He let his hand slide around her side to rest low on her back. “Whatever the lady wants.”
She rested one hand on his chest. “I didn’t say I didn’t want to kiss you.”
“No?” he asked, taking her other hand in his. “That’s good to know.” He ran his thumb along the back of her hand. Having her in his arms was the sweetest torture but there was no way he was letting her go. He liked her right here, close enough to breath her in and feel her every breath. “I needed to touch you.”
Tansy took a shaky breath. “If you keep looking at me that way, people will talk.”
“People will talk no matter what.” He smiled. “I’m not going to let that stop me from holding you.” He lowered his head, his mouth at her ear. “I might have to dance with you all night, just so we can stay this way.”
“But if we stay this way, does that mean there will be no kissing?” She looked crestfallen.
Dane laughed, pulling her a little closer. “That’s not going to happen, Tansy. I promise you that.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“WESHOULDWAITuntil tomorrow.” Astrid pointed at the clock on the dashboard. “It’s almost one in the morning.”
Tansy followed Dane’s truck through the Texas Viking Honey gate and down a gravel lane. They turned the opposite direction of the family homestead to reach a large clearing. “Astrid, this was your idea.” There were still things to work out but knowing Dane had a green architect involved had set her mind at ease—somewhat. For now, she’d rather move on to the kissing part. She’d spent most of the evening dancing with or staring at Dane Knudson and enjoying the odd bee’s knees cocktail. A little kissing was in order. Even better, alotof kissing.
“Why are you smiling like that?” Astrid was staring at her.
“No reason.” Tansy kept on smiling.
“Uh-huh. I saw you two, steaming up the dance floor.” She giggled, fanning herself. “Just admit it,he’swhy you’re smiling like that.”
“I don’t have to admit anything of the sort.” She wrinkled her nose at her sister. “I think we are going to need flashlights—” The whole yard lit up. Dane emerged from the partially constructed Viking Hall and stood there, looking oh so proud of himself. She drew in an unsteady breath.It’s not fair how gorgeous he is.
“Tansy, I watched him tonight. The way he watched you, the way he was around you. Helikesyou.” Astrid glanced at her. “And then thedancing. I think you should give him a chance.”
“I am.” Tansy took a deep breath. Cautiously, sure, but a chance nonetheless. “We’re here, in the middle of the night, aren’t we? To see what he’s so excited about. At your urging, remember?” Not that Astrid had to push all that hard. Because, somehow, she wanted to find a way to be accepting—if not excited—about Dane’s expansion. He’d given with this green architect, she could do the same. “It—it would be so much easier if this didn’t have to be an issue between us.”
Astrid nodded. “Let’s hope for the best.”
Tansy walked around the front of the van. “It’s huge.” The clearing was covered with lumber and insulation, long wooden beams, boxes of building supplies, a tractor and other tools. Next, she inspected the Viking Hall. Even in its unfinished state, the structure was impressive. “You’re going all out.”
He rolled up his sleeves and stepped back, staring up at the building. “I wanted it to look like the Viking Hall built close to the Borre burial mounds—the ancient cemetery in Norway? There are no actual Viking halls standing, since they were made out of wood. But archeological research has allowed us to piece together how those halls were made and how they looked.” He glanced at them. “Since I can’t go there, why not bring a little of my heritage here?”
“A little?” Astrid stared up at the apex of the hall.
“Figuratively.” His enthusiasm was so contagious that it was impossible for Tansy not to jump on board. She followed him inside, listening as he explained the finished project. There was still so much to be done it was hard to visualize what he had in mind.
“Mead tasting and parties. Weddings.” He rested his hands on his hips. “There’s no venue like this in Texas.”
“So, people will flock from all over?” Astrid sighed.
“That’s the goal.” He nodded, his gaze darting her way.
“What about the cabins?” Tansy asked. “Between the event hall and the cabins, you’re talking about a lot of traffic.” As much as she loved seeing him so excited, there were so many practical concerns to be addressed—for both their honey farms. She glanced his way, nibbling on the inside of her lip.
Dane nodded, his gaze fixed on her mouth.
“Dane?”
He clapped his hands together. “I have a plan for that. Don’t you worry.” He waved them forward. “The cabins will be this way. Hold on.” He scanned the area, sighed and ran back out the front.
“I bet we’ll be able to see the roof from our place.” Astrid turned in a circle. “I think it’ll be pretty cool when it’s done, though.”
“Maybe.” Tansy could appreciate the idea but the reality was a different story.
