His brows came together in a deep frown for a moment. ‘No, we don’t really socialise these days. She … moved to Southern California some time ago.’
‘Hmm, I suppose that makes it a bit easier. Not bumping into her unexpectedly, I mean.’
He cocked his head, a smirk on his face, yet there was pain reflected in his eyes. ‘Yeah, well, we didn’t exactly part on good terms.’
Did he miss his wife? Was his heart still broken? Alex couldn’t remember if Denver had said how long ago it happened. Could he still be in love with her?
Travis turned away and sighed, then took another long sip of beer. ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t be talking about her. That’s ancient history.’ His smile looked forced, but his words were encouraging.
She wanted to tell him about Liam, but she wasn’t sure this was the right time. ‘Sometimes it is best to leave the past in the past, where it belongs. Oh sorry, that came out wrong. If you want, or need, to talk about it … that’s not what I meant.’
‘I know what you meant. I suppose we’ve all made mistakes in the past. Best to learn from them, and look to the future, right?’
There was truth in his words, but what mistake had she made with Liam? She hadn’t done anything wrong. Liam was the one driving that night yet not once had she blamed him for what happened. Her mind began spinning, threatening to drag her down. No good would come from dwelling on the past.
She lifted her beer and tapped it against his. ‘To the future. Yes, indeed.’
As she took a sip, she looked up at him. He was watching her, his eyes burning into her with an intensity she hadn’t experienced in ages. Then he sighed, and quirked a smile. ‘Hey, it’s a party, and here I am making you sad. Have I dredged up old memories? If so, I apologise.’
She was considering giving him a brief explanation about Liam when Travis’ phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and checked the screen. ‘Sorry, I’ve gotta take this.’
He began to walk away, but not before she heard him greet the caller. ‘Sweetheart, I didn’t expect to hear from you tonight—where are you?’
Nausea swept over her as she realised how close she’d come to divulging far too much about herself, simply because a man was being polite to her.
Chapter 14
‘There you are,’ Harrison said as she walked toward him.
‘I’m not the one who disappeared, remember?’ She laughed, hoping that didn’t sound possessive.
He pointed to the wet patch on his leg. ‘Got it out. Stacy was right about the soda water, but then she dragged me over to where her husband and daughter were looking at a couple of horses, and I got caught up. We all went to school together, but I hadn’t seen her for a few years. Lots to catch up on. I didn’t mean to desert you.’
‘That’s okay, I was only stirring. You want to show me your moves again?’
‘Do I ever, baby,’ Harrison said as he flashed a cheeky grin.
It was exactly what she needed to put the exchange with Travis behind her. He grabbed her hand and led her back to the dance floor, but when they got there his dance style became even more about him. It was fun, but not the same as the dances she’d just had with Travis.
She couldn’t help looking around from time to time, trying to spot Travis, and wondering about this “sweetheart” and if she was going to show up here at the party.
After three dances, she’d had enough. ‘Harrison, I need another drink. You?’
‘No, but you go ahead. I’ll find another partner, if that’s okay with you?’
‘Definitely—I’ll be somewhere over near the bar.’ She breathed a sigh of relief as she walked away. Then she spotted Denver with a group of friends, so once she got her drink she walked over to him and he introduced her to everyone, calling her his “boss”. She played along, pleased when the group started to thin out eventually leaving her and Denver on their own.
‘No one special here tonight?’ she asked, taking a sip of some sparkling mineral water.
‘What do you mean? Everyone here is special.’ His brows waggled mischievously.
‘You know what I mean.’ She nodded toward a group on the edge of the dance floor. The three women were giggling and looking over at him like love-struck school girls.
‘Well, there is one who’s a bit special, but I haven’t told her yet.’
Alex wasn’t quite sure what he meant by that so just pressed on. ‘Those three over there look like they’re dying for you to go over to them.’
He turned toward them, and then winked as he faced Alex again. ‘I’m trying to spread myself around, you know. I can’t go showing too much favouritism to anyone in particular tonight, now can I?’
She laughed. ‘Why not? It’s your birthday; you can do whatever you like.’
While Denver gulped the rest of his beer, she took a moment to scan the area but Travis was nowhere to be seen. Had the caller been his girlfriend? Had he nicked out to meet her somewhere? Surely he wouldn’t leave his brother’s birthday party? She clenched her jaw, berating herself—it was none of her business if he had.
Denver tossed his empty can into a barrel and turned back to face her. ‘I saw you with Travis. You’re a fast learner, but he’s only a beginner. Wanna dance with a real partner?’
‘Oh, I don’t know—maybe I’ll finish my drink and let you grab one of those girls over there. Don’t want them to think I’m trying to hog all your attention.’
He laughed, and gave her a wink. ‘Yeah, okay. Watch and learn. Come on, I’ll introduce you to them. They’re all good friends of mine.’
Denver led her to the group and introduced her. Then he led the prettiest of the three out onto the dance floor and stood waiting for the next song to begin. People moved out of the way, clearing space for them and when the music started everyone stayed back.
Alex watched in awe—they were spectacular. The woman’s white dress flared up, revealing an underdress of black satin which twirled as she spun. Her feet moved with lightning speed as Denver spun her around and pulled her in for a dip. She jumped back up with the ease of an Olympic athlete, leaving Alex to wonder if they’d competed.
The woman next to her leaned in and whispered in her ear. ‘He should’ve hung onto her. They were together all through high school, then he went off to college in Sacramento and she married one of his best friends. Funny, we all thought he’d marry her. Even so, they still look terrific together, don’t they?’
That wasn’t what she’d expected to hear. She turned to look at the woman who’d spoken, deciding perhaps she was the one. She was stunning as well, with long dark hair and almond-shaped eyes giving her an exotic appeal. Alex continued to watch her as the woman’s attention went back to the dancers. Yes, she could be the one.
Alex turned back to the dance floor as Denver and the woman were doing their finale. Everyone applauded and cheered, begging them to dance another. That’s when she finally spotted Travis.
He was standing next to a dark-haired woman with a young girl of about eight leaning up against her chest. The woman’s hands were on the young girl’s shoulders, and Travis held one of the little girl’s hands. They were nearly straight across from Alex, on the edge of the dance floor, but with everyone’s attention fixed on Denver she figured it was safe to stare.
So, he did have a girlfriend. And the girlfriend had a daughter. Any wonder he recognised her ability to connect with children. Maybe it was something he struggled with. Her jaws tightened as she assessed the woman. The top of the woman’s head didn’t even reach Travis’ shoulder, and everything about her was dainty. She wore tight jeans and cowboy boots and a sparkling singlet top which showed off her perfect figure. Even from a distance Alex was pretty certain the woman was gorgeous. She was everything that Alex was not.
Anger bubbled up in her, or was it jealousy? She cursed her idiocy, knowing full well she should be
grateful he was off limits. She needed to be making business decisions based on logic, and not factoring in a budding romance with someone who might yet prove to be an enemy. He’d taken her for a ride on a gentle horse, and then he’d saved her from feeling alone at a party where she knew no one. Both actions were kind, but so what? Logic told her she was being ridiculous, so why did she find it so hard to think clearly?
As the dance ended, the little girl turned and looked up at her mother asking a question. Travis leaned down and whispered something in the woman’s ear. And that’s as much as Alex cared to watch. She turned her back to them, speaking once again to the woman beside her.
‘You said Denver let her get away, but where’s her husband? Doesn’t he mind her dancing with Denver?’
‘No, he and Denver are still best of friends—he’s not jealous. Besides, he knows that Denver knows he’d kill him if Denver tried to steal her back.’ The woman was smiling as she spoke, and her voice was full of laughter, but her eyes suggested it was more than a joke. ‘Ah, watch this, looks like he’s going to dance with Annie now.’
Alex turned, and much to her surprise Denver was now standing with the young girl, the one who’d been with Travis. ‘Annie?’
‘Yes, his niece.’
‘Niece?’ Alex didn’t even try to cover up her confusion.
‘Yes, Annie is Travis’ daughter. Isn’t she as cute as a button?’ The woman turned to face Alex, frowning. ‘Sorry, I figured you’d have known that.’
With her mind racing, Alex had to quickly re-evaluate everything she’d been thinking. Travis was a father. So the woman could be his ex-wife.
Perhaps his earlier kindness did mean something. And maybe she cared more than she wanted to admit. Maybe he did too.
All this was too much to take on board right at the moment. She turned back to the dance floor and sure enough, Denver was dancing with the little girl. He’d taken his dancing down a notch so Annie could keep up, but she was amazingly good for a child. After a moment, Alex looked for Travis again, but he was nowhere to be seen so she just kept watching the dancing.
A few minutes later someone tapped her on the shoulder. She suspected Harrison had returned but, when she turned, she found herself staring straight at Travis.
‘Sorry about leaving you before when Annie rang. I had to go meet her.’
She struggled to find enough breath to speak. ‘That’s alright. No need to apologise.’
He looked down at her, his eyes smouldering. Alex considered excusing herself, finding the intensity too much, but then he pointed toward the gazebo and nodded. ‘No, I shouldn’t have walked off like that. Look … can we talk for a bit?’
Surprise brought an involuntary frown to her face. She wiped it off quickly, and then shrugged. ‘Yeah, okay.’
They made their way back to where they’d stood before, positioning themselves so they could still see a bit of the dance floor.
Travis flicked his head toward the dancers. ‘Denver’s good with her. She’s his favourite niece … well, his only niece, but even so.’
Alex took a sip of her drink. ‘She dances well. Puts me to shame.’
‘She’s been doing it pretty much from when she could walk. Between Denver, and her mother, she’s had good teachers.’
‘So I take it that was your ex? The woman I saw you standing with?’
‘Yeah, that was Karen.’
Alex sighed quietly, chewing the inside of her mouth.
Travis took a deep breath, and then launched into an explanation. ‘Karen was meant to bring Annie up after the rodeo—she’ll be here for the summer. That’s why I’ve been trying to get these horses ready for the rodeo. I’m hoping to sell them so I can take things a bit slower for the next couple of months. Getting the call from Annie tonight was … unexpected.’
‘I see.’
He cocked his head, continuing in a voice that had gone gruff. ‘Karen’s partner, Cody, got himself a job up near Seattle, so without any warning they decided to drop Annie on their way up north. Not that I’d have minded if they’d asked, but it might have been nice to get a bit of warning.’
‘And is he here too?’
Travis frowned. ‘Cody knew he wouldn’t be welcome here—he stayed with the truck while Karen brought Annie in. They won’t be staying for the party—they’re heading on up to Sacramento tonight.’
Alex was beginning to get an entirely different picture of Travis. He was serious, but how much of it might be because of his responsibilities as a father, perhaps overcompensating for the marriage break-down? She took another sip of her drink, trying to think of something positive to say, when Annie raced up to them.
‘Were you watching, Daddy? Did you see how good I’m getting?’ Annie asked as she raced up, giggling.
Travis laughed, and as he did his whole demeanour lightened. He wore his pride like a badge of honour, his eyes sparkling when they met Alex’s. ‘Annie, can I introduce you to a friend of mine? This is Alex. Alex is a tennis player, and she coaches.’
Alex sucked in a breath as her left hand automatically flew to her shoulder. She was more than a bit surprised that Travis remembered that. She swallowed, forcing a smile onto her face. ‘Hello, Annie. It’s nice to meet you.’
Annie turned to face Alex with wide eyes. ‘You play tennis? And you’re a coach?’
Alex laughed. ‘Well, yes I suppose—but not necessarily a good one.’
‘Can you coach me while I’m here? My friend Naomi said I’m really good for a beginner but that I need lessons. She’s had lessons—lots of them.’
Alex pursed her lips as she thought. She had been meaning to get back into coaching; maybe this was a good opportunity? ‘Were you on a team at school?’
Annie put her hands on her hips. ‘No, not at school. Naomi has a court at her house. Mom let me go to her house after school whenever I wanted to. So can you give me lessons?’
Alex didn’t want to dampen her enthusiasm. ‘Sure, I’d be more than happy to coach you, Annie.’
Annie’s face broke into a beaming smile. ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’ She turned to her father, rolling her eyes dramatically. Then she broke into giggles again when he reached down and tickled her under the armpit.
Warmth washed over Alex as she watched them. She didn’t even try to disguise her smile when Travis caught her eye. It was a strangely beautiful moment—one she certainly hadn’t expected to experience tonight.
But just then Harrison walked up, breaking the moment’s spell. ‘There you are—ready for another dance?’ He held out a hand to her as he indicated toward the dance floor with his other hand.
She glanced at Travis, and then down at Annie, before turning back to face Harrison and holding up a finger in a wait just a moment gesture.
When she looked back at Annie, she was staring at her hopefully. ‘Will you come tomorrow?’ Annie said, her voice pleading.
‘Tomorrow?’ Alex looked at Travis, who simply raised his eyebrows and shrugged. She took that as approval. ‘Okay, Annie, maybe some time in the afternoon?’
‘Come whenever you like, I’ll be waiting. Don’t forget.’
Alex laughed, and then looked at Harrison, who quite obviously had no idea what they were talking about, but she doubted he cared either, especially when he nodded toward the dance floor and simply said, ‘Ready?’
Annie was still frowning when Alex turned back to her. ‘I won’t forget. I’ll let everyone have a good sleep in, so I’ll come after lunch.’
Travis cleared his throat in a fatherly fashion. ‘Speaking of sleeping, it’s past your bedtime Annie. How about we go get you settled into your room?’
‘But they haven’t even sung happy birthday yet—or cut the cake. Can’t I stay up longer?’
As Alex and Harrison walked off toward the dance floor, she heard Travis saying he’d ge
t the cake organised soon. She gave one last glance over her shoulder, heat rushing to her cheeks when she realised Travis was watching her walk away.
Chapter 15
Alex woke early, grateful she’d mostly drunk mineral water because even though her feet were a bit sore from all the dancing, she didn’t have even the slightest headache. Harrison had dropped her off just after one, and she’d fallen asleep dreaming of dancing to rockabilly music. She’d woken up fresh, ready to face playing tennis with an energetic child.
One thing weighing heavily upon her mind, however, was her interactions with Travis. She would have loved to talk to Casey and Taylor right about now and get their take on what had happened at the party, if it weren’t for the blasted time difference. She’d have to wait until she returned later this afternoon to call them. Perhaps it was just as well, because seeing Travis today might be a completely different experience than the previous evening—in which case there might not be anything to discuss anyway.
After a quick breakfast she headed out to the garden. The mowing company was doing a great job, but it wasn’t their responsibility to look after the garden beds. In search of some tools she made her way into the garage and took a closer look at the old Buick while she was there. It was dusty, but didn’t appear damaged.
She shrugged, wondering if she should have at least taken if for a test drive before purchasing the Mustang, but then she shrugged. She loved the Mustang, and it hadn’t been that expensive. Besides, it had been ages since she’d treated herself to anything even remotely indulgent.
Armed with garden gloves, pruning shears, a small spade and a fork for pulling weeds, she settled herself at the front and began to tidy up the largest of the garden beds. It was a relaxing way to spend the morning before the lesson with Annie.
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