Moonlight Dancer

by Mona Ingram

  Pinpricks of awareness danced down her spine. She closed her eyes, trying to recapture the out-of-body experience from Saturday night. Yes! This was the same man. The angular cheekbones, the deep-set eyes, the sensual lips belonged to the man who, in her imagination, had whisked her onto the dance floor.

  “It’s you!” she whispered, staring up at him. It was Saturday night all over again, and a wondrous longing filled her heart. What was happening to her?

  “Charlie! You in there?” The side door was flung open, bathing her in brilliant light. “Who are you talking to?”

  She blinked, a little surprised to find herself standing in the middle of the dance floor, clutching the broom. “Yeah, I’m here.” She held up a hand, shielding her eyes from the light. “You must be Tyler.”

  “In the flesh.” He grinned good-naturedly and strode into the hall, glancing around. “You’re alone. I thought I heard you talking to someone.”

  Charlie shrugged. “Busted. I was talking to myself.” She didn’t even bother to look around. She knew without checking that the tall handsome man would be gone…if indeed he had ever been there. But just in case, she was already planning what she would say to him the next time she saw him. It was the least she could do for Charlotte.

  Tyler changed the music and held out his hand. “Well, what do you say? Let’s teach you to dance.”

  * * *

  “Well was I right or not?” Janelle stood proudly upright, balancing on her new cane as they waved good-bye to Tyler. “Isn’t he a good dancer?”

  “He’s terrific. He started out by teaching me to feel the rhythm of the music.” She turned to her aunt with a rueful smile. “No wonder I kept tripping over my feet. I’ve been doing it all wrong.”

  “Do you think you’ll be ready by the weekend?”

  “Tyler says so, and I believe him. He can’t make it tomorrow, but we agreed to meet the next day.”

  “Excellent!” Janelle pumped her fist. “And how did the cleaning go?”

  “I’ll need at least one more day. Maybe two.” Charlie had already planned to drag it out as long as possible. “Is that okay?”

  “Sure, as long as the place is presentable by Thursday night. Come on, let’s go home.”

  Chapter Seven

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going out for dinner with Jack tonight.” Janelle hopped down out of the truck. “I’ve decided to take your advice and see where this relationship might go.”

  “Good for you.” Charlie was genuinely happy for her aunt. “He’s a great guy.” She followed her aunt into the house and went up to her bedroom to change.

  Her thoughts wandered back to the dance hall as she stood in front of the mirror, hairbrush in hand. The man’s voice as he spoke that one word – ‘Charlotte’ – had awakened a response in her that belonged to Charlotte. She removed the clips from her hair and brushed slowly, trying to make sense out of what was happening.

  She couldn’t explain how, without any warning, she could be swept away by Charlotte’s deepest feelings. But this new twist was even more unlikely. She pulled her hair away from her face and smiled into the mirror. Had she really stood there in the middle of the dance hall and talked to Charlotte’s cowboy? Oddly enough, the thought of encountering him again didn’t frighten her at all. She smiled at her reflection and for a moment she wasn’t sure if the flash of anticipation belonged to her or to Charlotte.

  “This is getting crazy” she said aloud, and let her hair fall back into soft curls. At least she knew that Jason was flesh and blood. And she knew that she was looking forward to seeing him again. She went outside and paused under the weeping willow, absorbing the scents and sounds that until a few days ago had been foreign to her.

  Jason’s ATV rumbled around the corner of the barn. He spotted her, silenced the motor and got off, all long, lean legs and attitude.

  “Hi there” he said, shoving his hands into his back pockets. He wore his Stetson today, and the brim shaded his eyes. “Is that smile for me?”

  “In your dreams.” She tried unsuccessfully to sound tough.

  He shoved back his hat. “Ah shucks. And here I thought you were waiting for me.”

  “Maybe I was.” She smiled up at him.

  “Well in that case, I’d better get on with the chores.” He didn’t make a move but stood there, looking down at her with a crooked smile. “I was hoping you’d like to go out for coffee later.”

  “Around here?” She looked around to emphasize her point. “Where?”

  “A nice little place I know.” He gave her a smile that could melt icebergs. “Trust me.”

  * * *

  Jack arrived to pick up Janelle just as Jason was finishing up. “Have a good time,” he shouted. Janelle nodded and climbed into Jack’s Land Rover.

  “Nothing quite as glamorous for us, I’m afraid.” Smiling, Jason led her to the ATV. “I should give you a lesson on this thing.” He motioned to the drive-in shed. “Janelle has one, but she hasn’t been able to use it since she hurt her foot.”

  Charlie looked warily at the machine. “I suppose I could try.”

  It was much easier than she’d imagined. Jason was an excellent teacher, and within a few minutes she’d mastered the throttle. He was obviously pleased with her progress, but insisted on driving when they were ready to go.

  “Now if you ever need to go anywhere on the property you can use Janelle’s machine. The key is always in it. But right now, let’s go for a ride.” They pulled out of the yard and drove toward Jason’s property. She could see the main farmhouse slightly below them and to the west, closer to the main road than Janelle’s. At the property line Jason turned along a well-travelled service road. Their route took them down into a shallow valley, past a field of alfalfa and then up the other side. A row of poplars rimmed the top of the rise, running north and south along the eastern boundary of Jason’s property. By Alberta standards, where the Rocky Mountains dominated the horizon it wasn’t much of a hill, but it was a wonderful vantage point, offering vistas to the east and west. A small farmhouse sat in the lee of the trees, facing back toward the western slope.

  “My house,” he said simply.

  The house was perfect for him. Large enough but not too large, it complemented the landscape instead of dominating it. Painted a warm adobe colour with black trim, it was fronted by a deep verandah which held two comfortable chairs. He led her inside and watched while she inspected the premises without trying to be too obvious.

  “I set up the coffee pot before I left; I’ll just go and turn it on.”

  She nodded. A fireplace fronted with river rock dominated the room. On either side, built-in bookshelves held an eclectic selection of books. She noticed a large number of computer-related books beside books relating to farming. She wandered through to the kitchen, taking note of the comfortable and yet practical furnishings.

  “Nice kitchen,” she said, walking to the window over the sink. “I’ll bet the morning sun looks beautiful coming through those poplars.”

  He smiled. “Yes, it does.”

  “You have a lot of computer books,” she said, a question in her eyes.

  “You’d be surprised how much of what we do is computerized. I took a course a couple of years ago in Regina.” He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. “It was tough because I’d had no business experience with computers, but I was glad I did it. It’s been a big help.”

  Charlie nodded slowly, absorbing this information. “I’ve never thought about it before, but I imagine there are a lot of ways you could use computers in your business.”

  “True, and it’s a great help with all the government paperwork.”

  “Where is it?” She looked around.

  “The computer? I have a laptop in my study, and it’s linked to the main computer at Brad’s. He has a network and the boys have computers as well.”

  The coffee pot sputtered, announcing the end of the cycle. “Coffee’s ready” he said. H
e poured the steaming liquid into two bone china mugs and set them on a tray that held cream and sugar and a plate of cookies. “Come on, let’s sit outside.”

  The chairs were positioned for conversation. Jason set down the tray and motioned for Charlie to take her pick of the seating. “I think I’ll sit here” she said, taking the seat that looked down into the shallow valley and back toward Janelle’s property. “It’s a beautiful view, Jason.”

  “I chose the site myself” he said with a touch of pride. “I sit out here in the summer when I get the chance.”

  Charlie poured some cream into one of the cups and stirred it. Flowers adorned both cups and she studied the design. “Not what I thought you’d choose, but very nice.”

  He coloured. “Christine bought those.”

  She sensed that there was more to come and remained silent.

  He studied his own cup and then set it down. “I met Christine in Regina when I was taking that computer course.” He looked out to the west where the setting sun was painting the sky. “I thought she was the one…you know?”

  She nodded, even though he wasn’t looking at her.

  “We got involved quickly, and we decided that she should come up here to live.” He picked up his coffee and drank, his gaze still on some faraway object. “I thought everything was going along so well. I even bought her an engagement ring. It never occurred to me that we didn’t want the same things, but when I proposed, she said no. Said she didn’t want to live on a farm for the rest of her life.”

  “Well what did she think was going to happen?” Charlie was outraged on his behalf. “Did she think you were going to give up all of this and move to the city?”

  “That’s exactly what I said to her. She said she thought she’d see how she liked it.” He moved over to the low railing and sat down, his back to the view. “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. I brought you here to buy you a cup of coffee and show you my house, not to talk about my failed love life.”

  She gave a short laugh. “I doubt that you’d have any trouble reviving your love life, if that’s what you wanted.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Fishing for compliments, are we? In case you haven’t noticed, you’re a good-looking guy, not to mention a successful businessman.

  “Why Miss Scarlet, I didn’t know you cared.” His dimple was back.

  Charlie shook her head. “Rhett Butler has nothing to fear from you.” She paused. “How long ago did this happen with your lady friend?”

  “She went back last fall. Almost a year.”

  “Do you still love her?” Charlie couldn’t believe she’d asked such a personal question, but she had to know.

  “What? No.” He paused, as though listening to faraway voices. “After she left a lot of my friends told me I’m better off, that it never would have worked. I can see now that was true but it didn’t make me feel any better, if you know what I mean.”

  “Sure do. My friend Allie called my former boyfriend a tight-assed lawyer after we called it quits.” She smiled to herself. “But then she also told me that while we were dating.”

  “We’re a pair, aren’t we? In a romance novel, isn’t this the part where we fall into each other’s arms? Two jilted lovers who find eternal happiness together?”

  Charlie laughed. “I’m not sure what you’ve been reading, Jason. I didn’t see too many romance novels among your books. I saw some Robert Parker, some Elmore Leonard and some Michael Connelly, but nothing by any romance authors.

  “I can be romantic.” His face was all angles and shadows, bronzed by the setting sun. He pulled her to her feet and brushed a curl away from her forehead, his touch gentle but sure. “I’d like a chance to prove it to you” he said, his voice husky with emotion.

  She looked up into eyes that glittered in the last rays of the sun. “Don’t forget I’m a city girl too. I might disappoint you.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think that would be possible.” His gaze dropped to her lips.

  It was all she could do not to throw herself in his arms. She placed a hand flat on his chest, struggling to control the conflicting emotions that were warring inside. “I’m intrigued” she said softly, “but not tonight, okay?”

  His heart was thundering beneath her fingertips. “Okay” he said. “But how about a little something on account?” he lowered his head, his intent clear. He brushed his mouth against hers; a soft, feathery kiss that left her aching for more. He pulled back and studied her face as though he’d never seen it before. “Miss Scarlet” he said, his voice rumbling deep in his chest. “You’re worth waiting for.” He offered her his hand. “But I’d better take you home before I forget my manners.”

  They went down the steps hand in hand and stood for a moment as dusk descended. “I love this land” he said quietly. “It’s as simple as that.” He handed her up onto the ATV. “Is that so hard to understand?”

  “Not at all.” Charlie wished that he would kiss her again. “It’s people like you and your brother who carry on the traditions of the family farm.”

  “Thank you” he said simply. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t care.” He got on the ATV and started the motor.

  I care, thought Charlie, tightening her grip around his abdomen. Maybe too much.

  The farmhouse was dark when they got back. Thankfully Janelle had left the outside light on.

  “So, are we still on for Saturday night?” Jason took her hand and helped her down.

  She nodded. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Me too.” He released her hand and stepped back. “See you around, Scarlett.” He jumped on the ATV and took off.

  Silence settled over the yard and Charlie settled into a chair on the verandah, not ready to go inside quite yet. Thomas poked his head through the cat door, walked to her chair and leaped up. When she didn’t pay immediate attention to him he butted her softly with the top of his head.

  “Hello, boy” she said, scratching him behind the ears. “I’d tell you about my day, but I don’t know where to start.” Thomas blinked and Charlie took that as a request to continue.

  “I met a ghost this morning.” An image of dark eyes and a handsome face floated before her and she stopped scratching. The cat butted her again. “I know it sounds outrageous, but it’s true.” She stroked the soft fur. “Then my dancing instructor arrived and the ghost disappeared.” Her hand stilled. “Is it possible that I’m imagining all this?” Her thoughts drifted off and Thomas jumped down in disgust.

  “No” she said into the quiet night. “You’re right. It was real.” She chuckled at her words. “Or at least as real as a ghost can be.”

  Chapter Eight

  “You missed Jason this morning.” Janelle was hunched over her drawing board in what had once been the living room of the farmhouse. Flooded with light, it now made the perfect studio. She reached for her coffee mug and seemed surprised to find it empty.

  “Here, I’ll get you a refill.” Charlie took the mug and looked over her aunt’s shoulder at the sketches. “Is this the proposal for the architects?”

  Janelle fingered her braid. By now, Charlie recognized that her aunt played with her hair when nervous or indecisive. “Yes, and I’m not sure if I’m on the right track.”

  “Maybe you should step back from it.” Charlie refilled her aunt’s mug and brought it back to her. “That’s what they told us in a writing course I took.”

  “Good advice.” Janelle sipped the coffee and continued to assess her sketch.

  “So did Jason say anything?”

  Janelle whirled around. “Oh. Sorry. Yes, I told him that you were going to The Trip this morning and he offered to pick you up.” She glanced over at the grandfather clock. “I told him around two.”

  * * *

  Tyler pulled into the parking lot as Charlie was opening the side door. “Ready for another lesson?” he called, taking the steps two at a time. “I have a feeling we’re going to make
great progress today.”

  He was right. By the end of the session, she was following him with ease; she felt as though she’d been dancing forever.

  “What do you think?” He removed the CD and slipped it into the case. “Want to try something faster?”

  Charlie took a few steps around the floor, giddy with the progress they’d made. “Would it be okay if we did that on another day? I’d like to practice this for a while.”

  “Sure. Any day you like. I’m on night shift for another week, so I’m free in the daytime.”

  “Is tomorrow too soon?”

  “Tomorrow’s perfect.” He gestured toward the broom, propped against the booth where Charlie had left it yesterday. “I’ll leave you to get on with your cleaning. See you tomorrow.” He paused to give her a thumbs up from the doorway and then was gone.

  Charlie drifted across the floor and bowed to the broom. “May I have this dance please?” she said with a self-conscious laugh. She didn’t care. She was learning to dance and Saturday night she had a date with Jason. Humming to herself, she danced around the central pole of the carousel and paused by the CD player. Nothing like some music to accompany work. She chose a medley of love songs and with a reluctant sigh continued sweeping where she’d left off yesterday.

  “Hello again.” She stilled. Could it possibly be him again? Holding the broom in one hand she turned slowly. He was there all right, a tentative smile on his lips. “I was hoping to see you here today.”

  She studied him openly. It was easy to see why Charlotte had fallen in love with this man. He was confidently masculine, and yet the vulnerability in his eyes showed how deeply he’d loved her namesake.

  “I was wondering if I’d imagined you,” she said finally. “It’s not every day a person talks to a ghost, you know.”

  He nodded. “I’m as surprised as you are.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Nobody has ever been able to see me before.” He looked at her curiously. “You’re the only one.” The light caught the gold flecks in his eyes. “Do you mind?”