Specifically, the last twenty-four hours.
More precisely, Lucas.
Speaking of the devil, he strolled toward her.
The hairs on her neck rose in alert of danger. What did he want? They hadn’t spoken since the ordeal on the restaurant’s deck last night. She couldn’t handle his barbs today, not when her emotions were frayed to tatters.
“Keep going,” she muttered under her breath.
He stopped in front of her. “You did a great job today.”
Involuntarily, she narrowed her eyes and jutted her chin in confusion and suspicion. Where was the angry Lucas of last night? “Thank you.”
Extending his arm, he reached for her hand. “Care to dance?”
The question knocked the breath out of her. What game was he playing? “No.”
“One dance, for old-time’s sake.”
“What are you doing, Lucas?” She hated that her voice shook, despised that he had that power over her.
“Calling a temporary truce.” One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Why not enjoy this moment?”
He looked so innocent and full of boyish charm that she began to acquiesce against her better judgement. “No ulterior motives?”
“Just a dance.” His hand hadn’t dropped, still reached for her.
With a force of its own, her hand connected with his. A surge of electricity jolted her, and she immediately regretted the touch. She jerked away. “I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can.” He retook her hand and led her to the dancefloor with such confidence, she wasn’t sure she hadn’t agreed.
Thirteen years and a lifetime had passed since she’d last been in his arms, but suddenly she was eighteen again. Her heart beat unsteadily, and her clumsy feet stepped on Lucas’s several times. Each time, he smiled and assured her it didn’t matter.
He stepped on her toes and chuckled. “Once upon a time we had a perfect rhythm.”
Bittersweet nostalgia swept over her, and for the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to go back in time, only for a minute though, and she came back to the present. “Once upon a times are for fairy tales, though, and life, I can assure you, is not a fairy tale.”
“You’re right.” The magic broke, and Lucas backed away. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”
She felt the loss of his touch and berated herself for noticing. “I think it’s best if we keep our separate ways.”
His eyes danced a dangerous waltz. “No worries on that. Our town might be small, but if I happen to see you, I’ll cross the other way.”
“I would like to think we’re adults who can act civilly if we see each other.”
“That ship has sailed, darlin’. Or are you forgetting the past.”
She clamped her jaw before she said something she’d regret. “I’m calling for an update on the baby.”
“I’m surprised you care.”
The harsh, mocking tone hit its target, and she tensed. “Goodbye, Lucas.”
Turning on a heel, she lowered her face to hide the tears. If only he knew…
Chapter Five
A first-class idiot, that’s what he was. He could put jerk on the list as well, but he wasn’t quite ready for that addition yet.
