She slipped her hand in his as he led her out onto the dance floor. The cheerful Christmas song ended and a slow song started. He gently placed his hand on her waist, acutely aware of their closeness as they began to sway to the music.
She leaned her head against his chest and he almost forgot how to dance. Recovering, he held her against him, certain she could now hear his heart pounding against her cheek.
As the song faded away, Evie stepped back from his embrace and a sudden void swept over him. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, her smile warm and genuine. “That was nice,” she said softly.
His heart raced, making it difficult to form coherent thoughts. “It… was,” he managed to say, his voice sounding strained even to his own ears. He cleared his throat, hoping to regain some composure. “Um, would you like some punch?”
The words tumbled out, and he inwardly cringed. Was he coming across as awkward and inexperienced? He hadn’t felt this nervous around a woman in years, and it threw him off balance.
“Yes, thank you.”
He made his way through the crowd to the refreshment table, his gaze continually drawn back to Evie. As she chatted animatedly with Julie, he marveled at how effortlessly she seemed to blend in with the island’s residents. There was something about her warmth and genuine interest that drewpeople in, making it look like she’d always been a part of their community.
With two glasses of punch in hand, he returned to the two women. “Here you go, Evie,” he said, handing her a glass. Then he turned to Julie, extending the other. “Julie, would you like this?”
Julie shook her head with a smile. “No, but thank you. I’m off to find Susan.” She gave them both a quick wave before disappearing into the crowd.
Randy turned to Evie as he took a sip of the punch. “Susan owns Belle Island Inn. You’ll have to meet her, too. She runs the inn with her son.” He found himself wanting to explain all the things about the island, the people, the places, in the hope that Evie would feel at home here.
And maybe even… stay here on the island.
There—he’d allowed himself to actually think the thought. But it was a silly one. She was here to clear out Miss G’s things. He hoped she at least stayed through the holidays though. And New Year’s. It would be nice to celebrate New Year’s with her.
He felt a gentle bump against his side and looked over at Evie.
“You still with me?” She smiled up at him.
“Yes, sorry. Mind wandering a bit. What were we saying?”
“How I should meet more people.” Her smile widened.“I feel like I’ve met so many people since I got here. Hope I can keep all of you straight.”
He winked at her. “Just remember, I’m the one who lives next door to you.”
“Ah, then I’ll probably remember you,” she teased.
They danced and chatted with people and he introduced her all around. She charmed everyone she met. As the dance ended, they headed outside into the night with a million stars thrown overhead.
She turned to him. “I had the best time.”
“I did too.” He just barely stopped himself from reaching out and sweeping one of those soft curls away from the face. The curls that had been taunting him all night. Instead, he opened the truck door for her and helped her inside, catching a glimpse of her long, lean legs as she settled into the seat.
He hurried around to the driver’s side and got in. He wasn’t sure how the front seat of the truck had gotten so small. He swore it had though. As though it was the most intimate space in the world with the low lights of the dashboard gently illuminating them.
They drove to her cottage in silence, with Evie engrossed in looking at all the decorations they passed. He pulled into her drive and came around to help her out. She took his offered hand and slid out, landing right against him.
She laughed gently. “Whoops. Hard to get out of the truck gracefully in these heels.”
He still had her in his arms. Right, he should probably let her go. Reluctantly, he stepped back. He followed her up the porch steps and stood by her side.
“Thanks for asking me. And introducing me to so many people.”
“So very many,” he teased. “Just remember which one I am.”
“Oh, I think I’ll remember you.” Her eyes locked with his.
A look that made him lose all rational thought. The world faded away as he found himself captivated by her lips, yearning to close the distance between his lips and hers.
His mind raced, debating whether he should take the chance and kiss her. The moment stretched out, electric with possibility.
