Duncan started clapping.
Aurora turned, her cheeks red. “You heard that?”
He patted the seat next to him. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but everyone left. What song was that?”
“It’s called ‘Wind is Calling’ by Candice Night. She’s a singer and songwriter Katie and I follow.” She took the seat next to him. “We played it at her dad’s memorial. It was one of his favorites.” She shrugged, not looking up at him. “Sometimes a girl just needs her mom.”
“Does Ms. Night sing it as well as you?”
Aurora scoffed at him. “Please. It’s her song. I might sing it half as well as she does.”
“I doubt that. You’ve always had the voice of an angel.”
She rubbed her red cheeks, suddenly embarrassed. “There you go, making me blush again.”
He grinned. “It’s fun.”
She wagged her finger at him, smirking. “Careful, or I’m going to get used to it.”
“That’s the point.”
She squirmed, trying to hide a grimace as she attempted to get comfortable on the bench.
“Does your back still hurt?”
She gave him an embarrassed glance. “I think the Tylenol wore off.”
He put a hand on her back and rubbed in circles, stopping when she shook her head. “Doesn’t that help?”
Hesitantly, she reached out and pressed her hand into his back, demonstrating the horizontal pressure that she needed across his lower spine. “That’s the only method that works.”
“Let me try again,” he said softly, and pressed his hand into her back again. He mimicked her moves on him, focusing on the smooth, slippery fabric of her blouse. He had to keep his mind off the fact that if he moved the tiniest bit lower, he’d be rubbing her ass.
Aurora released a sigh, and he reluctantly took his hand away. “Thanks, Dunc.”
“You’re welcome.” He cleared his throat. “I think the others went back to their rooms.”
“Oh. Well, I’ll see them tomorrow.”
“They have a heated pool here. I was thinking about going for a swim.” Time for the third attempt at this date. He studied her expression, unsure how she’d react. “Care to join me?”
“That actually sounds really nice. I should warn you though, I stay in the shallow end. I’m not the best swimmer.”
“Sounds perfect.” He stood up, held out his hand, and helped her up. “Which room are you in?”
“607.”
“Really?” He grinned and put a hand on her lower back as they walked. “I’m in 608.”
Till There Was You
Riverton Park High’s production of Oklahoma! was finally coming together. During the first full run-through, Aurora found herself hypnotized by the lead actors performing their scenes from the back of the stage. Knowing the story was one thing. Watching it brought to life in front of her was something else. She was alone behind the raised platform for the chorus; Mr. Robinson had been adamant they had to be silent backstage.
Out of nowhere, Duncan came bolting out of the wings toward her position. He put his hands on her shoulders and shoved her up against the back wall, pinning her with his body. Her hands flew up on a defensive instinct, and she stared wide-eyed into his face in the dim light. A dozen emotions rolled through her in that one instant. Shock, fear … arousal? He looked like he wanted to kiss her.Her?Before she could process what was going on, the barn, one of the biggest and heaviest set pieces they had, rolled by behind him. He checked to make sure the coast was clear, then released her and ran back as fast as he had come.
Aurora froze against the wall until the scene ended, a hand over her pounding heart. When the curtain closed, she left the stage in the opposite direction of where he’d gone. She needed to get some air.
“You got a new swimsuit.”
