Bennett turned to see Sterling and Carlotta on the dance floor, leading a conga line from the dance floor through the back yard. He and Ivy joined in, and by the time it was over, he couldn’t remember when he’d had a better time.
If only he didn’t have to call the FBI agents early the next morning as he’d promised.
Chapter 24
IVY STRETCHED IN bed, savoring the sunshine that streamed through her windows and puddled on the floor, warming the old oak wood floor where the sandals she’d worn to the party last night lay.
The sandals she’d worn to dance with Bennett.
She pulled the white cotton duvet up to her chin and wiggled her toes with happiness. The memory of last night came rushing back to her and filled her with joy.
She couldn’t believe that Bennett had turned out to be so fascinating and fun, or that he brought out emotions she’d never thought she’d feel again.
Dancing in his arms, she had felt feminine and desired, though entirely respected. A romantic relationship was the last thing she thought she’d find in Summer Beach, but Bennett had awakened long-dormant feelings. More than that, being together seemed so natural.
The cell phone on her bedside table buzzed.
It was her daughter Misty. “Hi, you! What’s up?”
“You sure sound happy.” Misty paused. “Is everything okay?”
“Why? Because you haven’t heard me be happy for so long?”
“Uh, yeah.”
Ivy sighed. What a poor example to set for her children. Still, it had been a year of grieving. Though it was too soon to tell her children about how excited she was over the possibility of a new man in her life. Besides, they hadn’t actually been out on a date yet.
“How’re you doing, sweetie?” Ivy asked.
Misty let out a little squeal. “I landed a great part in the new theater production.”
“Why, that’s wonderful.” To make a living acting and singing was Misty’s dream. She hoped it was a paid gig so that she could leave the diner she worked at during the day. “When does it open?”
“Next weekend. I was the understudy, and the actor broke a leg snow skiing in soft spring sludge, so she packed and left.”
Next weekend. That might just work. “Would you like for me and your aunt Shelly to come on opening night?”
Misty let out a squeal. “Oh, my gosh! Could you really? You’d have to get a flight right away.”
“We need to return anyway.”
“You sold the house?”
“Not exactly.” Ivy didn’t want to go into her plans over the phone. “I thought I’d stay here longer.”
“So what are you doing there?”
Ivy wished she could tell her about the artwork. As a creative person, Misty would appreciate it. “Making a few house repairs.”
“Sure hope it sells fast. Hey, how’s Nana?”
“She’s fine. You should have seen her leading a conga line last night. She and Gramps are taking off in a couple of months to sail around the world.”
“Really? That’s amazing. Do you think they’re up to it?”
“I do.” Just yesterday she’d had her doubts, but after seeing their vibrancy at the party, she’d set her concerns aside. They were both expert sailors and knew how to prepare for a long voyage. She had to trust that they were going to have a wonderful time. And as her father had said, If not now, when?
“Have you heard from Sunny?” Ivy had been worried, but she’d learned not to nag.
“Sure, she posts on social media all the time. Mom, you have got to check it more often.”
“I will,” she promised. “It’s been a little busy out here.”
“Oh, hey, our table is ready. Gotta run, Mom, loves you, bye.”
Before Ivy could even say loves you in return, Misty had hung up. Ivy supposed she should be glad she got a phone call at
