"You and your daughters? Why?"
"I think I told you Kara takes dance."
"You mentioned it online when you found out I was a dancer and were about to tell me where yesterday."
"Are."
"Excuse me?"
"From what I saw yesterday, you still are a dancer."
At his observation, her whole body suffused with pleasure. It curled all warm and fuzzy inside her. No one, not one single person, ever referred to her as a dancer anymore. "Kara?"
"She talked about this studio as if it was Buckingham Palace and you were the Queen of England." Someone had once called her the Queen of Dance. "She’s watched your DVDs and couldn’t say enough about you."
"That’s sweet. You never did tell me where she takes lessons."
"Dance Dimensions."
"It’s a good school." She looked around as if a thought struck her. "Joe, I’d take her here as a favor to you, but what if we don’t…if you and I don’t…"
"I understand. I’d never want her in the middle."
"And I don’t socialize with my students or their families, though they invite me to things." And some of them felt she was aloof because of it. Dana preferred to think she was being professional.
"I just hate to sacrifice Kara’s needs because of me." He was thoughtful. "But maybe you can help me with something else because you know girls. It’s Kaelyn I worry about most. She’s a klutz, but a budding Van Gogh. Still, she feels inferior because Kara shines at dance and gets all the attention."
"I’m sorry. Maybe she’ll outgrow it."
"She needs help. I’ve got to think about this some more. If you have any suggestions let me know." He pushed off the wall and crossed to her desk. "I gotta start painting. Ruth said I have to finish today." Bending over, he kissed her quickly on the mouth. "I’m glad you’re not mad at me anymore."
"I am." She had to battle back a smile. "I forgot."
He smoothed a hand down her hair and left.
In minutes, he returned with a ladder, a can of paint and brushes sticking out of his pocket. He headed to the bathroom to start in there. At least she wouldn’t have to look at him. She’d simply ignore him.
Even if he did turn a small radio on low and begin to sing with a tune. Brown Eyed Girl substituting blue for brown. She quelled another smile.
Even if he did take a break, get coffee from the diner next door for both of them and insist on drinking it with her.
Trying to be irritated at his intrusion into her work time, Dana frowned as he sprawled out on Ruth’s chair. It was hard not to gawk at him in shorts that revealed corded muscles and sinew and a T-shirt that did the same for his arms. "You know, it’s not that hot in here. You could have put more clothes on."
He cocked his head with the innocence of Jack the Ripper. "Am I bothering you, babe?"
Damn, it was hard to stay mad at him. He was adorable. "Not a bit."
He studied her. "You’re overdressed, aren’t you?"
She swallowed hard. She hadn’t put on dance attire today and wore a red, sleeveless blouse and light, khaki slacks. Those were what he was referring to.
"Dana, why did you go all quiet?"
He might as well know. But she couldn’t face him when she told him. She turned back to the computer before she answered, hoping her voice was even when she said, "I don’t look at my legs. They’re not toned like the rest of me."
"Ruth does range of motion and other exercises with them, doesn’t she?"
Dana nodded.
She heard him push back the chair. Felt him come up behind her and settle his hands on her shoulders. "I’m sorry you don’t like the appearance of your legs. I want you to know, it won’t bother me when I see them."
She snorted. "As if."
He kissed the top of her head. "It’s the truth. I don’t want you to worry about that. I’ll find every inch of you gorgeous." With that, he stepped away and went back to the bathroom.
And Dana was left with the image of him seeing all of her naked and in bed.
***
SINGING OFF-KEY about love finding a way, Joe happily rolled paint onto a wall. The space was unusually large for an office bathroom to accommodate Dana’s chair. It also had a higher commode, a sink she could roll under and, as in the office, a thermostat at her level. He noticed the casement windows everywhere in the place. Dana could be self-sufficient here, which was apparently vital to her. He’d gotten hints of that online but hadn’t really understood then. He remembered one of his father’s letters saying how much he wanted to do whatever he could by himself. Eventually, he’d had to surrender even minimal self-sufficiency and it had practically killed him.
Concentrating on his work, he lost track of time. When he checked, he realized it was almost noon. He could finish the entire project by early evening. Too bad, he’d like to hang around this weekend if Dana was going to be here. Maybe Ruth had more work he could do. As he climbed down the ladder, he decided to ask Dana to go to lunch with him. He meant what he said about her experience with young girls and needing help with Kaelyn, but he wasn’t beneath using that as an excuse to be with her.
As he was washing up at the sink, he heard another voice in the office. Joe went to the doorway. Dana was sitting at the desk as he’d left her but was looking up at a woman who’d come in. She was tall and a bit exotic-looking but there was an edginess about her that made him take notice. As a cop, Joe had to be aware of possible warning signs.
"I’m Elyssa Langston. I’ve been calling about getting my daughter in your last summer workshop."
Raising her chin, Dana said neutrally, "My partner handles the enrollment. But I’m sure she told you we’re full."
The women gave Dana a hard glare. "You’re always full. I’ve been trying to get Sara into the regular studio for years. I thought I might persuade you to give her a chance next week if I came in person. She’s so good, you’ll want her enrolled full time."
"I’m sorry," Dana told the woman gently. "I can’t do that. We get several requests a day for slots in the sessions. It’s not possible to take more students at this time."
The woman shoulders stiffened and her eyes turned frigid. "I’d think, given your condition, you’d be more sympathetic to others. I guess not. You’re as cold as the mothers say you are."
Dana gasped.
From behind her, Joe stepped out into the office. "Now, wait just a minute."
Dana spared him a glance. "No, Joe, I’ve got this. I’m sorry you feel that way, Mrs. Langston. I’ll make sure your daughter’s on the waiting list." She pivoted slightly in the chair. "Joe, would you show Mrs. Langston out?"
"Gladly."
The woman stalked away fast, so he followed her to the foyer and made sure she left. When he returned, he said, "You should keep the front door locked."
"Sometimes people come in for dance attire with our logo on it. But you’re right. I don’t need that kind of harassment."
"I’m sorry."
She reached in her desk and got her bag. "I’m going out for a while."
"I came in to ask you to have lunch with me."
"I’ll grab some food when I’m out. I’ve got errands."
Joe watched her as she wheeled to the back exit. Pissed as hell at what the Langston woman had done, Joe wished he could comfort her, but she got away from him too fast. He didn’t like the feeling of helplessness that overcame him.
***
DANA WAS SAD as she did her errands and then stopped to eat at an outdoor diner where she could maneuver easily. As she picked at her chicken Caesar salad, she tried to talk herself out of her mood. It didn’t happen a lot anymore, but the run-in with the Langston woman and her comment about Dana’s condition was hitting Dana hard. She hated having her disability thrown in her face, talked about, pointed out. Mostly, since she’d found a way to live semi-normally, and what she couldn’t do was not the focus of everything anymore. She’d discovered in rehab that many people in wheelchairs didn’t like
when doors were held open for them when there were automatic openers they could reach or to be assisted when shopping in stores. They just wanted to be treated like others. That must be why the confrontation with Elyssa Langston was souring her mood.
Instead of dwelling on what had made her feel different, handicapped, she let her thoughts turn to Joe. She still hated what he’d said to Ruth yesterday, especially since she’d already warned him about blaming her friend.
But God, he’d looked sexy in those work clothes this morning. Bodies were her business, and she appreciated his. And his scent—something citrusy—had permeated the air around him. But it was more than that. She’d already admitted to herself that she liked and wanted to be with Joe Moretti. It scared her to death, but it was true. And if she wanted to pursue the relationship with him, she’d have to put what Joe had said to Ruth aside. When she realized she could do that, the thought cheered her up.
Back at the studio, Dana entered through the front because she didn’t want to get in his way. She could hear the radio playing, smell the paint, as she went inside and locked the door. Then she noticed the interior of the waiting area. Next to one of the couches she bought so parents could be comfortable if they waited for an hour lesson was her laptop and a bottle of water. Thoughtful. She wheeled to the office doorway. The room was torn apart. Joe had moved the furniture into the middle, and she saw the electrical cords were carefully disconnected, their wires rolled. Up on a ladder, Joe hummed along with Light My Fire by the Doors. She took a moment to study the broad expanse of his back, and her gaze rested on his shoulder. He told her he’d injured the one he didn’t paint with, but she hoped he didn’t overdo. "Joe? I’m back."
He looked behind him, his expression concerned. "How you doing?"
"Better. I needed some time alone."
"I know what you mean. I don’t like to be with anybody when I’m feeling bad." Still on the ladder, he gave her a mischievous wink. "Did you think about me at all, darlin’?"
"Maybe. Hey, thanks for taking care in here. And setting me up out there."
"You’re welcome. I’m half done. I don’t think you’ll need a second coat."
"I’ll work in the lounge area. Call if you need anything."
Now, he gave her a lascivious grin. "Hmm. There’s a thought."
Chuckling, Dana wheeled out and settled herself on the chocolate brown couch. It felt good to get out of the chair and she took the opportunity to transfer herself whenever she could. Retrieving her laptop, Dana began to work. Each of the girls had checked in about the workshop, as she’d asked them to.
She remembered Joe’s comment about what Kara thought of her and the studio. How she’d watched Dana’s DVDs. It would be fun to work with Joe’s daughter. Maybe Mrs. Langston was right, and Dana was too strict about letting in more kids.
By four, Dana had finished with notes on the workshop, so she was done for today. She’d just set her computer on the table when Joe came to the doorway. He had a few specks of paint in his hair and on his clothes, but she could tell he’d cleaned up in the bathroom. His face looked ruddy from scrubbing. "I’m all done. I didn’t put the furniture back. I’ll come by early tomorrow to do that after the paint dries."
"Thanks for all this."
"I told you, I’m scared to death of Ruth. I wouldn’t have dared not do what she says."
Dana smiled. He was a nice man. And she noticed he didn’t take credit for things to boost his ego. And she loved how he felt about his girls. She glanced at the computer and made a decision. "I have a way to thank you."
"I know of a way, too," he said suggestively.
She ignored him. "I’ve been thinking about Kara. My workshop starts Monday, and it’s only for a week. I have ten girls, but I could squeeze another in. I’d have to see her dance first, but I’ll accept her into the workshop if she qualifies and if she’s available. Then we can see where this goes."
Joey’s face shone with such delight, such total joy, that his expression made her catch her breath. Finally he said, "I can’t tell you how much that means to me."
"I knew it would."
"Thank you, Dana. What if Mrs. Langston finds out?"
"Well, she wanted me to be more open about taking students. As for Kaelyn, I’ll talk to Ruth about her. In some ways, she understands young girls better than I do."
He stood there for a moment, watching her intently, then strode over to the couch. She thought he might kiss her but was unprepared when he leaned over, reached under her legs and behind her back and scooped her up. Dropping down in her spot, he settled her on his lap.
"Don’t object," he said quickly. "I know there are a lot of things I need to do and not do with you, but even if you could walk, I would have done this."
His face was so close to hers. She could see a light growth of beard, another few flecks of paint, a tiny scar by his jaw. "Okay."
His hand threaded through her hair. His voice was raspy when he whispered, "I’m going to kiss you, Dana. Say it’s all right. No, say you want me to." His eyes were almost black now and sparked with sensuality.
"It’s all right. I want you to."
She sounded like an idiot, reiterating his exact words, but Joe had no idea that she hadn’t sat on a man’s lap for twelve very long years. He had no idea how normal it made her feel and how she loved the thrill of it.
Then his mouth lowered to hers, and all sorts of fireworks went off in her little waiting room.
Chapter 7
* * *
DANA COULD COUNT on one hand the times she’d seen a young dancer who reminded her of herself as a budding ballerina. But Kara Moretti had it, the quality that separated one girl from the rest. Innately calm in front of the person whom Joe said she idolized, Kara was focused, intense and poised. Her skill level was top-notch. Dana didn’t see any dance-related reason not to take her into the summer workshop. Truthfully, she didn’t want to say no. This kind of find in dance instruction was rare. She knew she could help Kara soar.
Dana had insisted that the audition be held with her and the girl alone, so Joe, Kaelyn and Ruth waited in the studio’s office. When Kara did her final plié, held the pose then came to a stand in first position, arms curved at her side, Dana couldn’t help herself. She clapped.
And Kara got tears in her eyes.
"You are absolutely wonderful, young lady. Not only do you have the skills and ability to make it in a competitive dance world, your composure is awesome."
Kara blushed. "Only when I dance."
Dana had been that way, too. On stage, she’d been cool and collected, but in real life things had bothered her. There were other parallels between her and the girl.
"Thanks so much or letting me try out for the workshop."
Cocking her head, Dana smiled. "You’re in, sweetie."
"Honest?" Her hands went to her mouth. "Honest to God?"
"Why, yes."
A few tears fell. Then the girl shook herself and asked, "Can I go tell Daddy and Kae?"
"Uh-huh. But let me give you the rules first. The workshop starts promptly at eight. There are breaks, lunch, but you don’t go home till five. Can you arrange that?"
"Yes."
"You’ll be working hard all day."
"I want to, Miss Dana."
Dana chuckled inwardly as the girl adopted the familiar address of a student to her teacher. She filled Kara in on a few more points, then said, "I’ll go with you to give the good news."
She led Kara out of the room and back to the office. Joe sat at her computer—he’d asked to use it to catch up on email—and Ruth and Kaelyn were intently focused on a large scrapbook, which Dana recognized held pictures of the costumes for their dance recitals over the years.
Once Dana wheeled inside, Kara followed and rushed to Joe. He circled around and had just enough time to catch her when she threw herself at him. "She said yes, Daddy."
Over her shoulder Daddy gave Dana a look of such profound gratitude, it made her g
o mushy inside. "I’m not surprised, princess."
Noticing that Kaelyn had turned her attention to them, was staring at them, Dana started to say something to the younger girl, but Kara left her dad and went to her sister. They hugged. "This is so cool, Kara."
"You can be part of it all, Kaelyn," Ruth said, then addressed Joe. "She tells me she has nothing scheduled next week, so I was wondering if she could come in and be my assistant. There are a million details to take care of around here before the semester starts." She nodded to the book. "And she’s got a wonderful eye for costuming."
From his chair, Joe gaped. Then, his eyes moistened. Like father, like daughter. Dana had to swallow hard to contain the emotion she felt for him at that moment.
"Can I, Daddy?"
He cleared his throat. "Y-yeah, sure. I can take you and pick you up myself since I’ll still be off work."
Dana wheeled over to the girls. "Welcome to Devlin Dance, Kaelyn. Kara." She nodded to Joe. "I gave her the times, the expectations."
"Anything."
Did the girls realize how lucky they were to have a father like him? Once, her own father had encouraged her, supported her, approved of her. Then, it had all fizzled like mist off a lake. Unlike Joe and his daughters, there wasn’t anything to fall back on between them, no deep bond like these three shared.
You’re going to Rockland ? Jack Devlin asked when living with him in her new state had become unbearable. It was the relief on his face that had cut her to the core.
Yes, I’m moving in with Ruth.
Are you sure that’s what you want?
Dana knew the remark had been perfunctory. He’d never voiced a single objection to her leaving town, moving out, and had visited her only the first few Christmases. Since he’d remarried, she rarely heard from him. Thank God the Moretti girls would never have to deal with that kind of rejection.…
"Dana, Joe asked you a question."
"Oh, excuse me?"
Standing, he towered over her but not in a threatening way. In a…masculine way. A wonderfully masculine way. "I’d like to take everybody out for lunch to celebrate."
Wounded Heroes Boxed Set Page 30
