Two to Tango

by Kate Kisset

  “Morning.” She bubbled, gazing at his gorgeous face as he gently put her down.

  “I’m making eggs à la francaise.” He clasped her hand and led her to the stove. “We’re out of mushrooms and pesto.” Jake pecked her on the cheek, as if to apologize. “How much time to do you have this morning?”

  “I have an interview with another potential partner at ten.” She took the wooden spoon from his hand and stirred the eggs. “See? I can cook.”

  “You can do more than cook, sweet Scarlett.” Jake gave her a peck and started setting the table.

  “Keep your fingers crossed this meeting goes well.” Scarlett turned the eggs over. “This one is my last hope. Everything else is in play, but I’m running out of time. Dr. Huntington is going to move on if I don’t sign soon.”

  “I think it’ll all work out.” Jake poured orange juice into the glasses. “I really do.”

  Scarlett strolled to the table and scooped the eggs into the plates. “What part is going to work out?” She brought the pan to the sink.

  “All of it,” Jake said, taking a seat. “The whole thing. Your moving here, buying Dr. H’s practice, the dance.” He glanced up from the table.

  Sliding into the chair next to him, she nodded. Scarlett wanted to ask, And us? Are we going to work out too? But why risk being disappointed? She didn’t have the option of acting like a love-sick teenager today. Not with the meeting in a few hours. But she couldn’t help hoping they would work out, too.

  “I don’t know how all the pieces will fit together, but I think they will.”

  “And the dance?”

  Shrugging, Jake put his fork down. “My sister Lilly is on her way over.” He took a swig of juice.

  “But you said you’d never dance with your sis—”

  “I know what I said, but Lilly called this morning. Apparently after they left here, the grannies stopped by her place last night. Nonna was in tears because I canceled. ChiChi was staring off into space, saying stuff like, ‘God works in mysterious ways…’”

  “Oh, boy.”

  “Yeah. That’s what I said.” Jake rubbed the back of his neck. “So… I’m dancing with Lilly tomorrow night under the stars.”

  “Wow. Just like that?” she asked, stupefied. “You’re really going to do it?”

  “I haven’t danced with Lilly since my First Holy Communion.” He let out a little chuckle. “I’ve danced more with you in this past week than I have my entire life.” He shrugged. “I actually called my parents in Italy this morning. I hated to bother them on their anniversary vacation, but…”

  “And?”

  Jake rolled his shoulders. “I got nothing. My mom and dad reminded me Nonna and Auntie are older now. They don’t have many years left, and if it means so much to them, maybe I should spend a few hours dancing and make them happy.” Jake propped his elbows on the table and rested his chin in his hands. “But you know what I was thinking? How often do we have a chance to make a lasting impact on someone else’s life? And what if this is my only chance?”

  He took her breath away. “That’s so true. I never thought of it that way, but I feel the same way about volunteering.” She chuckled. “Even though they’re not people, I get a lot of satisfaction from making an impact. From helping animals who wouldn’t have a chance otherwise.”

  “I like that about you, Scarlett.” Jake leaned across the table and tickled her palm, and she held his hand. “That, and all the work you’re putting in to create a group practice so you’ll have time to continue volunteering.

  “I donate time to charities, primarily through the station, but this…” Jake’s voice trailed off. “This is different. This is family. And when will I have another opportunity to do something that will make ChiChi and my nonna happy? They could be gone tomorrow.”

  She squeezed his hand. “I also think it will all work out.” She smiled. “You’ll be great tomorrow night.”

  Jake smirked and picked up his fork again. “Hell, I’ve been left at the altar in front of two hundred and fifty people. If I can get through that, I can survive anything.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Scarlett stayed in the first shadow she found under the full moon at St. Helena’s community park. Even with most of the DeLucas, Baudouins, Martellis, and ChiChi’s friends on deck, it was hard for her to imagine how it happened. The friendly neighborhood hangout had been transformed into a magical wonderland in twenty-four hours.

  She stopped by after visiting the bank earlier, and ran into Abby putting final touches on the flowers. Her husband Jack was supervising the stage and lighting crews. Now the trees, bare only hours ago, sparkled with thousands of fairy lights. The twinkling lights gave the appearance of a continuation of the starlit sky. Gorgeous arrangements of grapevines, sunflowers, and white roses adorned large, rustic tables. Upholstered chairs surrounded fire pits, with cozy lounging areas scattered throughout the space.

  She didn't have time to catch up with Frankie and Nate, who were busy unloading wine boxes with their staff. When she ran into Lexi and her grandmother discussing the food, and saw the way Marco, Regan, and Gabe worked together as a team, Scarlett felt a twinge of jealousy. What would it be like to have such a large family?

  When the group left to go home and change for the dance, Scarlett detoured from her original plan and went shopping. The neutral grays and blacks of her wardrobe wouldn’t cut it tonight.

  Smoothing the front of her new cobalt dress, Scarlett stepped out the shadow and scanned for Jake. She called him earlier with the news, but hadn’t seen him since breakfast.

  His premonition turned out to be true. One of the original contenders for the business, the one who’d dropped out of negotiations days before, found the financing and signed on. Everything worked out exactly the way Jake predicted. But that wasn’t what replayed in her brain all day. Over and over, Jake’s question over breakfast vied for attention over any other thought. How often do you have a chance to make a lasting impact on someone’s life? Even if it was as simple as making someone happy for a few hours?

  A summer wind gusted through her hair. Scarlett rubbed her arms to get rid of the chill and continued searching for Jake.

  “There you are.” In a pretty red dress, Regan hurried across the lawn, out of breath. “Sophie can’t wait to see you. She’s playing with Holly and her cousins over there.” Regan pointed to a group of children running circles around tail-wagging dogs. She threw an arm over Scarlett’s shoulder. “I’m so happy you’re moving here! Let’s have a glass of wine to celebrate your new group practice.”

  “I should probably wait until after the dance competition.” Scarlett wrapped an arm around her waist. “I’m nervous.”

  “About Jake?” Regan turned to her. “He’ll be okay. He’s with Lilly now.” She grinned, “Hey, I could use a glass.”

  They headed to the DeLuca-Ryo wine tent. “Did you ever find out what Deidre and ChiChi had a fight about?” Scarlett tilted her head at the dance floor. “Jake still doesn’t know why he got roped into this.”

  Coming to a stop, Regan removed her arm from her shoulder. “You sure you don’t want a drink first?”

  “Did it have something to do with flowers?”

  “Nope.” Regan put her hands in her sweater pockets and swayed. “Not flowers. Apples. The apple of ChiChi’s eye, Charles Baudouin.” Regan narrowed her eyes, waiting for a reaction. When she didn’t get one, Regan propped her hands on her hips. “Deidre heard a rumor Charles was going to propose to ChiChi and went over to stop him,” she blurted, running the words together a mile a minute.

  “It sounds like Mother Goose has gone off the deep end.” Scarlett studied the crowd again and thought she saw Jake.

  “She told Charles ChiChi was fooling around on him with some guy at their group Tai Chi class. You know Deidre’s always had a thing for Charles.”

  “I don’t think making up lies is the way to a man’s heart.”

  “Obviously, because Charles and
ChiChi are closer than ever.” Regan raised her brows. “But Deidre embarrassed ChiChi in front of Charles’s family. Frankie, Lucinda, all the Baudouins, were over for dinner. So it happened in front of everyone.” Regan threw her hands in the air and rolled her eyes. “Deidra was in some sort of elf costume, flashing her titanium knee, and—”

  Scarlett raised her hand. “Stop. TMI.”

  “Charles never did propose. That’s why ChiChi didn’t want anything to do with Winter Garden Gala this year. She couldn’t believe Deidre would take their feud so far.” Regan crossed her arms. “Can you believe she actually tried to break up ChiChi and Charles? No wonder ChiChi can’t stand the sight of her!”

  They shuffled through the crowd and got in line with the rest of the town, everyone waiting for wine. Scarlett let out a long, frustrated exhale, wondering why anyone would try to break up a love match. Couples had enough trouble staying together. No one needed a third party getting in the way. “So is Deidre here?”

  Regan edged closer. “I haven’t seen her yet, but she's invited. Even though ChiChi rented the park as a private event, she invited the whole town. She wants Deidre to be here to personally witness how much she and Charles love each other. Of course, ChiChi is also planning on Jake winning the dance competition. She definitely wants Deidre to be here for that, too.”

  “I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of them,” Scarlett muttered, angling around the crowd. Where is Jake?

  Regan peered anxiously around a man next to her in line. She rubbed Scarlett’s shoulder. “Guess my merlot will have to wait. I need to wrangle the rug rats. Gabe’s outnumbered.” She headed back to the play area and turned. “Catch up later?”

  “Ladies and gentleman,” a deep voice boomed through the microphone. “Welcome to the first annual Summer Solstice Starlight Dance.”

  Scarlett fought her way out of the crowd and scooted around the tree for a better look at the stage. She spotted Jake standing off to the side of a tent, with a group of people she didn’t know. The competition couldn’t start without her at least wishing him luck. She hurried to him while the announcer went through the list of judges and their qualifications.

  When she got close enough to see him clearly, Scarlett gasped and slowed down. Way down. Jake ran a hand over his neatly combed hair. The jeans and T-shirts she was used to seeing on him were replaced with black dress slacks that fit his buns incredibly well. His dark button-down shirt set off his velvet brown eyes, which flashed in her direction.

  “Hi.” She tossed up a hand, giving him a meek wave. Jake didn’t hesitate. He left the group and with long strides over the grass proceeded in her direction. Her heart started ramping up again, the way it always did around him. Her heart fell in love with Jake first. Her head just needed a little more time to catch up.

  “You came.” In an instant his fresh, manly, Jake smell surrounded her. Lost in his strong embrace, the twinkle lights in the trees, the moon, and the stars faded. There was only Jake.

  “I’ve been looking for you,” he said as he broke from the hug and kissed her. The stars came back, but only the stars. Jake ran his hands along her shoulders and down her bare arms to her hands, and held them. His eyes glimmered in the moonlight. “You look so beautiful, Scarlett.” He stepped back, and his appreciative stare traced over every inch of her.

  “Thank you.” Overwhelmed by the way he cleaned up, she scrambled for something witty or clever to say. “You look beautiful yourself.”

  He inched so close, his breath whispered against her cheek. “What are we going to do?” he asked the rhetorical question again in that deep, raspy voice that resonated through her core.

  “Five minutes. Places, please.” The announcer harped from the stage.

  “I think I better go.” Jake turned to the tent he’d left and tugged her hand. “Come with me. You’re my good luck charm.”

  They hustled to the side of the stage, and Jake introduced her to the few other contestants. A stunning brunette in a red dress stepped next to him. “You must be Scarlett.” The beauty smiled, extending her hand. “I’m Lilly, Jake’s sister.”

  “It’s a pleasure, Lilly.” Scarlett shook her hand. “You must be excited.”

  “What? About dancing with him?” Lilly reached behind her as if she was looking for something. “Let me just find some pins for you to stick in my ey—”

  “Five minutes, Lilly, that’s all it takes. A three-minute dance, and it’s over.” Jake turned to the guests seated in the front row. And Scarlett saw what caught his eye. Dressed in full-length sequined gowns, and surrounded by family and friends, ChiChi and Cha-Cha were in the middle of an animated and extremely sparkly conversation.

  The orchestra played a few warm-up notes to find their key, and the stage lights dimmed. “It’s time.” Stepping away from his sister, Jake kissed Scarlett on the lips. “I’ll find you soon. Three minutes.” He winked and went back to his sister.

  Scarlett peered at the packed crowd and took a deep breath. When is the next time you’ll have a chance?

  “Jake.” Scarlett whispered as loudly as possible without making a scene, and approached him.

  Lilly frowned. “What’s up?”

  “Do you mind?” she asked Lilly and took Jake’s hand. “We’ve practiced this all week.”

  “Are you kidding?” Lilly’s face lit up with a grin the size of California. In a flash, she removed the two-sided necklace sign she had on and draped it over Scarlett’s neck. “There you go!” She patted Scarlett’s shoulders. “Thank you! Thank you!” she said under her breath, racing so quickly out of the tent she almost took a header in her heels.

  Just as well. Now Scarlett didn’t have the chance to second-guess her decision.

  “Are you really going to dance with me?” Jake tugged her hand, pulling her closer. “Are you serious about this?”

  Scarlett nodded. She wasn’t going to make him dance with his sister. She could only imagine the beating he’d take on social media. Besides, this was her chance to make him as happy as he made her.

  His mouth turned up at the corners, and he slowly shook his head, apparently as amazed as she was. “Thank you.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  “Don’t thank me yet.” A thousand butterflies played kamikaze in her stomach, and she felt her legs begin to give out. As many second thoughts as butterflies fought for attention. What if she fell? What if she forgot the steps? What if her legs gave out from nerves? She looked at Jake, wanting to say something reassuring, but her mouth was trembling so wildly she couldn’t get the words out.

  He grasped her other hand, bringing both to his face. Holding them against his cheeks, he said, “We can do this, Scarlett.” He brushed his cheek against the top of her hand. “Don’t worry.” He kissed her fingers. “I’m right here. I’m with you every step.”

  The orchestra launched into a smooth medley of sensuous rhythms and clipped crescendos. Each fragment of the song held the same beat they’d practiced to. Slow, slow, quick-quick, slow.

  “The contestants will now take the stage…” The announcer informed the audience.

  Jake let go of her hands, grabbed the numbered sign matching hers off the table and draped it around his neck. “Here we go.” Holding her hand, he led her up the steps to the bright stage.

  She peeked at the crowd and squinted under the blinding lights. Scarlett couldn’t make out any faces, only the outlines of heads. Many, many heads, all staring in her direction.

  The orchestra stopped.

  “Dancers, places.” The announcer directed them in a somber tone.

  Jake took his position in front of her, just like they’d practiced in the living room in front of Brady.

  “And now…” The drum roll for emphasis made her heart jump and her mouth go dry as straw. “I present to you the first annual Summer Solstice Starlight Dance… Maestro, please.”

  Scarlett stretched her neck back for a final look at the stars above, and hoped just one would tumbl
e down to the earth and help her.

  Jake inched closer and placed his arm around her middle, his hand pressed into the small of her back.

  “Don’t fight it.” His breath grazed her cheek, and he tightened his grip around her. “Let your heart feel mine.”

  Scarlett swallowed tentatively, cautiously running her fingers up his silky shirtsleeve and placed her hand on his shoulder.

  The audience began to quiet, and the orchestra stirred.

  Jake clasped her hand and held it in position. Passion poured from his stare, and she forgot the audience and her surroundings. Jake was the only person in her orbit. Palm against palm, the warmth of his skin sent waves of confidence and affection that blasted through her layers of fear. Time stopped.

  She heard her pulse pound in her ears over the orchestra. And then the sharp surge of the string section swelled. Inches from her cheek, Jake whispered against her ear. His lips pressed against her skin. “Close your eyes, Scarlett. I don’t know where our dance is going, either, but I won’t let you fall without me.”

  And that’s all she needed to know.

  Over the rising and falling notes and the undulating beats, Jake counted under his breath for her. She waited for his signal and…they floated.

  Tucked in Jake’s firm hold, heart racing, her body almost touching his, she glided over the floor in perfect sync with him. Dark blue, white lights, starlight and moon overhead, the sensations whirled together in a dance that felt like a moment. In another second, it was over.

  ***

  Sitting beside her on a bench in front of the fire pit, Jake squeezed her shoulder. “Let’s get out of here. I want to thank you properly.” He made a trail of open-mouthed kisses up the side of her neck and nibbled her ear.

  Another wave of desire shot through Scarlett, and she snuggled closer. “Shouldn’t we say hi to your grandmother and ChiChi?” She reached up and kissed his cheek.

  “I guess…” She felt him sigh. “As long as you let me sweep you off your feet again”—he traced her thigh with his fingers—“and again…” Jake shifted, moving his fingers to her neck. Stroking her cheek with his thumb, he brought her mouth to his, and pressed his lips against hers for a slow, luxurious kiss.