Dance with Me

by Mary Manners

  “Kace, are you OK?” His eyes were the deepest blue today, with smoky-gray around the edges.

  “No fair making me cry—especially first thing in the morning.” She propped a hand on his desk and leaned in.

  “You don’t like the flowers?”

  “No, I don’t like them.” She swiped another tear from her cheek. “I…love them.”

  “Oh, whew.” He slapped a hand across his brow. “Then why are you crying?”

  “I’m crying, Ryne Calvert, because you are the sweetest man to walk the face of this earth.” Her voice cracked. “You gave me…sunflowers.”

  He stood and came around the desk. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “Well…um…” She couldn’t talk around the lump that filled her throat. Ryne drew her close, and she pressed her cheek to his warm chest. There, she heard his heart beat steady and true—just like him.

  Steady. True.

  “Sunflowers are just the start, Kace, if you’ll let me,” he murmured as he smoothed a hand over her hair. His scent—pine mingled with soap and spearmint gum—washed over her and became hers, too. “Don’t be afraid of me—of us.”

  “But I don’t know—”

  Ryne stepped back and pressed a finger to her lips. “Hush. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. But I know what I feel now—today—for you.”

  “Me, too, Ryne.”

  He caught her necklace between his fingers. “Pia knew, when she gave you this, just what you needed. It’s hearts at the cross—our hearts. We need to trust. Can you trust me? Can you trust God?”

  A knock on the door caused Kaci to stumble back. David Ratcliff stood in the office doorway.

  “Officer Calvert?” He shuffled from one foot to the other. “You said you wanted to see me this morning?”

  Ryne turned from her, and Kaci felt a rush of cold seep into her bones. She stepped back, putting more distance between them as Ryne ushered David into the office.

  “Yes, sit down for a minute. Miss James and I both want to talk with you.”

  “Am I in trouble?”

  “No.” Ryne patted his shoulder. “We want to ask you to help with some artwork for the Valentine’s dance.”

  “Oh.” David shrugged. “What kind of artwork?”

  Kaci commanded her pulse to stop sprinting as she slipped into a chair and Ryne leaned against the desk beside her. “We need a backdrop for the stage at the dance—a mural.”

  “I can do that. What about the materials?”

  Ryne slid Kaci a sidelong glance, and she wondered if his heart whirled out of control, the same as hers. He handed David a pad of paper and a pencil. “Write down what you need, and we’ll get it for you.”

  “I should talk with a few of my friends first, kick some ideas around. Then I’ll make a sketch and a list of materials.” He tapped the pencil against the pad. “Can I get back to you this afternoon?”

  “That will be just fine.” Ryne nodded. “We’ll start work tomorrow after school, in the art studio. Miss James and I will meet you there. You can ask your friends to help if you’d like.”

  “OK, cool.” David frowned at the shrill ring of the first morning bell. “I guess I’d better go.”

  “Yes, you’d better.” Ryne stood with him. “Make sure you let your mom know you’ll be running a bit late the next week or so. We don’t want her to worry.”

  “I will. Thanks, Officer Calvert.” He turned to Kaci. “Thanks, Miss James. And, um, I’ll be in to wash your desks during lunch.”

  She nodded. “I’ll see you then, David.”

  Beyond the office doorway the halls came alive with the sounds of lockers slamming and books slapping the ground as students gathered supplies for their first-period classes. Kaci heard the shuffle of desks and then a paper wad sailed across her classroom, followed by the eruption of laughter.

  “Guess that’s my cue to go tame the masses.” She groaned. “Did you put that chocolate candy in my file cabinet?”

  “Yes, I did—all three bags.”

  “Thanks.” She paused at the doorway and turned back to him. “Ryne, I want you to know…”

  “What, Kace?”

  “That I trust you—I trust God.” She gave one quick, sharp nod. “I do.”

  “Then let the past go and let me…love you.” His eyes flashed blue to gray. “I can’t help myself, Kaci…I’m falling in love with you.”

  10

  “That shade of green looks good on you,” Ryne said as he dabbed a splotch of paint that clung to Kaci’s cheek. “Better than the tears I saw this morning.”

  “Thanks.” She brushed a hand across his forehead. “And you look good in blue.”

  “The mural is really shaping up.” Ryne closed the lid on a half-dozen containers of poster paint and stacked them in a bin, then set them back on a shelf. “David and his friends are doing a great job.”

  “They are.” Kaci swished paint-splattered brushes beneath the faucet in the stainless-steel sink. “We should be done in plenty of time.”

  “Just a few days until the dance—and Valentine’s Day.” Ryne sidled up to her and reached for a brush to rinse. The scent of her perfume, sweet and citrusy, drifted with the odor of paint and large slats of cardboard that they’d used to create the mural. A slight prick of guilt crept in when he thought about the letters he’d written to “Loves Lessons”. Maybe he should tell her what he knew, and give her a chance to explain. Was it wrong to keep the questions to himself? Would she feel betrayed if she found out what he suspected and hadn’t bothered to mention it?

  Ryne dismissed the guilt—for now, and promised himself he’d discuss it with her soon. There was no point in posing questions now. He didn’t want to ruin such a wonderful day. He relished the time spent with her and thanked God once again that he’d agreed to help her with the dance. Together, they were making a difference in the lives of kids, and that’s what he had hoped for when he transferred to Angel Falls High. “David’s worked hard. I’m glad his dad was able to make arrangements at work so he could pick David up each afternoon when we’re finished here.”

  “It’s given them time to talk, as well, which David really seems to need.”

  “He appears to have found his way back to the tracks.”

  “With your help.” Kaci took the brush from him and set it, along with the others, on a towel to dry. “I have to hand it to you, Ryne. You really have a knack with kids.”

  “You do, too.” He nudged her with his hips. “They flock to you like bees to honey.”

  Kaci smiled. “Yeah, I’m their favorite…except for when I assign an essay.”

  “I wouldn’t fret over that.” Ryne shut off the faucet and handed her a paper towel. “The kids will thank you down the road when they get to Freshman Composition in college.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Here, let me…” He took a moistened paper towel and dabbed the paint from her cheeks. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

  She felt the heat of blush seep across her face. “You…shouldn’t.”

  “I should.” He leaned in and smoothed a curl from her forehead. “I…want to.”

  “Want to what?”

  “Kiss you, Kace. Just here…” He stroked a knuckle down her cheek. “For now. May I?”

  “I’d…like that.” She tilted her head, welcoming him. “Yes.”

  Ryne drew her in, sheltering her. He twined his fingers through her hair and settled a palm to each side of her head. His heart galloped as he leaned in and pressed his lips to her temple, softly, gently, like a whisper. This simple kiss—no more than a touch of his lips to her cheek, sent a shockwave of desire racing up his spine. He longed to claim her mouth, but he checked himself, struggling to maintain restraint.

  He released her and sucked a breath to jumpstart his pulse. “I want more, Kace. I want…your heart.”

  She smoothed two fingers over her cheek as if she’d been scorched. Her eyes slipped closed, and her m
outh puckered into the slightest oh as she sighed. “Will you kiss me again?”

  She was killing him…sure as he was standing there. Some guys would have taken that invitation and run with it, with no regard for the fragile state of her heart. But Ryne meant what he said. He wanted all of her—her whole heart. Not just leftover bits and pieces. He took her hand and twined his fingers with hers, capturing her with his gaze. “Yes, I’ll kiss you again, but not today.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips to her upturned palm. “Not any more than this—for now.”

  He heard her sharp intake of breath and saw the flash of surprise in her eyes as they widened. Was she feeling the same thing he did? Was her heart spinning like an out of control tilt-a-whirl? Did she wish for…hope for more from him, just as he desired more from her?

  ****

  Kaci frowned as she studied the wilting sunflowers in the vase at the center of her dinette table. The blooms shriveled; the flowers were drying out. It was time to pluck the seeds and save them to plant in a garden, as Ryne had suggested. She couldn’t help but feel a little sad as she removed the blooms, one by one, from the vase. They’d added such a splash of color and cheerfulness, along with a lovely, memory-filled scent, to her small cottage. But the thought of replanting them in the spring, with Ryne at her side, made her heart do a little two-step.

  Kaci took a few of the petals and slipped them between the pages of her Bible, remembering what Ryne said about trusting him—trusting God.

  Could she…fully?

  She pressed a palm to her cheek and felt the lingering warmth from his kiss. The memory kicked her pulse into overdrive and sent a surge of heat up her spine. She could deny it all she wanted, but the evidence was clearly there—she was falling in love with Ryne.

  Tomorrow they’d chaperone the Valentine’s dance together. Everything had come together nicely—the D.J., the decorations, even a local photographer who’d offered to donate his time to snap photos of the couples who attended. The school was all abuzz with anticipation, and Kaci was thrilled with the amount of money that had been raised for the Angel Falls counseling programs. Surely, the students would benefit to the fullest extent she’d hoped.

  And she owed it all to Ryne. Once he’d committed, he’d jumped into the project with both feet. He had boundless energy, and a sense of humor to match. She wondered if he might show such dedication in his personal relationships, as well.

  She checked that thought. There was no need to wonder. She’d seen Ryne in action with Gabe and Pia as well as the others they’d grown to know and love here at Heart’s Haven—Zack, Susanna, David and Zoe. Even old man Hart and Vivian could count on him. The group was like a family—and she was part of that family now. The thought gave her a little thrill.

  I belong here now. I belong…

  Kaci turned her attention back to the sunflowers as she shook the buds one by one and scattered the seeds across paper towels along the countertop to dry before storing them. Then she gathered the note Ryne had added to the arrangement and read it once more.

  Three words into the note she made a connection, and her heat lurched.

  The handwriting…the notes to “Love’s Lessons”.

  Ryne.

  The convoluted scrawl matched perfectly. There was no missing the distinct point at the top of his T’s, the downward swoop of the L’s and the exaggerated slant, as if the wind blew the letters to the right. How could she have missed it all these weeks? The thought gave her belly an uneasy tug. All this time Ryne had been seeking her advice, taking it and using it.

  Did he know she was the advisor for “Love’s Lessons”? Was he poking fun at her—and the column? After all, he had mocked it that day in his office when she confronted him about the newspaper on his desk. Kaci’s belly soured. Was this all just a game to him, or was it truly something…more?

  A knock on the door chased away the restless thoughts. “Miss James? Kaci?”

  She recognized the gravelly tone immediately—Andrew Hart. She rushed to open the door.

  “Good evening.” He held a loaf of homemade bread, wrapped in plastic. The scent of apples and cinnamon wafted, making Kaci’s mouth water. She realized she’d skipped dinner—again. “I brought you a loaf of friendship bread.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Hart.” She took the loaf he offered. “It smells delicious. Did you bake this yourself?”

  “No siree.” He cackled as his eyes danced in the waning sunlight. “Vivian was nipped by the baking bug today, set my kitchen upside down with flour and sugar and all kinds of spices. She’s going to deliver the other goodies herself tomorrow, but she insisted I bring this to you tonight.” He shifted his feet and scratched the stubble of beard across his lower jaw. “Said she had the feeling you might need a bit of company, and I can see now that she was right.”

  “I’m fine.” Kaci struggled to keep her tone light, but the nag of doubt ate away at her. “I was just…thinking.”

  “That so?” He leaned down to pluck a sprig of grass from the lawn and slipped it between his teeth. “Might have figured. You look a little…befuddled.”

  “Well…maybe just a bit.” She gnawed her lower lip. “I’m in need of a little guidance, and I don’t know where to turn.”

  “The Good Book always works for me. No finer friend have I ever found.” He paused and tilted his head to gaze at the sky, nodding here and there as if listening to a one-sided conversation. “Uh-huh, yeah…” Another nod and he trained his gaze on Kaci again. “Your heart is troubled, Kaci, but it needn’t be. The puzzle’s coming together, and it’s a beautiful picture. Trust the advice you printed in the newspaper…just as Ryne did.”

  “But how did you know—”

  “Never mind that.” Mr. Hart shushed her with a slight wave of his hand. “You prayed before you wrote it, correct?”

  “I always pray before I compose an answer. But Mr. Hart, I don’t—”

  “I see now why it’s easier for you to give advice than to take it.” He chuckled. “Don’t be afraid, Kaci. Don’t block the blessing the Good Lord intended just for you.”

  “OK…I guess.” Kaci drew a breath, her heart racing. How did he know about the letters…and the column? Had he seen the envelopes stuffed in her mailbox? Or was there some other explanation? She’d heard he spoke to angels, or rather that angels spoke to him. But she’d never witnessed it…until now.

  “That’s all I have to say, Miss James.” Andrew Hart dipped his head and nodded to her. “Except, I imagine that bread will taste even better if you share it with a friend.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Hart.” She smiled. “And please thank Vivian, too.”

  “Of course.” He winked and turned away from the door to glance down the cobblestone path. “I see a light on in Ryne’s apartment. Nice night for a stroll, don’t you think?”

  “I believe you’re right, Mr. Hart.”

  “Of course I am.” He waggled his fingers toward the heavens then at her. “Good evening, Kaci.” And as unexpectedly as he’d arrived, he was gone again, leaving Kaci to stare after him and wonder what had just transpired.

  She turned to set the loaf on the dinette table and shrugged into her jacket. Merely a few moments passed, but when she slipped through the doorway and onto the porch she saw a shadow jogging toward the greenway—Ryne.

  Kaci’s heart sank when she realized he was going for a run. Could Andrew Hart’s angels have been wrong? Was the blessing he’d mentioned really meant for someone else?

  As he neared the edge of the Angelina Forest, Ryne picked up the pace. What was he running from?

  Or, what is he running to?

  11

  “The dance is a hit,” Kaci said as Ryne handed her a bottle of water. “Don’t you agree?”

  “For sure.” He swigged from a bottle of soda. “If we’re not careful, we’ll get recruited to organize every school dance that comes down the pike.”

  “Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.” She uncapped the bottle a
nd drew a sip, trying hard not to notice how handsome he looked in his navy suit and tie. The pants hugged his strong legs like they were tailor-made just for him, and he’d already shed the jacket, leaving a lighter blue shirt that brought out the blue of his eyes. If he tugged at his tie, well, she’d be a goner for sure. “I can think of worse things to get roped into.”

  “Yeah, like clean-up duty.” He laughed. “Have you had your picture made yet?”

  “No.” She smoothed the sleek rayon dress that skimmed her knees. The fabric flowed gracefully when she moved, kissing her skin. “That’s more for the students than us.”

  “Says who?” His gaze swept her. “We deserve a little fun, too. Besides, the camera will love you.”

  “You think?”

  “In that little red dress…I know.” He took her hand. “Come on. We’ll snap one together.”

  Music rocked the walls as they crossed the gym toward the foyer, where the photographer had set up his equipment. Ryne stopped here and there along the way to chat with students, and Kaci joined in. They arrived to the photo area just as the photographer was beginning to pack up for the night.

  “You have time for one more?” Ryne asked as he took Kaci’s empty bottle and tossed it into the recycling bin along with his. “We’d like to have our picture taken.”

  “For you, Officer Calvert, of course.” The portly man nodded, ushering them closer. “Come on over, Miss James. Squeeze in together.”

  Kaci’s breath caught as Ryne eased in behind her and tugged her toward him, so her back nestled against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. His well-toned muscles and the scent of his aftershave gave her a pleasant jolt.

  “That’s it…very nice.” The photographer snapped one photo, then two. “You make a handsome couple.”

  A handsome couple…

  Guilt gnawed at Kaci. Could she and Ryne be a couple…was there any chance at all if she didn’t come clean and tell him she knew about his letters? Would he still trust her when he learned her secret?

  She turned to face him. “Will you take a walk with me,? Just for a few minutes? I need to talk to you—privately.”