He leaned forward. “It’s just you and me, Mags, whether we’re on a date or sleuthing around Seabrook. We can talk about anything you want.”
“Oh good, because I had this idea the other day. We talked about DNA testing, but you didn’t want to go there with Will’s DNA. I get it. But what if you just did yours?”
“What good would that do?”
The music crescendoed and she leaned in. “This would be a long shot, but there are huge databases of people out there who’ve had their DNA tested to find family and complete their family trees and such. Once the database has your DNA, it automatically sends you matches. It can even differentiate between maternal and paternal matches. If Will has his DNA in the database and your dad is his biological father, Will would turn up as a sibling match for you.”
“It seems unlikely that Will would’ve done a DNA test.”
“You’re probably right. But if he’s had any questions about his paternity, it seems like it would’ve been the place for him to start.”
“That’s a big ‘if.’”
“It is. Will might believe the man who raised him is his biological father. But we have to do something and there’s really no downside to doing a test. It’s relatively inexpensive and the results, if he’s on there, would be proof positive. The only negative is that it takes five to eight weeks to get database results.”
That seemed like forever. But Josh hadn’t made any headway with Will. And he wasn’t yet desperate enough to ask his dad point-blank. If they were wrong, it could cause irreparable damage to their relationship. “It’s worth a try, I guess. There’s really nothing to lose.”
A playful gleam entered her eyes. “I thought you’d feel that way. I already have the test in my possession.”
Of course she did. A laugh rumbled from his chest. “You’re incorrigible. Now, will you dance with me already, or were you planning to drag me off somewhere and stick a swab in my mouth?”
***
Almost an hour later Maggie had forgotten all about the DNA test. Josh was a riot on the dance floor. What he didn’t have in rhythm, he made up for with boldness and creativity.
The band’s upbeat songs kept the dance floor full and energized. Her sleeveless sundress kept her adequately cool and she’d long ago stopped worrying about her fallen curls or melting makeup.
Josh had a way of making her feel comfortable in her own skin. She’d always been able to relax around him. Years ago it had been a point of contention between Ethan and her. He’d once accused her of liking Josh more than him. It wasn’t true, of course. She’dloved Ethan. But with Josh she didn’t worry about how she looked or sounded or what he thought of her. And the less she’d worried about it, the more he seemed to like her. He was safe somehow in a way that Ethan hadn’t been. It was... refreshing.
The chorus of “Country Girl” kicked up and Josh did a slow turn, waggling his hips as he went.
Maggie laughed and imitated his move. As she turned she caught a pretty brunette eyeing Josh. It hadn’t escaped her notice tonight that he’d caught the attention of other women—including the one who’d stopped by their table, Darcy. His confidence and muscular form offered plenty of appeal. His blue eyes were a thing of beauty, and that impish grin didn’t hurt either.
And he washerdate. A feeling of pride washed over her as the band segued to a country ballad, the first of the night. The lead guitarist picked out the stirring melody of “In Case You Didn’t Know.”
Smiling broadly, Josh sauntered up to her and swept her into his arms.
She placed a hand on his shoulder and took the one he offered. Any awkwardness from the beginning of the date had long since faded. She was almost giddy with pleasure now. “I’d forgotten what a clown you are on the dance floor.”
“Dancing’s supposed to be fun, and you’ve always been a great partner.”
She’d only danced with him a handful of times and always the fast kind. Now as they shifted back and forth, turning in a slow circle, they were so close she could feel the heat rolling off his skin, smell the hint of his woodsy cologne.
He was five inches taller than her five-seven, and her heels added another two inches, putting her at the perfect level for slow dancing.She fell into the music, into the poignant words as the first verse played out. Their thighs brushed as they moved smoothly together, her right foot tucked between his.
And that’s when she realized—for all his wild flailing and exaggerated moves on the dance floor, he wasn’t lacking rhythm at all. He was actually graceful!
She leaned back as she slapped him on the shoulder.
“What?”
“You’re a good dancer! You goofball. All this time I thought you were rhythmically challenged. I almost felt sorry for you.”
“Ouch.”
“Why do you hide that you can dance?”
“I don’t—I just like having fun, messing around, making people laugh.”
