He did as she asked, happy to be spending time doing something so calming after the stress of the last few weeks. It felt right to be with her, letting his imagination drift away from the stress of the last couple of weeks. Funny how much he’d looked forward to spending time alone with her.
Her voice filled his head. “Listen to the hushed chatter of the dancers as they wait for the orchestra to take their positions on stage. The red velvet curtains flutter and the patter of footsteps build the anticipation of a fabulous night. Your mother and father stand with their friends, excited to be allowed to attend this year’s Christmas Ball.” Her breath wafted over his neck as she spun the story.
“Even the watchful eye of their parents from the side cannot take away the newfound thrill they’ve found being together. The curtain opens, a tap of a baton against wood signals the start of the music. Your father grips your mother’s hand, slides another behind her back, gives her a gentle smile and is poised ready to take her away in the opening waltz.”
Dakota moved to the front of him and leant into his body, the touch of her sending his pulse racing. “The music starts, soft melodic strains reach into his soul and they begin to move together, all too soon oblivious of those around them. They become their own island, their own world where no one can interrupt or steal away the joy they feel being here together.”
She’d slipped her hand into his, began to move and together they danced to the music in their heads. His hands felt right as they held her close. It was as though she belonged there. Adam opened his eyes and looked into the smiling face turned up to him. “How do you do it, Dakota? You had me there with them. Kind of creepy to be in my parents’ heads but also very cool. Your imagination is awesome.” He continued to lead her around the dusty floor, loath to let her go. It would seem that coming home had become more important than he’d first thought. Now he had more to think about than playing another season. His parents had started their future in this town. Could he find something to keep him here too besides the house he owned? It was beginning to seem like anything was possible.
“Joys of being a crafty person, I guess. I can imagine almost anything if I put my mind to it. Probably the reason why my jewelry sells so well. My customers can feel what I can when I’m designing it.”
“Your jewelry?”
“That’s right. Glitterz is my business.” She gave him a saucy wink. “But you knew that, right?”
Adam shook his head, annoyed with himself for not picking up that fact. “No. I actually thought you were a customer of hers.” He bit his lip and came to a halt, still with her hand in his. Something happened and she’d disappeared off the face of the planet. His then girlfriend had been desolate because she loved the brand. Perhaps when they got to know each other better, Dakota might tell him what had happened.
“It’s a long story and I’m sure you don’t really want to hear about it.” She looked around and he felt a pang of embarrassment as she clamped up. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her. He enjoyed her company too much. “Let’s concentrate on this building and what we have to do to bring it up to scratch. It’s far more interesting than me.” She let go of his hand and moved away, leaving him feeling desolate and alone.
“I disagree. I’ve not met such an interesting person for such a long time. I’d like to know more about Ms. Dakota Moore if she’ll be kind enough to spend time with me.” He tilted his head and watched the color tinge her perfect cheekbones. “I know I said I’d be going back to Seattle sooner or later but perhaps you could take pity and agree to a dinner date.”
“Dinner? No strings attached, kind of dinner?” She slipped her hands into her coat pockets and regarded him with a calm stare.
“A friends kind of dinner, not a one-night stand kind of thing, if that’s what you think I meant.” He wouldn’t say no it she wanted to make it more but that wasn’t what was foremost in his mind.
“I could do with a friend if you’re sure that’s what you’re offering. Invitation accepted.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up about seven pm. By the time I close up the office and pop into the hospital and say hello to my father, I think that would be about right.”
“I look forward to it, Adam. Now, back to the Grange. What are your father’s ideas for it so I can put together something of my own that will fit in with that vision?”
*
Dakota dressed with care for her date with Adam. Even though she said she was happy with having a friend, her mind did go over the idea of him being more which surprised her. This was the first time she’d looked at someone with any inkling of romance on her mind since Roger had left. It’d hit her earlier after they’d danced in the Grange and they’d said goodbye. She’d initially been confused by her feelings, had trouble recognizing the pull of attraction for what it was. It was a shame he wouldn’t be staying in Cherry Lake longer than was necessary. She’d have liked the opportunity to see where their friendship could go, see if a romance was possible.
But regardless, tonight she was going to enjoy herself. She brushed her hair, finished her makeup and sprayed a small amount of perfume on her throat and wrists. Her favorite, Daisy, always made her feel slightly flirtatious
