“What if I don’t know how to tango?” I tease, lightly questioning his decision.
“They give lessons the first half-hour, and then you dance the second half. And of course, I will be there to lead you.”
“Of course.” I laugh at his arrogance.
As Lowell drives us to Helena, he asks me about my talk with Lev. As I promised, I’m entirely transparent, giving him a rundown of my conversation with Lev, even telling him about the misunderstanding with Courtney and Lev dating. He is silent, listening intently, until I get to the part about Courtney. He then frowns and reiterates what Lev told me, which is a relief.
“It sounds like you’re confused or concerned?” he questions me.
“I’m trying to let you two work things out, but it worries me I might cause conflict between you.”
“Why don’t we test it out?” he suggests.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I know Lev has been wanting to invite you out to the ranch for a while. We all eat together Sunday evenings before we visit Thayer. Why don’t you come out around noon on Sunday? You can meet Shaw, spend time with both me and Lev, and see the ranch. It’s beautiful out there.”
Thinking about it for a second, I agree. I want to see where they live and how they all live together. “OK, I think that will help to see you both together. Plus, I’ve been dying to see this ranch. Even Sarah talks about the parties they had out there in high school.”
He raises my hand to his mouth and places a kiss on it. “Good, I want you to have no doubts about either of us.”
About 10 minutes later, we pull up at a swanky wood and stone lodge. Smoke is coming out of several chimneys, and the place is enormous. As we walk in, I look around in awe at the large fireplaces, massive timber beams in the ceiling, and dance floor that spans the back of the room. A band is playing something soft and sensual in the background as everyone eats dinner. Lowell gives the hostess our name, and after finding the reservation, we’re seated immediately.
Walking through the restaurant, I see beautiful and sexy women dressed similarly to me. Dresses with slits, high-low dresses, asymmetrical hems, and more. All designed to allow movement while they entice their partners. I’m so glad Lowell sent me the dress, as I had nothing that would have been appropriate for tonight.
The server comes to take our order pretty quickly. Knowing we’re going to dance later, I order a light meal of grilled fish and a salad. Lowell chooses the filet mignon and a salad. He also adds a bottle of red wine.
“Last time, we focused on me. I’d love to hear more about you,” Lowell murmurs. “Why did you become a doctor?”
“Well, I was a serious nerd growing up. I loved school, learning anything and everything, but I really gravitated towards the STEM subjects. My grandpa was a scientist, so we would spend a lot of time together talking about various sciences, the body, the latest research, illnesses, and cures. When I was about fifteen years old, he got sick. Colon cancer, and while he fought it for a long time, he could never beat it. Going through the diagnosis and treatments with him opened my eyes to the viciousness of this disease.” Stopping, I take a drink of water to ease the knot in my throat. Thinking about my grandpa always brings tears to my eyes, along with a tinge of guilt.
Swallowing, I continue. “When he died my senior year of high school, it really put this fire into me to go to school and become a doctor. My grades earned me a place in the Stanford Pre-Med program. I finished all the prerequisites in three years, went on to Stanford Medical University to get my M.D., and the rest is history.”
He reaches out and pulls my hand into his. Rubbing his thumb over the top of my hand to soothe me, he tilts his head as he thinks about what I said. “Cancer is a devastating disease, and I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. It sounds like he was a wonderful man, and a tremendous influence in your life. I love the fact that he encouraged you to be a nerd, too.” Pausing, he muses, “I’m surprised you didn’t become an oncologist, though.”
Taking a second before answering, I look down at our hands. Not surprisingly, Lowell’s hands are large, but his fingers are long and tapered, almost elegant. I couldn’t help envisioning them stroking my body, stroking me, as if he was playing the piano or conducting a symphony. Knowing I had stalled enough, I tell him the truth.
“I did become an oncologist, but I haven’t practiced oncology for five years.” Lowell waits for me to explain, but I just shake my head. “It’s not really a suitable conversation for a first date. Can we continue this discussion another time?”
Reading my face, he comprehends that this is something too serious for such a beautiful night. He readily agrees. “I can wait until you’re ready to trust me with more information.”
Smiling, I squeeze his hand.
Our dinner arrives, and we keep the rest of the conversation light, discussing books, movies, art, and other topics. Culturally, Lowell and I have a lot in common. And none of these are topics I ever even discuss with Lev. It’s very clear that while they might be close, they’re unique in personality and interests. Amazingly, they both fit with different pieces of me.
The restaurant announces the tango lessons will start in fifteen minutes. Finishing our wine, I excuse myself to the restroom for a minute. After using the facilities, I wash my hands and reapply my red lipstick. As I’m standing there, a tall redhead comes up beside me.
“I believe I saw with you Lowell tonight, didn’t I?” She glances at me as she swipes gloss on her lips.
“Yes, I’m here with Lowell Monroe.” Wary, I turn to her. “Do you know Lowell?”
Laughing huskily, she stares at me with envy in her eyes. “Let’s just say Lowell and I are very well-acquainted. I’d give anything to be in your shoes tonight. The man knows everything about control and pleasure. And he’s a superb dancer.” She drops the gloss in her purse and strolls out the door.
My eyebrows rise in surprise. That was illuminating. As I walk to our table, I notice the redhead leaning over Lowell, whispering in his ear.
When I get closer, I hear Lowell coldly state, “Vivienne, we’re over. Please leave the table before my date comes back.”
Silently, I walk around and sit down. Raising one eyebrow, I command Lowell to take care of this situation quickly so it doesn’t ruin our first date. His mouth quirks at my audacity, but he quickly stands up, forcing Vivienne to take a step back. Without taking his eyes off me, he comes around the table and holds out his hand.
