CHAPTER 30
KATE
Anxiety plays with me all week. My gut instinct, razor sharp from the last few years, is pinging loudly. A warning that things are about to change. Since the incident, this has typically meant someone had uncovered my past, which meant I’d have to leave town. This time, I can’t tell exactly, but I don’t like the feeling. I’ve finally found happiness and a possible future here, and it would break me to lose them.
The guys texted and called me all week, but it’s been the quietest and loneliest week since I started this position. They’ve been busy installing ramps and moving furniture to clear space for Thayer to maneuver around the house in his wheelchair. Sarah had gone to Los Angeles to see her new leading man, and with summer in full swing, patients were few and far between.
I’d let Brittany go early today so she could run some errands for her wedding. Paula was manning the front desk, while I was back in my office “working.” If you can count doodling and daydreaming working.
I’m startled when the phone rings. I look down to see who’s calling. Smiling, my voice is husky when I pick up. “Hello, Lowell.”
Silent for a second, I can feel his focus shift to the phone at my greeting. “Hello, dear. I heard you had a delightful trip to the winery with Lev, and a rousing fishing trip with Shaw.” He pauses for a second. “No, I don’t know any details, but knowing those two, I can guess. And I’m jealous. Which brings me to the reason I’m calling you. The Montana Club is having their salsa night. Would you accompany me?” He pauses. “And I’d love for you to stay here with me tonight. In my bed. You know, the one with the loops?”
My body clenches as I think about the last time I was in his room, my hands captured by those loops. Clearing my throat, my body shifts in anticipation as I answer excitedly, “I’d love to go dancing and stay with you tonight, Lowell. What time should I be ready?
“Six o’clock. See you soon, my dear.”
About an hour later, I close up the practice and head upstairs to get ready. Thankfully, I’d had a full wax earlier in the week and could just grab a quick shower. After carefully applying a dramatic look, I pull my damp hair back into a sleek bun. Padding into the bedroom, I choose the sexy dress I bought specifically for dancing with Lowell. It’s a black, halter neck dress, skimming tight to the body until just past my rear, where it flares into a sheer flirty miniskirt. The back is non-existent. Sitting down, I rub scented lotion on my body and pull on strappy gold sandals to complete the look.
As I enter the living room, Lowell knocks on the door. Opening it, I smile as I skim my eyes down his long, lean body. Mmm...he looks smart and sexy tonight. No blazer. Just a black button down and black pants. Looking back up to his face, I notice he’s slightly pale, with dark circles shadowing his face.
His eyes brighten as he takes in my little black dress. “Hmmm. You look sexy. Are you ready?” The question seems to be asking for more than one answer.
Picking up my overnight bag, I hand it to him. “I’m ready.” Grabbing my purse and locking the door, I follow him out to his SUV.
When we walk into the Montana Club twenty minutes later, I see a few familiar faces from our last visit, including my favorite person, Vivienne. She frowns as we enter before turning back to her companion. Sliding my eyes to Lowell, I see him dismiss her before reaching over to grasp my hand. Squeezing it, he places it in the crook of his arm and leads me to our table.
After ordering a light meal, I sit back and take a sip of my wine. “Lowell, darling, are you sure you want to salsa tonight? You look exhausted. We can have dinner and go to your house and just relax this evening?”
Encircling my wrist with his fingers, he turns my hand over and brings it to his mouth. Placing a kiss in the center of my palm, he responds quietly, “It’s been a busy week preparing the house for Thayer and finishing the first draft of my book. Tonight is my reward for the hard work. Salsa and you in that dress. Us in my bed.” His green eyes smolder as his mind feeds his imagination and desire.
I breathe deeply in and out as I try to ease the ache from his words. The man was definitely born to be a writer.
“So, tell me about your latest book.”
He smirks as he takes in the rise and fall of my chest, and the change in subject. “It’s a new series I’m working on, where the main character is a woman spy, but her allegiance is unknown.”
He tells me the premise for the first book while we eat. Once dinner is cleared, they start the “lesson” portion of the night for those individuals who don’t know how to salsa.
“I’d like to join the lesson, if you don’t mind. It’s been a while since I danced the salsa.” Remembering how our last lesson went, I’m looking forward to teasing Lowell. Or is it challenging him?
