Dance Like Nobody's Watching (Summer Lake 3)

by McCoy, SJ

  “No chance!” She grinned. “Maybe next weekend.”

  He wished they could fast forward to next weekend. Olivia would be history by then. “Fair enough.”

  She sipped her coffee, looking at him over the rim of her mug. “What are you doing today?”

  “Not much. I'm just sticking around to see Scot when he gets back.” And hoping to spend some more time with Missy. And delaying seeing Olivia—he wasn't looking forward to that. “I was wonder if you want to hang out? I was going to go to the store for the papers and get some breakfast at the resort. If you want, you could come, or I could bring them back here?”

  “You'd do that?” She looked thrilled.

  He knew she liked to read the Sunday morning papers and usually made a big breakfast whenever they didn't eat at the restaurant. “Course I will.”

  “Oh, Dan! You really are my hero. I was thinking I'd give it a miss this morning. I just need to laze around here and do nothing, not even go into town.”

  He grinned. “Then why don't you do that? Put your feet up and I'll go get us papers and breakfast.” He stood up and she joined him, throwing her arms around his neck. Oh, man! He couldn't help it. He buried his face in her hair. She smelled like the beach and sunshine. She felt soft and warm through the silky robe. He ran his hands down her back ’til they closed around her ass cheeks. They felt just as good as they looked, round and firm. He ground his hips into her and heard her sigh. He needed to.... No! He shouldn't. He lifted his head. She looked up at him, her breath coming fast as she clung to his shoulders. It was obvious she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Disappointment spread across her face when he brought his hands back up to her waist.

  “We shouldn't, should we?”

  He shook his head sadly. “We could, but we'd regret it, and I'd hate that.”

  She nodded and stepped away from him. “Me too.” She seemed to sway, then braced herself against the wall. He was back at her side in an instant.

  “Miss, are you alright?”

  “I think so.”

  He led her back to her chair and she sat down. She gave him a weak smile. “You made me all dizzy.”

  He frowned. “I don't think it was me. You look pale. Do you feel okay? Should I get a doctor?”

  “No, honey. It's nothing. I'm fine now. You know sometimes how it feels when you stand up too quick? It was just like that.”

  “Are you sure? Can I get you anything?”

  She smiled. “I'm sure. No need to worry. I'm fine. The only things I need are the ones you already offered to get, breakfast and the papers. I just need a good rest and that is what today is all about.”

  Dan wasn't convinced. “Will you be okay if I go out?”

  “Of course I will.”

  “How about we at least get you comfortable on the sofa, instead of sitting here?”

  “Look at you! I'd never have guessed you were the caregiver type.”

  “If I'm going to be your hero, I need to get my act together and figure out how to do this kind of thing.”

  He was surprised when she frowned. “You don't have to figure anything out. I like you just the way you are!”

  He didn't know what to say to that, so instead he asked, “What would you like for breakfast?”

  She didn't even pull him up for the abrupt change of topic. “I'd love a full Boathouse breakfast, the works. That should give me my strength back.”

  Dan laughed. “Do you have hollow legs? I have no idea how someone your size can eat that huge breakfast mountain, but you always manage it.”

  “It's not hollow legs, I keep it all in the trunk, as you just noticed.”

  He grinned. “In that case, please don't ever stop eating those huge breakfasts.”

  ***

  Dan jogged down the street. When Jack had sent him that home gym as a birthday present, he'd thought it was a bit of a joke. He wasn't exactly the sporty type. But he'd really gotten into it and he'd started running again too. He'd run cross-country as a kid and had forgotten how much he enjoyed it. It gave his life another dimension, which he had to admit, he'd needed. This morning's run wasn't about staying in shape though. It was about getting back to Missy as soon as possible. He was concerned. She'd looked so small and pale when he'd left her on the sofa. Even though she smiled and reassured him, he'd hated to leave her like that. He would have driven if he'd had his Jeep here. That was the only drawback to flying up—it left him without transport.

  As he ran, he took in the neighborhood. It was a great little town. Being here was like going back in time. Neat little yards fronted the sidewalks, lawn mowers buzzed, people walked dogs, kids played ball in the street and zoomed by on bicycles. Most of the houses were like Missy's; small and modest, but well kept. As he neared the center of town and the resort, the houses were larger. When he turned onto Main Street, the waterfront homes that lined the lakeshore looked beautiful. Set back at the end of long driveways, with beautiful sweeping lawns leading down to private docks on the lake.

  He stopped to catch his breath before he entered the convenience store for the papers. From there he ran across the square to the Boathouse. He'd called ahead and hoped their order would be ready to go. He spotted Ben sitting out on the deck and ran up the steps.

  Ben grinned at him. “Run, Forrest, run!”

  Dan laughed. “Very funny. How you doing?”

  “I'm good. Just catching some peace and some sunshine before the day kicks in. You?”

  “Yeah. I'm good.”

  Ben raised his eyebrows. “I saw a breakfast order with your name on it. I'm guessing I know who the Boathouse is for?”

  Dan shifted from one foot to the other. “You do.”

  Ben smiled. “Hey! I'm just busting your balls, buddy. I think it's great. I was wondering how long it would take the two of you.”

  Dan met his eye. “It'll take us a little while longer, yet. I still have to officially end it with Olivia.”

  Ben nodded. “But it must have been over for a while, really? I mean, you're here every weekend and she never came with you.”

  “Yeah,” said Dan. “I don't even remember the last time we went out.”

  “Then kick her to the curb of her and move up here, like everyone else is doing!” Ben grinned.

  “I'm seeing her tonight to finish it.”

  “Good.”

  “I need to get that breakfast and get back.”

  Ben raised his eyebrows with a grin.

  Dan bit his lip. “No. I'm worried about her. I think she's more than worn out, Ben. I know she's been working a lot, but I think she might be sick. She keeps going really pale, and this morning she was all dizzy.”

  “That doesn't sound good. Do you want me to call Michael?”

  What the hell did Michael have to do with anything? Dan was going to take care of her himself!

  Ben laughed out loud. “Jesus, Dan! Don't look like that. He's a doctor. Didn't you know?”

  Dan felt foolish. “No, I didn't. Still, I don't think she'd be too happy if we did that. Would you text me his number, just in case, though?”

  “Will do, bud. Let's go find you that breakfast so you can get back to her.”

  Running back down Main Street, Dan spotted a For Sale sign in the yard of one of the waterfront homes down at the end of the road. He ran on, clutching the insulated delivery bag Ben had put the food in. Move up here, like everyone else is doing. That's what Ben had said. How could he do that though? He had to go into the office everyday. He didn't really though, did he? That was one of Olivia's rules. She made him and Steven go in every day—just like she made him shave—because that was how she thought things should be. He and Steven could work anywhere they could get online. Why had he been allowing her to dictate everything? For that matter, why had Steven?

  He slowed to a walk as he turned onto Missy's street. He knew why. Both he and Steven had been allowing it because it was easier than standing up to her and arguing with her. He'd always thought he was being
wise, taking the path of least resistance. Right now he was starting to think that what he’d actually been was cowardly—and not very wise at all.

  ***

  Missy opened her eyes when she heard the front door open. She must have drifted off. She struggled to sit up when Dan poked his head into the living room.

  “Don't get up. You stay right there. I'll get us some plates.”

  She nodded. Her limbs felt like lead. She sank gratefully back down, hoping she'd be able to muster the strength to sit up by the time he came back. She'd never felt this tired before—and she'd always known what an honest day's work felt like. She smiled, listening to Dan bang around in the kitchen. He'd find whatever he was looking for eventually. She sat up against the arm of the sofa and pulled a cushion towards her. Scot used a cushion as a lap tray whenever she let him get away with it. Time for her to take a lesson from her son. Dan came back and put a fresh coffee on the end table beside her. He handed her the newspapers and some napkins.

  “Thanks.”

  He nodded, his face full of concern. He went back into the kitchen and returned with her breakfast. Hash browns, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and toast were all piled high on the plate. It was a ridiculous amount of food, but she almost always managed to finish it.

  He grinned as he handed it to her. “Dig in. I know you like to save the pancakes ’til last, so I left them in their carton to keep warm.”

  How did he know she always ate the pancakes last? She'd never understood when people ate them along with everything else. She considered to them to be dessert. “Thanks, hero.”

  His beautiful smile lit up his face as he disappeared to get his own breakfast.

  ***

  Missy sipped her coffee. She was stuffed! Dan had cleared the dishes away and was sitting on the floor beside the sofa, looking up at her. He still looked concerned.

  “Do you feel any better?'

  She nodded and yawned. “Sorry. Much better. Now I'm just full and sleepy.”

  “Why don't you go back to bed, get some rest?”

  “Mm. I would if I thought I could make it up the stairs.” Before she knew what he was doing, he'd stood and scooped her up off the sofa. She nestled in his arms. “Are you going for super-hero status?”

  He smiled. “I don't think I'll ever make that.”

  He already had, in her eyes. He tightened his grip and carried her up the stairs and into her room. She let go of him reluctantly as he gently set her on the bed. She couldn't help but tease him. “You really only brought me up here to sleep?”

  He met her gaze. “Close your robe and get under the covers, so I can say yes!”

  She looked down and realized her robe was gaping open, almost completely exposing her breasts. She looked back up to find him staring determinedly at her face, a tight little smile playing on his lips. “I daren't look down, Miss.”

  She laughed and got into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. “There. We're safe now.”

  He cocked his head to one side. “Damn!”

  She turned on her side and patted the other pillow. “Stay with me a while?” She watched the struggle on his face. “Just ’til I fall asleep? It won't take long.”

  He lay down facing her. With a little smile he tucked the covers tighter under her chin. “Just to keep you safe.”

  He was so sweet! He ran his fingers down her cheek, his callused fingertips so very gentle. “Go to sleep beautiful. Hopefully you'll feel better after a good rest.”

  Her eyelids were heavy and her stomach was full. She wanted to lie there for hours, get lost in those big brown eyes, but she was already drifting away.

  Chapter Six

  Dan sat in the minivan and looked across at the group of parents standing talking in the parking lot. Occasionally, one of them would glance over at Missy's van. Each time they did, he quickly occupied himself with his phone so they wouldn't catch his eye. As so often happened, his determination to avoid unnecessary social interaction was helping his business. While he sat there, he'd discovered that the new text-to-voice app was really buggy. He'd need to spend some time this week working on the digitized voice production. When he typed the word 'set', the digital voice said 'sex'. 'Asset' sounded even funnier. He smiled to himself. Perhaps he shouldn't try to fix it, but work instead on how to get it into the hands of teen-aged boys. It was bound to go viral if he did.

  He couldn't wait to see one teenaged boy. The bus should be here soon. Scot had called earlier, talking at a hundred miles an hour about how they'd won. Dan had put his phone on speaker and sat next to Missy on the sofa, knowing she'd want to hear all about it too. They'd listened to him for a good twenty minutes before he'd run out of steam.

  “So, anyway. We should be back at school by five, Mom. Can you pick me up?”

  “I will,” Dan had answered quickly. “Your mom's tired and I want to see you before I have to leave.”

  “Awesome! Thanks, Dan. See you then.”

  Missy had been grateful, not mad at him like he'd feared. She'd had a good few hours sleep, but she still looked tired and pale. “Thanks, Dan. You'd probably better take the van though. Scot won't thank you if you make him walk home.”

  So here he sat. In Missy's van. Waiting for Scot to get back. He'd take him home and go get them an early dinner from the Boathouse. Then he really should leave. He needed to call Smoke an hour ahead of time, so he could file a flight plan and have the plane ready to go. He enjoyed using Jack and Pete's plane. He was enjoying it so much that he and Steven had talked about investing in one themselves. Of course, Olivia didn't approve, but then that shouldn't matter. She had no real say in the business. She was a minor partner. It was just that he and Steven had let her walk all over them. Dan was starting to realize just how stupid he'd been when it came to her. He hoped he could make Steven see it too. Over the last couple of years she'd changed the shape of their business, and their lives. She'd changed things in her own best interests, not theirs. Though he wasn't looking forward to the conversation he needed to have with her tonight, he was very much looking forward to being on the other side of it. He'd be free, free to explore whatever might happen with Missy, and free to start re-arranging his life, and his work, to suit himself.

  The minibus pulled into the parking lot and a group of tired, but happy-looking kids piled out. Dan spotted Scot and got out of the van. Scot high-fived a couple of his friends, then hitched his backpack higher and came to Dan, a big grin on his face. Dan was surprised when the kid wrapped his arms around his waist and hugged him. Dan hugged back. This was a new development.

  Scot let go. “Thanks, Dan.”

  “My pleasure, champ. I wanted to see you before I have to go.”

  Scot stood close and leaned against him as a couple of his friends walked by.

  “See you tomorrow, Scot.”

  “Yeah, see ya.”

  The mothers smiled and nodded at Dan as they passed, curious eyes darting between him and Scot.

  “Bye, Mrs. Miller.” Scot waved at them.

  “Come on,” said Dan, getting back in the van. “Let's get you back to your mom.”

  “I'm surprised she let you come for me. She usually likes to stand and yack with all the other moms.”

  Dan grinned. No doubt all the other moms would be yacking about him, wondering who he was and where Missy was. “She's really tired, so I persuaded her to let me come.”

  “She must be beat. You can't normally keep her away.”

  “Listen, champ. Will you take care of her? She really is beat and I'm not convinced that she's not sick, too.”

  Scot turned big eyes on him. Big gray eyes, just like his mom's. “She's sick?”

  “Not bad sick, just tired out. She needs a rest.” Shit! He hadn't meant to scare the kid, just to make him think to look out for her. “I just think maybe you can help her out a bit, you know? Look out for her.”

  Scot nodded, his face solemn. “Can you stay and help?”

  Dan had thou
ght about it, but he figured he should get out of the way now Scot was home and would be back at school in the morning. He'd often come on Friday, or left on Monday over the summer, but he knew Missy liked to stick to a routine when Scot was in school. He didn't want to mess that up. Plus, he was supposed to meet Olivia at eight. On the other hand, he didn't want to leave if Missy wasn't feeling any better.

  “You'll be fine, champ. She's probably better by now.”

  Scot didn't look convinced. Dan didn't feel so sure either. He'd make the call when they got back to the house and he saw her.

  ***

  Missy sat on the sofa waiting for Dan to bring Scot back. She still felt totally exhausted. What she couldn't figure out was why. She'd slept for hours, but she still felt like she could sleep for a week. Her body felt heavy and lethargic. She didn't feel ill though. Well, maybe a low-grade headache, but she'd had that on and off for weeks. She'd felt dizzy a few times, but she did get that way when she'd been overdoing it. She just hoped a good night's sleep would set her straight. She had a lot of work lined up for tomorrow. She covered her eyes at the thought. She had no idea how she would manage it all if she still felt like this.

  She smiled when she heard the van pull in to the driveway. Scot bounded in to the living room.

  “Hey, Mom!” He flung himself on the sofa and wrapped his arms around her. “Are you okay? I missed you.”

  Missy's heart overflowed. “Hey, sunbeam. I missed you too!” Moments like this were the highlights of her life. Much of the time she wondered if he even knew she was there. It was hard when he was engrossed in his computers, or his robots. When he didn't even hear her speak. When he forgot to call her. It was so very hard, but she knew he was doing what he needed to for himself, to become his own person. If she waited long enough and didn't push, he gave her what she needed, too—a show of his love, like this one right now. She hugged him tight and he snuggled up, resting his head on her shoulder.

  “Are you okay? Dan said you were tired.”

  “I'm fine, honey. Now, what do you want for dinner? You can tell me all about it while I fix us something.”