Dreaming 0f You (Christian Romance)

by Marie Higgins

  “I agree.”

  Being a gentleman, he walked her to her car. She opened the door, then turned and looked at him. “Shane, I really do miss you. We need to get together more often. I enjoy your company. You always know what to say to make me laugh.”

  Strange, but he didn’t find the same satisfaction being with her as he did many years ago before they had parted ways in Montana. “It was sure nice seeing you again,” was all he could think to say.

  Her expression changed and seriousness took over, and even a hint of sultry lurked in her eyes. She stepped closer to him and gave him a hug. Being polite, he hugged her back, but when he tried to withdraw, she tightened her arms and wouldn’t let him. Instead, she turned her face and pressed her mouth against his.

  Irritation flowed through him like chipped glass. He didn’t want that kind of relationship with her. Only friendship.

  Quickly, he broke the kiss and stepped out of her arms. “Mags, I’m...well, I’m not ready for that,” he said softly. “It’s still too soon after the death of my ex-wife.”

  “But my darling Shane,” she purred, running her hands up and down his arms. “The best way to get over her is to find someone else.”

  The problem wasn’t that he couldn’t find someone else, he just didn’t want it to be with Margaret. In a flash, Katelyn’s face appeared in his mind, and he realized he wanted to start something with her instead.

  “Mags, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can ever think of you more than just a friend.”

  “Will you still consider me for your next secretary?”

  “Sure. There’s nobody in San Diego that can run an office like you.”

  The color of her hazel eyes turned darker...more spiteful, and he realized he said the wrong thing. Again. This was exactly how they parted ways back in Montana.

  “Fine then. Keep me in mind,” she snapped, turned and climbed into her car. “See you later, Shane.”

  She slammed the door and he jumped back before a piece of his clothes—or a limb—could get caught in the heavy metal. He thought about trying to stop her and try to explain, but then he realized this was really the best way.

  As she tore out of the parking lot, he raised a hand in goodbye, but she never saw it. Releasing a sigh, he turned back to his truck and climbed inside. He’d deal with Mags later. There was just too much going on in his life to deal with her and Katelyn at the same time.

  Chapter Nine

  Katelyn stood inside the door to the country-western dance club with her friends Jennifer and Alisha. For the hundredth time, Katelyn asked herself what in the world she was doing here.

  “Katie, you can’t chicken out now,” Alisha said. “If you’re going to be my bridesmaid, then you’ll have to take country-western dance lessons with me.”

  “And if I’m going to do it, so are you.” Jennifer aimed her stubborn gaze at Katelyn.

  Sighing heavily, she let her friends pull her into the dance hall. Alisha’s face beamed with excitement as she clutched Katelyn’s arm. Couples stood around the room, most of them looking as annoyed as she felt.

  Katelyn leaned closer to her friend and whispered, “Don’t forget, I’ve got to be out of here by seven o’clock. My nephews will never forgive me if I’m late for their school play.”

  Alisha gave a carefree wave. “We’ll be out of here by then, I promise.”

  But with every minute that passed, Katelyn doubted she’d be out on time. The instructor was late getting there, and once he began teaching the dances, there were so many people who didn’t catch right on, he’d take a few minutes to show them personally. Katelyn kept glancing down at her watch, hoping the lessons would be over with soon.

  Finally, when she didn’t think she could stay a moment longer, the instructor ended the lessons. Katelyn gave her friends a quick hug and hurried out the door. After trying several times to start the new heap of junk vehicle her brother had let her borrow to tide her over, it started and she hurried across town.

  “I hate being late,” she grumbled as she searched through the legion of vehicles crammed in the elementary school’s parking lot. When she couldn’t find an empty space and had to park halfway down the street, she grumbled again. She turned off the engine and the scrap of metal shook, droning on for a few moments before finally stopping. She shouldn’t complain too loud. At least it ran and got her back and forth across town.

  Katelyn jumped out of the car and hurried toward the school. The brisk night air chilled her legs. Of course, she didn’t have time to run home and change into her jeans. Her nephews were going to be mad at her as it was.

  Her cowboy boots clicked on the pavement as she dashed into the school. She removed her jacket and hung it amongst the other garments in the front hall, then made her way to the auditorium. The music from the play confirmed her very late arrival.

  She opened the door and peered inside. When she couldn’t see any available seats, she frowned. Making a quick decision, she turned and walked down the hall, around to the side of the stage, hoping to get a view from there. She breathed a sigh of relief when the double doors were open enough to watch the play.

  Straining her neck, she searched for her nephews. When she spotted them wearing their brown and black Indian costumes, she smiled. Feeling almost as proud as her brother would feel right now, she leaned her shoulder against the wall and watched her talented nephews perform the very first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians.

  Heavy footsteps echoed from behind, coming to stop near her, but she kept her attention on the play. A familiar man’s after-shave drifted to her and she quivered with delight. Shane stood behind her, and her body knew it.

  She shook her head. This is too coincidental. Why is this happening to me?

  Trying hard to ignore Shane—or at least act as if she didn’t know he stood behind her—she straightened her stance and focused on the play. But his deep breaths brushed the back of her neck, very close to her ear. Tingles shot down her spine, creating awareness in her she wanted to ignore. Memories of the kiss they shared came back full force.

  Taking a breath for courage, she glanced over her shoulder and realized he was much closer than she’d thought. He stood with his gaze directed toward the play, but the twitch at the corner of his mouth told her he was pretending.

  She acted surprised. “Shane? What are you doing here?”

  His warm gaze moved over her face, and his smile widened. “I was in the mood for a play tonight.”

  She arched one of her eyebrows and cocked her head. “Liar.”

  He chuckled softly. “Okay, you’ve caught me. The truth is my sister volunteered my company to donate the materials needed for the scenery. She also volunteered my labor.” He shrugged. “I had nothing better to do tonight, so I thought I’d see how my handiwork turned out.” He glanced back at the stage. “Not bad, even if I have to say so myself.”

  Katelyn grinned and shook her head. “Well, if you’d waited a couple of seconds, you wouldn’t have to say so yourself. I think you did a marvelous job.”

  He looked back at her. “Are you in the play?” He withdrew only inches as his gaze combed over her western wear. “I thought this play was about Pilgrims and Indians, not Annie Oakley.”

  She just couldn’t help herself, and laughed. Sometimes his personality caught her off guard. “No, I’m not in the play, but my nephews are. And the reason I’m dressed like this is because I’ve just come from my dance lessons.”

  His eyes widened. “Dance lessons?”

  “Yes.” Her face burned with embarrassment, so she quickly continued, “My best friend is having country dancing at her wedding, so I thought I’d take some lessons before I made a fool out of myself in front of everyone at her reception.”

  He nodded, still studying her attire, his focus starting at the off-the-shoulder black blouse with a round neck and dropping to her skirt. “Mmm, nice knees.” He moved his hand and cupped her shoulder, his thumb gently caressing the skin. Her he
art hammered wildly.

  “Why don’t you teach me what you’ve learned?” he asked.

  Feeling uncomfortable, she folded her arms and leaned back against the wall, which moved her away from temptation’s touch. “You’ve got to be kidding. Why would you want to learn country dancing?”

  He stepped closer and braced his arm on the wall near her head. “To be honest with you, I already know how.”

  “I don’t believe that.”

  “It’s true.”

  His free hand came up and stroked her cheek then trailed down her neck, across her shoulder, then down her arm. When his fingers linked with hers and he pulled her away from the wall, her heart jumped to her throat.

  “Come here and I’ll show you.”

  Katelyn’s limbs shook as Shane led her away from the stage’s side door and down a darkened hallway.

  “Do you know how to swing?” he asked.

  She licked her dry lips. “Barely.”

  “Let’s see what you remember.”

  In her classes when she’d teamed up with a partner, the man put his arm around the woman’s shoulders, and the woman’s arm went around the men’s waist. But when Shane took her in his arms, his hand circled her waist as he pulled her against his chest the old fashion way. His other hand cradled hers while his lean fingers caressed her skin.

  She swallowed hard. “I think you’re doing it wrong,” she told him softly.

  “Yes, I know, but I was never comfortable doing it the other way.” His arm tightened around her waist. “This feels better.”

  It sure does.

  Without music, he began moving, but she followed his steps, even when he swung her out and brought her back. Totally amazed, her smile widened when she realized he actually did know how to dance.

  “Are you shocked?” he asked.

  “Completely.”

  After a few more swings, he chuckled. “You’re doing really well for a beginner.”

  “Thank you,” she answered, not taking her eyes from off his, “and you’re doing well for a Fred Astaire wannabe.”

  His laughter rang through the empty halls. “Fred Astaire doesn’t dance country.”

  “You know what I mean, Shane.”

  He swung her one last time then held her against his body, slowing the rhythm. His gaze rested on her lips as his expression softened, and she felt the pull...but no. She couldn’t let him kiss her again. Although she hadn’t stopped thinking about that one incident in his truck, it was wrong. And he was definitely the wrong man for her.

  She moistened her dry lips. “Shane, I never thanked you for having my jeep towed away.”

  He smiled. “Anytime.”

  He’s still staring at my lips! “But you never did tell me how much it cost,” she added.

  His head moved closer. “Don’t worry about it.”

  Her breathing became deeper and when he pressed his lips to the side of her face near her ear, she thought her heart would leap right out of her chest. When he took in a deep breath, the brick wall of defense crumbled around her.

  “Katelyn, you smell like heaven,” he whispered.

  So do you. She breathed the scent of his after-shave, but bit her lip to keep from speaking aloud.

  “I can’t stop thinking about that time in my truck,” he said, his voice still low. “Your scent is still on the sweater I let you wear. I can’t bring myself to wash it and remove your fragrance.”

  “You need to stop thinking about it. It shouldn’t have happened.”

  “No, you’re wrong,” he muttered. “It happened for a reason.”

  He kissed her earlobe and she unconsciously let out a heavy sigh.

  “See, you can feel it, too.” His voice was husky.

  She tried to withdraw from his embrace, but he kept her in his arms. “I shouldn’t be feeling anything. I don’t want to feel it.”

  He twirled her out of his arms one more time, and as he brought her back, dipped her and held the position. His expression was serious, but tender. “Are you sure you don’t want to feel it?”

  She wished he wasn’t so irresistible. His eyes expressed what he felt, and heaven help her, she felt the same, no matter how much she wanted to deny the attraction.

  His gaze dropped to her lips, and when he lowered his head, she didn’t stop him. The moment his mouth covered hers, she let out a sigh. With an urgency that she didn’t quite understand, she clung to him and kissed him back.

  He brought them to an upright position, and his hands wandered over her back to pull her closer. She couldn’t stop herself from cuddling against him. Her mind argued with her body to pull away and tell him to leave. She didn’t want to have feelings for a man who carried so much baggage. Yet, it was his baggage that made him into the man he was right now—the same man who had looked at his children with so much love. Just thinking about it made Katelyn want to weep with happiness.

  The loud chirp of Shane’s cell phone brought her alert, and she jerked out of Shane’s strong, comforting arms. A different feeling washed over her, leaving her feeling empty. It took all her will-power not to fling herself back into his arms where she felt complete.

  “Sorry,” Shane said, his voice deeper than normal. He pulled out his cell and clicked it on. “Hunter here.”

  Katelyn adjusted herself, swiping a nervous hand over her shirt and skirt.

  “Hey, Justin.” Pause. “Yeah, I’m good.”

  Katelyn held her breath. Why was his lawyer calling?

  A long paused followed, as Shane’s sultry gaze changed to confusion and left her to skim up and down the hallway.

  “Uh, well... Yes, I’m still considering, but—” he swallowed hard and turned his back to finish, “actually, this is not a good time. I’ll call you later.”

  Her heart broke and her hopes were crushed. She didn’t need to ask what he and Justin were discussing. She knew. Shane was still going to continue with suing her.

  All too soon, loud voices of the departing audience echoed through the halls. Snapping her head in the direction of the crowd. Inwardly, she thanked fate for stepping in and ruining the mood, and especially getting her mind back on track.

  She took a deep breath, threading her fingers through her own mass of hair, hoping she didn’t look as disheveled as she felt. “I better go talk to my nephews.” Her voice came out lower than normal, so she cleared her throat. “I don’t want them to know I’ve missed their play.”

  “Katelyn, wait.”

  He clasp her arm but she yanked it away. “Really, Shane. I’ve got to go.”

  Without looking back, she walked past him toward the crowd, praying that this kind of situation would never happen again.

  KATELYN DISMISSED HER temporary mental breakdown with Shane. Why had she fallen so easily for his kisses? And why was he kissing her if he still intended to sue her? Perhaps she wasn’t the only one who’d had a temporary mental breakdown.

  Putting those worries aside, she tried focusing on her trip to Disneyland with her nephews. Unfortunately, she couldn’t take all three of them, only two. Xavier was just too young, or so his mother insisted.

  The drive wasn’t that bad, and within a few hours, Katelyn had the three of them checked into a hotel room very near the theme park. Steven and Luke jumped up and down as they waited for their Aunt Katie to get her things together.

  With a nephew holding each hand, they walked to the park. Nonstop for several hours afterwards, the excited boys told her which ride they wanted to go on. Most of the day passed, and thankfully, the boys hadn’t worn her out. Yet. She took pictures of her nephews with the characters—Mickey & Minnie, Donald Duck, Goofy: pretty much the whole gang. There were some characters that Steven and Luke didn’t want a picture with, mainly the Princesses.

  Katelyn’s favorite time in Disneyland was at night when they had the light show and fireworks. And this time of the year, the light show would be geared toward Christmas. She hoped the boys would be just as excited as she was, but in
the late afternoon, she could see the fatigued expressions on her nephews’ faces. Poor Luke looked as if he would drop at any moment.

  “Why don’t we rest for a few hours?” she suggested. “Then you won’t be too tired to see the light show.”

  Steven shrugged, not looking enthusiastic about her idea at all. “I really don’t want to see it, Aunt Katie.”

  “Oh, but it’s spectacular. You’ll remember it always, and it’ll be something you can tell your friends. I bet you Santa will even be in the parade.”

  Luke leaned against her and rested his head on her stomach. “I’m too tired to see the light show. I wanna go back to our room. We can see the light show tomorrow.”

  She ran her fingers lightly through his hair. “But Luke, by this time tomorrow, we’ll be heading back home.”

  Their droopy expressions gave her the answer. Her heart sank, knowing she’d not get to see the light show this time.

  She pulled them to the nearest bench to rest for a minute. Luke kept his head against her shoulder, and Steven slumped beside her. Disappointment spread through her, but she couldn’t deny she’d have a wonderful time with her nephews just the same.

  Rolling her head slowly from side to side, she stretched out the tired muscles on her neck, listening to the joyful sounds coming from the rides and the kids’ raised voices as they waited for their turn to ride. Screams of children were all around, either having fun or being frightened of the rides.

  She smiled, remembering her first time here many years ago. Closing her eyes, she could see herself as a young girl—probably Steven’s age, as her parents held her hand and took her and her siblings on each ride.

  Soon the memory turned into a daydream...the way her mind always seemed to work a story scene into everything.

  Katelyn laughed as the ride dipped and turned. Her belly followed the motion of the carnival ride. Beside her, Luke and Steven clung to her. Excitement danced in their eyes as they laughed.

  The ride climbed higher, and she didn’t dare look down since she’d always been afraid of heights. Luke and Steven looked over the side, leaning closer than she wanted. She grasped each arm to bring them back inside.