Romance Through the Ages

by Amy Harmon

  She hung up.

  Feeling a weight lifted off of him, he pulled onto Breezy’s street.

  He was surprised at how excited he was to see her again. It was like he was getting addicted to sunshine or something. Sunshine that didn’t need the protection of sunscreen.

  Parking his sports car, he glanced in the mirror one last time. His step was light as he bounced up the walk, straightened his tie, and rang the bell.

  He felt silly, almost like he had in high school when he’d picked up his prom date. He laughed. Since he was picking up the station’s prom queen, perhaps that was appropriate.

  Then Breezy opened the door.

  Speechless for a moment, he just stared at the prom queen, all grown up. His jaw was somewhere around his ankles, he was sure.

  Breezy looked stunning. She hadn’t tamed her silky brown hair tonight. It curled as it had the day in Lucienne’s Salon, wild and feminine. Why had he ever unleashed that power to attract every other male in sight? Tonight he wished it were back in its braid, hiding her sexuality from other men.

  Finally, she quirked a corner of her lips up and prompted, “Well?”

  His mouth was dry. “You look beautiful.”

  When she smiled, her face lit up in that fabulous Breezy way. “Thanks. You look pretty good yourself.” She reached up and flicked the edge of his suit.

  Resisting the urge to grab her hand, he cleared his throat and motioned toward his car. “Shall we?”

  She placed her hand on his outstretched one and he closed his fingers around hers. They held hands until he reluctantly had to let go to open the car door and let her sink gracefully into the seat.

  He’d never seen anyone so beautiful in his life.

  She glowed. Every man at the Gala was going to look at her and want her.

  Jealousy rose up so strongly within him that it nearly choked him.

  He had to do something to keep her. But what?

  * * *

  Breezy was walking into the large Mayor’s Gala on Noah’s arm and enjoying it immensely. When she looked up at him, he smiled at her and patted her hand.

  Sparks flew along her nerve endings. There were certainly physical sparks between them. And, for a moment at her door, she’d felt like he maybe wanted more than just to make the station look good. His hand on hers felt almost possessive. It felt good.

  But she needed to remind herself that Noah Drake was there with her for one reason only—for the sake of the station. Remember that. Because she didn’t want to get hurt by Noah any more than she wanted to be hurt by Andrew again. And she was aware of Noah in a way she never had been of Andrew.

  She needed to distract herself.

  She looked around for Lindsey’s brother, Jake Taylor. He was probably nervous as this was his first Gala as the actual mayor. Breezy would have to be sure to give him some encouraging words tonight.

  “Which way now?” Noah asked as they stepped inside the hotel where the retirement party had been, the only building in town large enough to host a party of this size.

  “My folks came early to get good seats. They said they’d be in the northeast corner of the ballroom.”

  Noah nodded agreeably. “To the northeast corner it is, then.”

  As they walked into the ballroom, Noah stopped. “This looks a lot bigger than it did at Paul’s party.”

  Breezy nodded. “For this party, they open the dividers and combine both ballrooms into one.”

  “Oh, good. I thought I was going crazy for a minute,” he teased.

  Crazy good looking, maybe. Stop it. Find another distraction. “I’d like to find the mayor first and give him a few encouraging words. But we can find him later as we dance around.”

  “Oh, so you’re a dancer, too,” he teased, but there was a light in his eyes.

  “I love to dance. I hope that you’re a dancer. Maybe even a dancer who leads,” Breezy teased back, though she was serious about the leading part. What was she thinking? It would be extremely foolish of her to ever dance with this man.

  “You are looking at a former USC ballroom dancing champion.”

  Despite herself, she was delighted to learn that. “Are you serious? That’s wonderful.”

  “You always make me feel good, Breezy.”

  “That’s the Pollyanna side of me, I’m sure,” she teased, glad she could joke with him now. And why not? He wasn’t seriously dating her, they were just there together for the sake of the station. She was just reading things into everything that weren’t really there.

  Pulling her gaze from his with an effort, she looked around. “Do you see my parents?”

  He spotted them first. “There they are.”

  Following the direction of his hand, she caught sight of them, and waved. They motioned toward the table they sat at, one of the few that wasn’t already filled to capacity.

  Breezy headed in their direction. When Noah took her hand, she didn’t pull away. It felt too good. He took the lead, forging a path through the crowded dance floor, then through the people carrying plates of refreshments.

  When they reached the table, her parents stood and welcomed them both with a hug.

  “You look beautiful, Breezy. What did you do to your hair?” Her mother touched a curl. “Don’t you think she looks beautiful, Arthur?”

  Her father squeezed her shoulder. “Breezy always looks beautiful.”

  “Lindsey helped me curl my hair, not that it needed any help curling, of course. And then she added the pretty stuff.” There were a few faux pearl-encrusted hair pins holding part of her hair back.

  “Well, I think it looks very pretty.” Mom fingered another curl and nodded, looking into Breezy’s eyes. “Very pretty. You are the prettiest woman here.”

  Her father motioned to them to sit.

  Her mother turned to Noah. “And you are the most handsome man here.”

  “Hey,” her father teased.

  Her mother kissed the top of his head. “After Arthur, of course.”

  Noah sat and scanned the crowd. “It looks like everyone in town must be here tonight.”

  Her father nodded. “Pretty much. This is one of several large annual events around here. Some others are the July 4th parade and the Christmas Festival in December.”

  “Iris didn’t make it. Did you hear, Breanne? She broke her leg and her daughter is coming to help.”

  “Miss America?”

  Her mother nodded. “Jamie is moving from LA to take care of her mother. How sweet of her.”

  “It is,” Breezy said. “I’ll have to stop by. Is she home?”

  “Still in the hospital, but getting out tomorrow. We stopped by earlier.”

  “Wow.” Breezy was unnerved by the news. She’d have to stop by and visit Iris in the next day or two, offer to run some errands, say hi to Jamie while she was there.

  When Noah’s gaze caught hers, again, she had a more difficult time trying to distract herself. “Oh, look, there’s Jake. I’ll be right back,” Breezy said and left her seat to find her friend. He had people converging on him, but for the moment, there was a break in the crowd. When she reached him, she gave him a hug. “Congratulations, Mayor. Nervous?”

  Jake Taylor chuckled and hugged her back. “That is a major understatement, Breezy. Yes. I will admit that to you and only you.” He pulled back and smiled.

  “Is your sister here yet?”

  “Lindsey’s here somewhere.”

  “With Ethan?”

  “Yup. They’re still on. And one of these days they’re going to actually get married.”

  “We can only hope,” Breezy said. “Hey, I’d better let you get back to your admiring fans.” She motioned around at all the people waiting to talk with him.

  He tipped his head toward her table. “Looks like you have an admiring fan, too.”

  She turned to find Noah watching, his eyes intent on her. As she started back to the table, Noah rose and met her more than halfway. Leaning close so she could hear him ov
er the music, he asked, “So who is that gentleman you were talking with?”

  Was she imagining the edge of jealousy in his voice? “That’s the mayor. He’s the brother of my friend Lindsey.”

  “Lindsey as in the expensive hair-trimming Lindsey?”

  She grinned. “The very same.”

  Chad Ivans from the station worked his way over to them. “Hey, Mr. Drake. Breezy.”

  “Hey, Chad. Where’s your date?”

  He sighed dramatically. “She had to wash her fish or something tonight. I think maybe she was trying to avoid me.”

  “Her loss,” Breezy said. “Hey, your fedora is looking good tonight.”

  “Thanks. You look fabulous tonight.” He turned to Noah. “You are one lucky man, Mr. Drake.”

  “I know.” Noah’s voice came out raspy and dry.

  Chad must still be trying to make Noah jealous. It wasn’t going to work. Breezy said goodbye and turned to her non-date. Remember that. “Want to meet some other people?”

  “I’d rather dance.”

  “Dance?” That was not a good idea.

  But before she could say anything, he took her hand and led the way to the dance floor, then pulled her closer.

  Noah was acting really strangely. He did seem almost jealous.

  She wished that were true, but she knew the truth: He wanted to make a good impression for the sake of KWAC. But maybe she could pretend that it was real. Just for tonight, she could pretend to be Cinderella, all dressed up for the ball, only minus the glass slippers. Only this prince wouldn’t search for her after tonight.

  It had always seemed strange to Breezy that the prince couldn’t recognize Cinderella’s face, but had to rely on the glass slipper to find the right girl. Did he not look at her while they danced the night away leading up to midnight? Perhaps they had worn masks at the ball.

  She glanced at the clock on the wall. Nine o’clock. She had three hours until her own private coach turned back into a pumpkin. She decided she would enjoy every minute, including any and all dances.

  And, when this night was over, at least she’d have some awesome memories to treasure.

  And it was in that moment, as she looked up and caught Noah looking at her in that possessive way, that she realized she cared for him deeply.

  With dismay, she realized she might even be falling in love with him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. —Langston Hughes

  Noah looked down into Breezy’s eyes as he twirled her around the ballroom. Graceful and light on her feet, she followed as if they’d taken classes together.

  He’d been right. When they’d walked in, every man they’d passed had followed her with his eyes. Tonight there was no mistaking she was a desirable woman.

  And now her silky red dress whirled around her, both hugging her subtle curves and hiding them by turns.

  Her long curls swirled around her face and around her back and arms, tickling his hand.

  She was beautiful and elegant. The girl next door all grown up.

  He liked this girl next door. In fact, he cared deeply for her. When she’d gone to talk with the mayor, and when Chad had come up to her, he’d been amazed at the depth of the jealousy that hit him.

  He wanted to protect her.

  He wanted her to be his.

  He was falling in love with her.

  He nearly stumbled at the realization. She looked into his eyes and smiled.

  He was in love with Breezy Jones. With Pollyanna.

  Before he could take it in, someone tapped his shoulder. When he looked around, there was a man he didn’t recognize who smiled at him. “May I cut in?”

  Breezy smiled at Noah. “Do you mind?”

  Yes. Of course I do. “No. Go ahead.”

  He stepped back as she was swept away in another man’s arms. He walked off the dance floor and looked back, trying not to scowl.

  A few minutes later, Breezy’s friend, Candy, came by and welcomed him. Then she motioned to the dance floor. “She used to date Andrew in high school. Everyone thought they’d end up together.”

  “That’s the guy who hired her? Her ex-boyfriend?”

  She nodded and leaned in close. “I’ve been watching you tonight.”

  “You have. Why?”

  “Because Breezy is a close friend of mine. Andrew broke her heart. She needs to know a man is around to stay before she can give her heart again. If you’re interested in her, and I think you are, then you should let her know you’re serious. But if you’ll be leaving town and breaking her heart, move on right now. She doesn’t deserve that kind of hurt again.”

  “She doesn’t have feelings for me.”

  “I think it’s pretty obvious you have feelings for each other.” Candy patted his arm. “I’ve found that it’s always good to go for what you want. You want her. Go for her. Just be sure you mean it.”

  Noah nodded. “That’s excellent advice. Thanks. Any other suggestions?”

  She chuckled. “That’s about it.” She patted his arm again. “You’ll do the right thing. I have a feeling about you.”

  “A good one, I hope.”

  “The best. Now I’ve got to work my way over to the refreshment stand. There’s a Diet Pepsi calling my name.”

  Noah turned back toward the dance floor. The twirling, whirling, swirling was going on without him. It just wasn’t right.

  He was going to wait until he and Breezy were alone. When he took her home. He didn’t do private things in public. He did want to make at least a beginning commitment. He wanted to see where their relationship could go. He seriously did.

  But Breezy had said she wanted a man to make a fool of himself for her.

  No. That wasn’t going to happen.

  Andrew said something to Breezy and she laughed, and the green monster of jealousy took a big chunk out of Noah.

  That’s when he changed in mind.

  No. He wouldn’t declare himself in private. He wanted everyone to see it. Ex-boyfriends. Current girlfriends; hers, that is. And anyone else who happened to look at them.

  He would do anything for this woman. He laughed at himself as he realized he had done a one-eighty. Apparently he was going to make a fool of himself in front of everyone here tonight in order to win the right to date Breezy. Exclusively.

  He wondered if Gabe was here to see it. Even if he was, he wouldn’t believe it.

  He’d seen Pamela across the room. He’d like for her to witness this, too.

  He took a deep breath as Breezy’s ex-boyfriend—who looked like he wanted to lose the ‘ex’ designation— brought her off the dance floor over by the refreshment table, on the opposite side of the room from where Noah stood.

  Noah made his way toward Candy, who stood at the end of the refreshment tables. “Would you be interested in watching a public declaration of my intentions toward Breezy?”

  Candy’s eyes flashed. “I’d pay for the privilege.”

  “Then would you be so kind as to ask a certain surfer for a dance or for something and get him out of the picture for a few minutes.”

  Candy hugged Noah. “Good luck. And I’ll be glad to take care of Andrew.” As she walked away, he heard her humming a song.

  He didn’t want anyone else dancing with his girl.

  His girl.

  He watched Candy wander over to Andrew and Breezy, take Andrew by the arm, and a moment later they headed for the dance floor, Andrew looking back wistfully at Breezy and Candy winking at Noah.

  He recognized three of Breezy’s good friends gathering around her. Lindsey. Dani. Stephanie.

  It looked like Lindsey was showing off her engagement ring.

  If he wanted to make a fool of himself, there was no better time or audience.

  He took a step in Breezy’s direction, determined to do this right.

  * * *

  “That is more beautifu
l than any of the other rings, Lindsey,” Breezy said and her friends laughed. It was the same on-and-off ring Ethan always put back on Lindsey’s finger.

  Breezy sighed. She wondered if she’d ever get a ring from someone who would stick around.

  “Who will be next to get a ring?” Dani looked at Breezy. “Andrew looks like he’d be glad to be the next to give one, so I’m betting it’s Breezy.”

  “I agree.” Stephanie shook her head. “But if the look on Drake the Snake’s face is any indication, I’d say he’ll get here first.”

  “No,” Breezy said. “Noah brought me tonight for the station’s sake. That’s all.”

  “You keep telling yourself that, my friend.” Stephanie took Breezy’s shoulders and turned her around to face an approaching Noah.

  He looked very determined. And nervous.

  When he reached the group of women, he stopped.

  Her friends welcomed him and made excuses to head out, but he said, “No, wait, ladies. I’d like for you to hear what I have to say to Breezy.”

  Now she was getting nervous. “You planning on firing me again?”

  “I didn’t technically fire you. But, no.”

  Breezy glanced around at her friends. Dani, Lindsey, Stephanie. Friends who had helped her through everything bad and celebrated with her through everything good. They smiled encouragingly at her, thrilled with what was happening.

  Not so sure, Breezy turned back to Noah.

  He reached out and took her hand. “Breezy Jones, I’m falling in love with you. Will you consider being my girl?”

  Her friends all said, “Oh, how sweet,” and put their hands to their heart.

  Breezy smiled shyly. “Your girl?”

  He nodded. “My steady girl. Exclusive.”

  “Really?” Wow. Her smile widened. “I think I’d like that.”

  “And I will be your steady guy.”

  “Your mother’s headed this way, Breezy,” whispered Dani. “Make this quick.”

  Noah smiled at her. “What do you say?”

  “Are you sure this is the best thing for the station?”

  He chuckled. “Bringing you tonight was never about the station.”