Page 16 of Full Throttle

“I saw the flyers earlier this week when I was here.”

“Hang around the bar a lot, do you?” Cherry asked, her voice cool.

Without waiting for an invitation, I pulled out the chair next to her and swung it around, straddling it. I sat beside her, angling my body her way. I set my beer down on the table and spoke.

“They have great food here. I was having dinner after looking at a couple of houses.”

“Oh,” she murmured.

“Enjoying your visit?”

“Yes.”

I leaned closer. “I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed seeing you last week, Cherry G.”

She picked up her drink, taking a sip, ignoring me. I laughed under my breath, relishing the fact that I made her nervous.

The band stepped onstage, and Chase and Hannah got up to dance. I saw the glimmer of sadness in Cherry’s eyes as she watched her daughter, even as she smiled. Her hand fidgeted on her lap, a sign of her tension.

“They’re good together,” she murmured.

“Yes. They’re good for each other.”

“I hope he doesn’t break her heart.”

I lifted her hand to my lips, kissing the knuckles. “I think she is the one with the power to destroy him,” I observed. “Like her mother.”

Cherry’s eyes widened and she pulled her hand away, but I caught sight of her smile.

I stood, holding my palm out to her. “Dance with me.”

“I don’t—I mean, I haven’t in a long time.”

I grinned. “I bet we move together really well, Cherry G. Trust me.” I waggled my fingers.

She rolled her eyes but stood, letting me lead her to the floor. It was crowded, and we were forced to dance closely, which was fine with me. I could feel her body moving easily to the rhythmic beat. When the music slowed, I was happy to pull her into my arms and simply sway with her. I liked how she felt in my embrace. Small. Warm. Matching my steps perfectly. As if she was meant to be there.

I felt the way her breathing picked up as I tugged her closer. Smiled when she slid her hands up my arms, wrapping them around my neck. She sighed as she rested her head on my chest, and unable to resist, I trailed my hand up and down her spine, letting her silky hair brush across my skin.

We danced until the band took a break. Then we sat with Chase and Hannah, enjoying a cold drink. Our eyes kept locking, her inhibitions beginning to fade away as she sipped and relaxed. When I slid my hand over her thigh under the table, she startled, then laid her smaller one on top of mine, squeezing gently.

Conversation was easy between the four of us. It was plain to see how close the two women were. How similar. Chase stared at Hannah with utter adoration on his face. She peeked at him with the same loving expression. Cherry watched them, once again torn between delight over her daughter’s happiness and feeling a little sad. I doubted anyone else could see that. She covered it far too well.

But I saw it.

Hannah and Chase got up to dance again, and I leaned close. “Stop worrying, Mom.” I tucked a long lock behind her ear, slowly running my fingers over her lobe. “They’re good. They’re going to be fine.”

“Easy for you to say. You didn’t raise her.”

I felt the flicker of my own pain at her words, but I tamped it down. “You did an amazing job. I think they are lucky they found each other. Relationships are hard, but they’re determined.”

She pursed her lips. “You’re an expert on relationships, Mr. Salvatore? Had a few of them yourself?”

I laughed, knowing she was trying to push my buttons. “I’ve had my share.”

“Hmm.” She moved away a little.

I pulled her chair closer, speaking directly into her ear so she could hear me over the music. “I’d like to be in one now. With you,” I added, pressing a soft kiss to her lobe.