“I’ll see you out front,” Nolan said, not chastened in the slightest, judging by his expression. “Would you like a glass of white wine?”
“Thanks.” Shaking her head, Yvonne headed for the dressing room and felt Nolan’s gaze until she turned the corner.
“Great job, Yvonne,” Maggie said. “Here’s some makeup remover.”
“Thanks.” Yvonne removed her mask. “What a rush.”
“I know. That’s why I dance a few nights a week,” Maggie said. “It also keeps me fit. Julia is like a drill sergeant. I’ve never been in such great shape.”
“You should start up dance classes in Clare,” Susan said. “The kids really loved the few classes I taught. You could do some fitness stuff for the women too. There’s nothing like that in Clare at present.”
“The café keeps me busy,” Yvonne said.
“Pity,” Susan said. “That’s a business opportunity going to waste.”
Yvonne took a quick shower and changed into her good clothes before heading for Nolan and her glass of wine. Susan walked out with her.
“There you are.” Nolan drew her close for a quick kiss.
“At last,” a familiar voice said. “My big brother has come to his senses.”
Yvonne took a step back and smiled at Tyler. “We’re just friends.” And maybe if she kept telling herself that, her heart would get the message.
“Good friends,” Nolan said in a sharp voice.
Tyler’s brows rose, but he didn’t say anything.
“How does Katey like the move?” Yvonne asked.
Her question lightened the mood, and soon they were joined by Nolan’s other friends. Julia did her fan dance, and Yvonne watched mesmerized by her smooth moves and manipulation of the large feathery fans. So sexy. Everyone in the club appeared riveted by her dance and when it came to an end, there was a moment of silence before the crowd jumped to their feet and applauded.
“She’s good,” Yvonne said.
“Susan does the fan dance too,” Tyler said with pride.
“Will you teach me?” Yvonne asked.
“Next time you visit,” Susan promised.
The evening dragged like a plough resisting rocky soil. Nolan managed to smile through dinner at an Italian restaurant, thought he chatted and acted pretty civilly. But the entire time, visions of Yvonne dancing in her skimpy costume flickered through his head in a never ending video. He glanced at Yvonne—currently chatting with Susan—the feeling of pride bursting to life in him again. It had been a close run thing—the fight between gratification and the urge to leap onstage and drape her curvy body with a long robe.
Now, he pushed the last bite of his veal escallops, Portobello mushrooms and Marsala wine sauce aside and set his knife and fork down at right angles.
“We’re going to the restrooms,” Susan said.
The two women weaved through the tables of diners and disappeared. Nolan blew out a hard sigh.
“Not hungry?” Tyler asked.
“Have other things on my mind.”
“Like what? Farm…oh,” Tyler said with an unexpected toothy grin. He shot a quick glance toward the restrooms. “Does Yvonne know you’re hung up on her?”
“She thinks I’m playing games until someone better comes along. She keeps telling me we’re friends with benefits.” He stirred on his chair, repositioning his body to relieve the ache from his hard-on.
Just friends.
“If I hear her say we’re friends again, I’ll bare my teeth and growl. And that will be just the start. Taking Yvonne out in public is dating, damn it.”
