Gary opened the door for the women. The minute they stepped inside, loud music assaulted their eardrums.
Libby looked around. It was the same as she remembered—even the bartenders and waitresses. She saw many familiar people and grieved that they didn’t know her. For a moment she wanted to run away.
You aren’t the type of woman to run away. You’ll fight for what you want, Libby.
She made a face. Thanks a lot.
“Isn’t it great?” Bonnie shouted over the music. Her eyes were bright with excitement as she bounced to the beat, looking a little like a colorful penguin with her waddle.
“I’ll tell you after I get my hearing back,” Libby shouted back in reply, getting a grip on her fear and pushing it down.
“C’mon, I found us a table.” Gary took each woman’s hand and led them over to an unoccupied table. “What do you want?” he asked Libby.
She wrinkled her nose as she thought about it. “Whatever beer they have on tap. I’m not too fussy.”
He nodded, then looked at Bonnie.
She sighed. “I know, I know. I can’t have beer or wine, so I guess I’ll settle for club soda.”
Gary bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’ll let you be designated driver.”
“You try driving with the steering wheel jamming into your belly and see how you feel about it,” she retorted. “Go get our drinks, slave.”
Gary performed a mock salaam and sauntered off.
“I’d say you have a real sweetheart.” Libby leaned over so Bonnie could hear her more easily.
She smiled and nodded. “I like to remind him how lucky he is to have me.” She and Libby chuckled.
“How did you meet him?”
“We’ve known each other since our first day in Miss Regina’s preschool. Gary once told me he fell in love with me that day. It took me a few more days, but we’ve been together since then. We tried dating other people in high school, but it didn’t work out. We always went back to each other.”
The roar in Libby’s ears sounded like a tornado. She was positive she was sitting in a wind tunnel.
Bonnie and Gary had met in preschool. There had never been anyone else for either of them.
“When did you get married?” she asked in a faint voice.
Luckily, Bonnie didn’t notice her pallor. “Six years ago. We wanted some time to ourselves before starting our family. And now—” she patted her rounded tummy “—we’re starting out with the acrobat here.”
“You’re very lucky.” Libby blinked rapidly to keep back her tears.
Bonnie looked at her and was about to say something when Gary showed up holding three glasses.
“Here you go, ladies. Tips are gratefully accepted.” He set a frosty glass filled with beer in front of Libby and an ice-filled club soda in front of Bonnie.
“Don’t worry, honey. I’ll tip you later.” Bonnie winked at him.
“She only has me around as a sex slave,” Gary confided to Libby. He adopted a mournful expression.
“I’d say you’re not suffering all that much,” Libby teased. She picked up her glass and sipped her beer.
“Gary, my love, take Libby out there and dance with her,” Bonnie ordered.
“Bonnie, you don’t have to—”
“All right, lady, let’s show ‘em how it’s done.” Gary grabbed Libby’s hand and pulled her out of her chair.
Libby didn’t have a chance to protest. Gary proved to be a dancer who kept her frantically remembering the steps. By the time the music stopped she was out of breath.
She laughed as Gary swung her around when a new tune began. “Not again!”
“Yes again. Hell, I usually can’t dance with a good-looking woman without Bonnie getting her hackles up.” He grinned, holding her hand over her head as he directed her in a fancy spin that made her short skirt flare even higher.
“I’m glad to know I’m considered safe.” Libby laughed again, not only because for some reason she found Gary’s comment funny, but also because she was finding out she was enjoying herself.
The people around her on the dance floor, the lively music and Gary keeping up with her step for step was freeing something inside her.
One more twirl sent her spinning, and when she slowed, she saw a familiar figure walking into the club. With another equally familiar person in tow. Libby froze for a moment, watching Tyler look for a table. Then he zeroed in on her. For one brief second there was no one else in the room as they stared at each other.
Then Renee touched Tyler’s arm to point out an empty table and the moment was lost. Libby was back in Gary’s arms, and all too soon the music stopped.
Libby would have preferred to stay out on the dance floor where she felt safe, but Gary started escorting her back.
“Thank you,” she told him.
“No, thank you.”
Libby looked at their table and saw Bonnie talking to a young woman. Libby recognized her as a clerk who worked at the post office, but pretended never to have seen her before.
“Oh please.” Gary moaned. He leaned closer to Libby. “That’s Liza Kelly. She has no idea what dancing is about. She has two left feet, is tone deaf and likes to sing while she stomps all over my toes.”
“There’s my honeybun,” Bonnie cooed when they approached the table. “Honey, Liza’s been dying to dance with you.”
Gary managed a pained smile. “Sure. Liza?”
The woman, whose complexion could be called pasty at best, brightened up. “I’d love to, Gary.”
“Liza, this is Libby Douglas. She’s taking my place at Miss Regina’s,” Bonnie said. “Libby, this is Liza Kelly.”
“Pleased to meet you,” the woman said shyly.
“C’mon, Liza, let’s burn up that floor.” Gary took her hand and led her out to the dance floor.
Bonnie’s and Libby’s eyes met.
“I know, it’s really mean,” Bonnie said without apology, “but Liza wouldn’t have a chance to dance if Gary didn’t dance with her first. She’s too shy to just go up to a man and ask him to dance like a lot of the single women will do.”
“Did you ever stop to think it might have something to do with her two left feet?”
“Good thing Gary’s wearing his boots.”
The two women laughed.
Libby picked up her glass and sipped the cold brew. She realized if she sat at an angle, she could see Tyler without appearing to watch him.
“Well, well, well.”
Libby looked at Bonnie. “What?”
“It appears you’ve caught someone’s interest.”
Libby shook her head. She doubted anyone would notice her that quickly. “Don’t tell me. He looks like a horse and dances like one, too.”
Bonnie leaned across the table. “Not this one. He’s tall, dark and very good-looking—a prime catch in this town. A lot of women have been trying to reel him in since high school.”
Libby leaned forward in turn. “If he’s that great why is he available?”
“Maybe it’s because the right woman hasn’t thrown her line in the pool yet.” Bonnie’s grin broadened. “And he’s coming this way.”
Libby didn’t have to turn around to know Bonnie was talking about Tyler. Nor did she need an announcement to know he was walking her way.
Every nerve in her body was vibrating more wildly the closer he came.
“So, Teach, are you brave enough to dance with me?”
Chapter Eleven
Libby looked up. To her surprise, she didn’t see the man she expected after her previous meetings with him. Tyler had lost a little of his arrogance. His grin was infectious and cocky, but she could read a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. As if he thought she might refuse his invitation.
Which she considering doing. For about half a second.
“Thank you, I’d love to.” She stood up and took his outstretched hand.
Tyler’s look of relief was immediate. He led her back to the dance
floor and turned to face her.
Libby felt the butterflies in her stomach turn into army tanks. Tyler placed her arms around his neck and braced his hands at the base of her spine, bringing her flush against his body.
Libby caught her breath as she felt the heat of his body flow through hers and the woodsy spice scent of his aftershave prick her nostrils. It was the smell she always associated with him. She wanted to lean even closer against him, to nestle her cheek against the curve of his neck, to just experience him.
“You smell like spring,” he murmured against her hair.
She wanted to cry. How many times had he said that exact same thing when they danced? She cleared her throat to dislodge the lump residing there.
“I never thought of myself smelling like a season.” She closed her eyes against the flood of memories as she spoke words she’d said many times before. “But I guess smelling like spring is better than smelling like winter.”
His chuckle seemed to vibrate against her cheek.
“It’s not so bad, is it?”
Libby tipped her head back so she could see him. “What isn’t?”
“Dancing with me.”
“I won’t consider it torture as long as you don’t step on my toes.”
His dark eyes glinted with humor. “I’ll do my best.” His palm cupped her head and brought it back to rest against his shoulder.
Libby noticed Renee Carter standing at the bar, her back turned to it so she could watch the dancers. Libby and Tyler, in particular. There was no mistaking the fury written on her face. She obviously didn’t like what she was seeing.
I was right. She still has thick thighs.
Uncharitable thoughts, Libby.
Uncharitable? It’s more like a statement of fact!
When the music stopped, Libby started to pull away. But just as quickly, another song began and Tyler merely tightened his hold on her.
“There’s no way I’m letting go of you so soon,” he murmured in her ear.
She shivered at the touch of his lips against her skin.
“Don’t you think your date would have something to say about that?” Her gaze was locked with Renee’s. Libby felt as if she should erect an invisible shield against the other woman’s deadly glare.
His chest rose and fell with the deep breath he took.
“You don’t poach,” he said, recalling her words.
“That’s right.”
“And I told you, I belong to me.” His lips brushed against her ear. “I dance with whom I please.”
She looked up. “But etiquette should remind you that you did bring another lady.”
His eyes bored into hers. “Then why do I go to sleep thinking about you?”
Libby unconsciously moistened her lips. Tyler’s eyes darkened with fire.
Mercifully, the music ended. Libby pulled away and this time Tyler willingly released her. He started to follow her back to her table.
“No,” she said in a low voice, “it’s better if I go alone.”
Libby walked back to the table, where Bonnie sat with a curious look on her face. Gary was also watching her. With every step, she felt Tyler’s gaze following her.
“And here I didn’t think you knew anyone,” Bonnie whispered furiously once Libby dropped into her chair.
“He helped me out when my car wouldn’t start,” she replied, picking up her glass of beer and draining it.
“I hate to tell you this, but Renee Carter believes she has Tyler all wrapped up, and she doesn’t appreciate any other woman dancing with him.”
“Oh hell.” Gary groaned and nodded to indicate someone approaching their table. “Angry woman at twelve o’clock.”
“Just who do you think you are?”
Libby mentally straightened her backbone before she looked up. Renee was dressed in a pair of denim shorts that barely covered the essentials and a blue-and-white blouse that tied just under her breasts.
“I think I am someone who is sitting here with her friends. And I don’t believe I know you.”
Renee’s mascara-coated lashes seemed to bat fast enough to cause a breeze. “Tyler Barnes is mine,” she stated between clenched teeth. “I suggest you stay away from him.”
Libby’s eyes shifted a fraction to see a grimfaced Tyler bearing down on them. She felt anger flare within her. With her calm and happy nature, Libby was rarely angry. She never found it beneficial. But now she found it very cleansing. The man who should be her husband was with another woman. And this woman was blatantly putting her brand on him.
Fine, Libby thought to herself. But she wasn’t going to make it easy for her.
“Then I suggest you get your boyfriend a collar and tag with your name printed on it so everyone will know.” She deliberately raised her voice just enough that Tyler and anyone within earshot would hear her.
Renee’s face turned tomato red with mingled embarrassment and fury.
“Major mistake, darlin’.” Tyler’s drawl came from behind her.
Renee turned and must have seen enough in his expression to know he spoke the truth.
“I asked the lady to dance because she’s new in town and doesn’t know many people. Although it isn’t any of your business why I asked her.” His low voice was deadly calm. “Why don’t we go back to our table?”
Renee flashed one last glare at Libby before spinning around on her high heels and tottering after Tyler. Her words were drowned out by the music, which mercifully started up again.
“Renee seemed a bit testy,” Bonnie observed. She turned to her husband and smiled. “Sweetie, would you get us another drink?”
Gary rolled his eyes. “I always miss out on the good stuff.” With a loud groan, he stood up and ambled over to the bar.
Bonnie leaned over so Libby wouldn’t have to strain her ears. “Tyler Barnes was very much the class hunk all through high school. A lot of us knew Renee Carter wanted Tyler, but for some crazy reason she kept him dangling. After graduation, she left town and got married. After her divorce, she moved back, and the first guy to take her out was Tyler. She’s been trying to land him ever since.” Bonnie’s expression showed concern. “What I’m saying, Libby, is I don’t want to see you hurt.”
Libby reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Thank you for caring, Bonnie. It was easy to tell right off that he likes to play the field. I wouldn’t allow someone like that to play with my feelings.”
Bonnie didn’t seem convinced. “If you had sat here and seen the way you and he looked out there, you’d be saying something else.” She glanced up and noticed her husband making his way toward them.
Libby felt pain inside because she knew Bonnie was right. This Tyler wasn’t the one she loved so deeply. But out there on the dance floor, she’d felt a hint of the man she had known.
What are you going to do about it, Libby? Find a way to bring that part of his nature out into the open?
Go away, Matthias.
Don’t be rude.
She smiled and accepted her drink.
Libby soon found herself to be a muchsought-after dance partner. In an attempt to convince Bonnie she had misinterpreted what had happened between Libby and Tyler on the dance floor, she accepted every invitation.
Bonnie seemed to think Libby was enjoying herself, which relieved Libby to no end. In reality, she spent the night on edge, and purposely not looking in Tyler and Renee’s direction. The last thing she wanted was to witness the other woman’s triumph.
BY THE TIME Bonnie and Gary dropped her off at her apartment, Libby was pleasantly tired.
“Thank you for inviting me along,” she told the couple.
“This will be probably the last time we’ll be able to get out, so thank you for going with us.” Bonnie smiled. “If you need anything, you call, all right?”
She nodded, then waved and walked up the stairway to her door.
Once inside, Libby dropped her purse on the coffee table and went into the bedroom. Even though she’d kept the li
ghts off, she could easily navigate her way around the furniture.
As she discarded her clothing, Libby felt an overwhelming weariness overtake her.
She shouldn’t be here alone! Tyler should be here with her.
Ah, but when was the last time she and Tyler had gone to bed together? When was the last time they had made love?
Her mind voiced and answered the questions at the same time.
She had walled herself off from Tyler after Sara’s death. She hadn’t wanted comfort from her husband. She hadn’t wanted anyone to comfort her.
Still holding her blouse in her hands, she abruptly sat on the side of the bed. She had deliberately kept the truth from herself.
She didn’t want comfort because she blamed herself. She ordinarily had checked her baby several times during the night, but that night she had been so exhausted she hadn’t woken up once.
And her baby had died alone.
Sobs ripped their way up Libby’s throat and spilled from her lips. She clutched her blouse against her chest as if it were a security blanket. The tears streamed down her cheeks and dripped unheeded onto the cotton material. She bent at the waist while the pain rolled through her body. She had no idea how long she cried. She didn’t care. The tears didn’t ease her pain. All they did was give her proof she had been lying to herself for too long.
When her crying started to subside, Libby slowly got up, moving woodenly as she pulled out a nightgown and finished undressing.
With her face scrubbed clean and her body encased in a soft flannel nightgown, Libby lay under the covers. She shivered. A coldness was within her and there wasn’t any form of warmth that could take that chill away.
The doctors told me over and over it wasn’t my fault. They said it could have happened at any time. It’s one of those unexplained mysteries. They still know little about SIDS. They said I shouldn’t worry about it happening again. I shouldn’t obsess about it. I need to think of Tyler. What he’s feeling now.
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