He took her slender fingers in his. “Aaron Steele. Isabel’s father, as I’m sure you’ve figured out.”
“Yes. She’s a sweet girl. Your grandfather is also delightful. It seems like the show is a family affair. Why aren’t you in it?”
He hiked up one side of his mouth. “I can’t sing or act, and I have two left feet.”
Eyes twinkling, she leaned closer and lowered her volume. “Between you and me, that didn’t stop a lot of the people in the cast from auditioning. But since the powers that be wanted everyone to feel welcome, we didn’t turn anyone away.”
He tried hard to concentrate on what she was saying. Really hard. But the floral fragrance tickling his nose and the wispy tendrils of hair touching distance away that had escaped from her ponytail were a huge distraction.
“Uh-huh.” Not exactly articulate, but it was all he could manage.
“Well...” She straightened up. “Thanks again for grabbing my list.”
“You’re welcome.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I, uh, understand your sister is doing better. I’m glad to hear that.”
As the comment slipped out, he furrowed his brow.
If he wanted to end this conversation, keep his distance, he was going about it all wrong.
“Yes, she is. I’m trying to convince her to sign on to help with costumes for the show. No luck yet, but I can be very persistent.”
“I imagine you’d have to be to succeed in the world of ballet. The competition must be fierce.”
“It is. And it takes more than talent to get noticed.”
Warmth crept up his neck.
Did she think he’d meant that the pinnacle she’d achieved was due more to perseverance than talent?
Shoot.
He needed a few lessons in diplomacy.
“For the record, I didn’t mean to imply your success was related to anything other than talent.”
“No apology necessary. One thing I’ve learned in this business is not to read too much into what anyone says. It can drive you nuts.” She tipped her head toward the cast members, speaking louder as they began singing. “It’s nice of you to stay for the rehearsals. Your grandfather keeps an eye on Isabel, but nothing replaces the presence of a loving father.”
Was there a wistful note in her voice, or was he guilty of what she’d cautioned against moments ago—reading too much into her words?
“I was afraid she’d be intimidated, but she’s fully embraced the show. Thanks in large part to you. Your thoughtfulness at the auditions made an impression.” On him too, but he left that unsaid.
“Kindness doesn’t cost a thing. We should all give it away generously.” She pulled out her keys. “Enjoy the rest of the rehearsal.”
With that, she pivoted and continued to the door.
As it closed behind her, he wandered back to his seat. Powered down his laptop. No way was he going to be able to focus on mill equipment now. Not with a hint of Devyn’s faint, tantalizing fragrance lingering in the air around him.
May as well use the time to try and figure out why his brief encounter with the beautiful dancer had thrown him so off-balance.
But when Shaun at last called it a night, he was no closer to unraveling that puzzle than he’d been forty-five minutes ago.
As Gramp and Isabel approached him, he stood and tucked his laptop under his arm. “You guys have fun tonight?”
“Yeah! It was awesome.” Isabel was grinning ear-to-ear.
“I second that. And it looks like you had fun too.” Gramp winked and gave him an elbow nudge.
Oh, brother. Someone had his matchmaker hat on again.
