by JoAnn Durgin
Her off-the-shoulder, floor-length gown showed off her long neck and toned arms. He’d always thought of dancers as being overly thin, but Heather appeared athletic without being muscular. Taller than he might have imagined. Feminine, strong, confident. Incredibly alluring. Unbelievably sexy.
Lord, help keep my thoughts straight.
Chase silently willed Heather to look at him. When she finally did, he nodded and attempted a look of nonchalance, not sure he succeeded. What was wrong with him? On the cusp of 30, he’d thought he’d found a measure of maturity. At the moment, he was acting like his high school kids—immature and stubborn.
Fifteen minutes later, he still sat at the table, stewing. Heather had danced with no less than three—or was it four?—guys. Sawyer was circulating around the room with Ava by his side, laughing and chatting. Every now and then either the bride or groom would get a distinct twitch in their eye and angle their head in Heather’s direction. To which he’d dutifully salute to indicate his acknowledgement. Sophia and Katie weren’t the only matchmakers, it seemed. He moved his attention to the two flower girls. They scampered around the dance floor, dancing with their parents one minute and each other or the twin ring bearers the next. Carefree, giggling, and chattering the entire time, as well they should. Was he ever that young?
Chase’s smile sobered as his focus rested on Heather once more.
After another five minutes, he’d had enough. Rising to his feet, he straightened his black satin bow tie and made sure his tuxedo jacket was buttoned. “Time to cut in. Ready or not, Heather, here I come.”
Chapter 6
~~♥~~
Heather twirled under her dance partner’s arm. He was the best dancer of the several men who’d asked her to dance, but where was Chase? Still sitting at the table, glaring at her? She darted a glance at the head table but didn’t see him. Maybe he’d decided to dance with the pretty girl who’d been making eyes at him all evening. Or maybe he’d gone somewhere to talk with Eric. She’d never understand guys. Why hadn’t he asked her to dance? Did he not know how? Maybe he didn’t believe dancing fit into God’s plan for his life.
Play nice, Heather.
“Excuse me. May I cut in?”
Heather snapped her gaze to Chase. Finally. Those blue eyes could melt a girl’s resistance in no time flat. Did the man have even the tiniest little clue what a secret weapon they were?
“Of course.” Heather’s dance partner kissed her cheek. “Thank you for the opportunity to dance with Indy’s most beautiful ballerina, Heather. Give my regards to your mother and father.”
“It was my pleasure, Mr. Mayor. I’ll be sure and tell them.” As the older gentleman stepped aside with a polite nod and departed, Heather almost burst out laughing at the shocked expression on Chase’s face.
His cheeks colored and he shoved his hands in his pockets. “I just cut in on the mayor? Seriously?” Chase looked adorable and that wasn’t a word she’d normally associate with him.
“That’s Mr. Mayor to you, and yes, you did.”
He rubbed his forehead. “Wow. I must be slipping. How could I not recognize him?”
“Could be you’re too busy to watch the news?”
“I know what he looks like, but I guess I didn’t expect the mayor to be here tonight dancing with you. I didn’t know Sawyer and Ava even knew the mayor.” He shrugged with a sheepish smile. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since Sawyer’s one of Indy’s most successful, up-and-coming young entrepreneurs. That’s what one of the city magazines called him. They did a whole spread about Sawyer and Mancini Pedicabs.”
“Right. Ava showed it to me. I think it was the August issue. The article was very flattering, and from what Ava tells me, it stirred up a lot of business for Sawyer. He gained a ton of new contacts.” She leaned close. “Don’t let this go beyond us, but I hear Sawyer’s planning on promoting Eric to an executive position in the company. Right after the newlyweds return to the mainland.”
“I didn’t know that,” Chase said. “Eric’s a hard worker, and I know Sawyer has a lot of confidence in him.”
Chase’s smile faded. “Heather, will you please dance with me?”
“I’d like that. I like to dance, especially when I’m not being paid to do it.” Her brows furrowed. “That didn’t sound right. I hope you know what I mean.” When his lips curved, she tugged the lapels of his tuxedo jacket. “I was afraid the most attractive man in the room didn’t like to dance. Or thought it wasn’t appropriate. Or didn’t want to dance…with me.”
Yes, she was flirting. She shouldn’t, but in this moment, she didn’t care. Judging by the light in those blue eyes, Chase knew it, too. Liked it. What a dashing figure he made, enough to make the hearts of more than a few women in the room take flight. She’d overheard a discussion in the powder room about the tall, gorgeous Best Man and the speculation about his dating status. To her surprise and his credit, Chase seemed oblivious to the effect he had on the majority of the female population. Humility was a great quality in a man.
Before she knew what was happening, Chase swept her in his strong arms. Close enough to catch a whiff of cologne that made her heady. Masculine but understated. “Sorry I’m late to the prom. I can dance, you know.”
Heather stared him down. “Show me, Preacher Man.”
“That’s Best Man to you, and that’s my plan.” With his hand pressed firmly on her lower back, Chase spun her beneath his arm. “Try to keep up.”
Dazed, Heather followed his more than capable lead. She liked a man who took charge. Where had he learned to dance like this? Chase fascinated her with his natural ease on the dance floor. No matter how much training, most men didn’t move the way he did. No quirks or jerky movements for this guy. He definitely knew what he was doing. Maybe the kids in the youth group had shared some moves with their fearless leader?
At one point, Heather spied Ava and Sawyer nodding and smiling. How sweet. She tossed them a smile and kept on dancing. She hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. Chase warded off three other guys who tried to cut in. Heather figured he’d displayed every move in his repertoire and yet he hadn’t broken a sweat. His stamina put her to shame.
“Would you like something to drink?” Chase said a half-hour later.
“Sure. As long as it’s cold and wet with ice, I’m fine with it.”
“I’ll be right back. I’ve got my eye on the mayor in case he tries to make a move on you.”
“I’m sure his wife won’t let him get away with anything. I’ll just go…sit over there.” Pointing to a chair by the side of the dance floor, Heather didn’t want Chase to see that she was winded. Making her way to the chair, she sat down and closed her eyes. Good grief. She needed to increase her workouts if thirty minutes of straight dancing winded her.
It wasn’t the dancing, Heather.
No, it was definitely her dancing partner who’d stolen her breath. A man who could dance well was a rarity, and she found that quality in Chase very attractive—on top of everything else she admired about him.
She’d had a short-lived romance early on with one of her dancing partners at the ballet. That had been enough to make her swear off a work-related relationship until the end of time. Nikolai had been surprisingly insecure and emotionally needy, a turn-off if ever there was one. She found it sweet when a strong man allowed himself to cry at sentimental things to do with children, animals, or a sad book or movie, but the Russian dancer had fussed for thirty minutes straight over a food stain on dry clean only pants. Not the same thing.
“Having a good time?”
Heather opened her eyes as Ava took the chair beside her, arranging her gown around her. “It’s the most fabulous wedding reception I’ve ever attended. I don’t know what got into Chase. He was a dancing maniac out there.”
“He’s a great dancer, isn’t he?”
“He is,” Heather said. “Who knew? I’m surprised you noticed since you were dancing with Prince Charming. By the way,
I’m glad you convinced Sawyer not to slick down his curls for the wedding. They’re part of his charm, and that would have made him look like an oil baron.”
Ava laughed. “I told him I wanted to marry the man I fell in love with and wanted to be able to run my fingers through his hair. That worked.”
“The powers of persuasion triumph again.” Heather reached for Ava’s hand. “Have I told you how happy I am for you?”
Ava squeezed and then released Heather’s hand. “A few times. Sometimes I can’t believe this is happening. I wish Poppy could be here, but Momma’s having a great time. Look at how animated she is.” Ava nodded across the room to where her Scottish-born mother, Isla, chatted with other wedding guests.
Heather’s eyes misted at the sentiment. Ava had been close to her father, but he’d passed away a number of years ago. “Poppy would be ecstatic for you. I’m thrilled you and your mother have grown closer since your engagement to Sawyer.” As a matter of fact, a year ago, Ava and her mother had been estranged. How true it was that the passage of time could heal wounds.
“I think Momma loves Sawyer as much as I do. He’s so good with her.”
“Of course, he is. Sawyer’s great with everyone. Now, tell me the truth, Ava. Did you and Sawyer ask Chase to dance with me? If you had to bribe him, don’t even tell me.”
Ava’s smile faded. “Why do you ask?”
“He sat at the table for dance after dance without approaching me. Just sat there trying to act like he didn’t care. I thought I was going to have to ask him to dance, but you know how much I hate that. Then he suddenly came to his senses and even cut in on the mayor.” Heather laughed quietly. “Chase didn’t recognize him. I have to say, sheepish looks very cute on the Best Man.”
“Okay, I can admit that Sawyer suggested he dance with you,” Ava said. “With my full support. You know you wanted to dance with Chase every bit as much as he wanted to dance with you, Heather. You two have been skirting around each other for a while now, trying to figure out where you go from here.”
“Is that so? How did you arrive at that brilliant conclusion, oh wise one?” Not that Heather could deny the truth of that statement.
Ava leaned close and lowered her voice. “Because that’s the kind of thing a best friend knows.”
Heather’s eyes misted. “I’m going to miss you, friend. Have a great time on your trip. Take lots of photos—when you leave the honeymoon suite, that is—and then come home to me. I need you. I’ll miss you desperately.”
“That’s a promise. As flattered as I am, I think you’ll be just fine. I just heard the cue from the band. Sawyer and I are supposed to dance one last song and then we’ll be leaving. We just got a call that our getaway transportation will be arriving in a few minutes.”
“Then you need to go to Sawyer. In case I don’t get a chance to tell you before you leave, I love you, Ava Rose Carlisle Mancini.”
Tears glimmered in Ava’s eyes. “I hope you know I couldn’t love you any more if you were my sister.”
“I know.” Heather blinked hard to keep her tears at bay. “I feel the same way about you. But if you don’t go now, I might bawl and flood this room. Now, off with you.” She waved her hand. “Time to go make more beautiful, sweet memories with your husband.” She bit her lower lip to still its trembling.
Ava embraced her in a warm hug. “Promise me you’ll give Chase a chance.”
“You’re only going away for two weeks. What can happen?” Easing out of the hug and wiping her eyes, Heather sniffled.
“You might be surprised. A lot can happen in a short ride in a pedicab, you know.” Ava’s smile was coy. “Or being locked together in a closet.”
“Ava, I like Chase more than I should, but you know about my father. How could Chase ever accept him?”
A slight frown crossed Ava’s features. “Don’t overthink it. Just because you have issues with your dad doesn’t mean Chase will. It’s not like your father is doing anything illegal, and it’s more than obvious there’s a spark between you two.” She nudged Heather’s shoulder. “Even the flower girls can see it, and they’re not the only ones. Try to push aside your insecurities and fears. If Chase is half the man I know him to be, he’ll accept you for the wonderful and special person you are.”
“Thanks, friend.”
Ava swept her in another quick hug. When she departed, the skirt of her gorgeous white silk shantung, off-the-shoulder wedding gown swirled about her slender figure, sparkling with sequins and seed pearls that glistened with her every movement. Simple and classically elegant, the design of Ava’s dress had inspired the attendants’ gowns with a similarly scooped neckline and off-the-shoulder treatment.
Heather frowned. What on earth had possessed her to go into the story of Ava’s dress with Chase? She was the goof.
“Here you go.” Chase handed her a glass and then sat in the chair beside her. “Ginger ale. Hope that’s okay.”
“Perfect. Thank you.” After taking a long drink, she sighed with satisfaction. “Ah, that’s refreshing. I needed it after that strenuous Dance Fever routine you put me through out there.”
Chase smiled. “I enjoyed every minute. No one’s more surprised by that than me. I’ve never been much of a dancer before.”
“Oh? You could have fooled me. It was my pleasure,” she murmured. “I mean, I did, too.” She sipped her drink again.
After the band leader announced it was the final dance of the evening, Ava and Sawyer took to the dance floor once more. Other wedding guests joined them as a female soloist began to sing “As Time Goes By.” As long as Heather had known Ava—going all the way back to when they’d both been Sugar Plum Fairies in The Nutcracker years ago—Ava had adored that song.
“You must be thinking of a good memory.”
Heather nodded. “When Ava was a girl, snuggled in her bed one night, she heard ‘As Time Goes By’ playing. She tiptoed down the stairs and peeked. Her mom and dad were dancing in the living room, holding each other, enjoying the moment. I think it was a glimpse in her young mind of what love could be and should be.”
“Unlike that starry-eyed early 20s version of love you’d envisioned?”
The man definitely listened and paid attention. “Yes,” she said with a wistful sigh. “My parents were happy like that once upon a time. But things changed.” She shrugged. “We are a product of our environment, right?”
“So I understand. One more toast before the night is through.” He lightly touched his glass against hers like they’d done earlier. “Here’s to each of us overcoming our past and making our own future.”
“Amen. I’ll drink to that. I mean…”
“I know.” Chase nodded to the dancers. “Care to join them if you’re not too worn out?”
Heather lowered her glass to the floor and then offered him her hand. When he covered her hand with his, it felt as warm and protective as it had the night before. Yet something was different between them as Chase led her to the dance floor. The air between them was charged with possibility. Attraction. A sense of discovery.
They began to dance. His movements were smooth and controlled as he drew her into the circle of his arms. This time, it felt familiar, almost as though they’d been dancing together for years. Warmth traveled through Heather, making her wonderfully dizzy.
Chase slowed their dancing. His admiring gaze traveled over her features. “Have I told you how fascinating I find you?”
“Today?” Could she sound any more silly or clueless?
He leaned close, his lips warming Heather’s skin as they rested on her temple. The scent of his cologne intoxicated her, his beard surprisingly soft. “Every day, and especially in this moment. If I hadn’t danced with you tonight, I would have regretted it the rest of my life.”
Resting her head on his broad shoulder, Heather forgot everything but what it felt like to be held by a man. By Chase. This man was special, and she didn’t know when she’d have an opportunity like this again.
Too soon, the music ended, and they parted.
“Thank you.” Chase’s voice was husky. He seemed reluctant to release her hand.
She didn’t want him to let go.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Heather nodded. “We should probably go outside now,” she finally managed. “Ava and Sawyer are getting ready to leave. We don’t want to miss it.”
He squeezed her hand. “Let’s go.”
~~♥~~
A few minutes later, Heather stood beside him on the sidewalk outside the church. Chase’s awareness level of her reached new heights as they smiled and waved to their friends. The newlyweds climbed into a Mancini Pedicab manned by Eric. Chase grinned when he noticed the bands securing Eric’s tuxedo trousers. As always, he also wore his helmet and reflective gear.
“Can you imagine anything more perfect?” After waving to the newlyweds, Heather moved one hand over her heart as Eric pulled away from the curb.
“Not much, but at this rate, they’ll never get to Hawaii.”
Heather smirked. “Ava mentioned their getaway transportation was arriving soon, but I had no idea it was one of the pedicabs. Did you?”
“Not a clue.” Chase was pretty certain Sawyer was more focused on the rest of the evening.
“They’re staying at an undisclosed location tonight and tomorrow and then flying to Hawaii bright and early on Monday morning.” Heather darted a glance at him. “Forgive the assumption, but I’m guessing Sawyer didn’t tell you that, either?”
“No reason. Guys don’t generally tell each other all the details. I’m sure uninterrupted time with Ava is uppermost in his mind.” Time to tease her a little. “From what I know, a bride and groom want privacy when they’re on their honeymoon.” Even in the fading twilight, Chase glimpsed the pretty pink flush that washed over Heather’s features. “Sawyer did give me the hotel contact number in case of an emergency along with strict instructions not to use it unless circumstances were dire.”
She turned to him with one brow quirked. “Why does something tell me you pulled a Sawyer?”
