Page 29 of Save the Dance

“Definitely.” Even as he agreed with her, he wrenched his eyes away. Watching her moisten her lips had delivered a kick straight to his gut. That was definitely on the wrong side of a line he couldn’t cross if he had any hope of maintaining his distance. Stuffing his feelings behind what he hoped was an impenetrable wall, he managed a grin. “Ready?”

“Ready. Where to first?”

He let his gaze fall to her feet. Judging from the cute little bows on her shoes, she was going to love their first stop. “Have you heard of The Glass Slipper?”

“Oh! I was hoping you were about to say that.” Tara pressed one hand to her heart. She couldn’t think of anything she’d rather do than spend the morning in a shoe store … unless it was making another circuit of the dance floor with Jason.

“Well, you’re in luck, ’cause that’s where we’re headed.”

She didn’t think twice when he held the door for her. But that had been a mistake, she quickly realized when she caught the now-familiar scent of Jason’s aftershave. The smell immediately plunged her into the memory of being held in his arms. She brushed aside a sudden longing, determined to stick to the decision that was best for both of them.

In the car, she rambled on about the weather, then kicked herself for bringing up such a mindless topic. But finding something to talk about that didn’t skate too close to her feelings was difficult in a town where happy couples walked arm-in-arm beneath shade trees. For a while, she thought they’d never reach their destination before she stuck her foot in her mouth. When Jason turned onto Union Street, her shoulders softened with relief that they’d arrived without another misstep.

“I think I’m going to like it here.” The Glass Slipper drew her attention like a strong magnet. “Have you ever seen such perfect signage?” Etched into the window, the name of the shop and the outline of a strappy high-heel sparkled like cut diamonds. Lights mounted beneath the pink awning bathed the entire entrance in a welcoming, rose-colored hue.

“Can’t say I’ve given it much thought.”

She was already out of the car and snapping pictures when a tiny slip of a woman who wore her hair in a towering French twist swung the entrance door wide. “Welcome to The Glass Slipper,” she called. “I’m Opal Burnette. I’m delighted to have you make this one of your stops in Heart’s Landing.”

Jason faded into the background as Opal ushered them into the store’s hushed atmosphere. Tara had no sooner crossed the threshold when a younger version of their hostess stepped from behind a curtained area.

“This is my daughter and fellow shoe aficionado, Laura,” Opal said with an effusive gesture. “Together, we help brides put their best foot forward, whether they’re walking down the aisle or just living their lives. Laura, this is Tara Stewart.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Tara’s gaze bounced between the two women, who looked more like sisters than mother and daughter. “I’ve wanted to come here ever since I saw an advertisement for the store in Weddings Today.” Wearing a happy grin, she turned in a slow circle and soaked up the surroundings.

White walls and carpet gave the main showroom a clean, modern air. Centered in front of a low table, a tufted red velvet couch interjected just the right touch of whimsy. Atop built-in cabinets, wide-screen televisions featured a fashion show of brides striding down a runway, their skirts lifted to show off one exquisite pair of shoes after another. Tiny spotlights shone into individual niches built into the wall. Each held a pair of perfectly drool-worthy heels.

“We focus on wedding apparel in the front room,” Opal offered. She motioned toward a second space off to the side. “Over there, you’ll find footwear ranging from beach sandals to towering stilettos that cry out to be worn on a night on the town. Feel free to look around as much as you’d like.”

Knowing she could spend hours in the store, she looked for Jason. She found him leaning against a wall like it needed his support. “This might take a while,” she warned.

“Take as much time as you need,” he said, peeling himself upright. “I’ll be just outside. I have a couple of calls to make.”

She and Opal traded amused glances as he pulled his phone from his back pocket while, with three long strides, he made his escape. The door had barely swung shut behind him when a pair of heels adorned with ornate silver tips caught Tara’s attention. The scroll work on the shoes looked familiar, and she darted toward them. “Are those Sophie Olsens? I didn’t know she’d launched a new line.” The shoe she lifted from the display threatened to slip from her hand when it weighed more than she expected.

Like she was divulging a secret, Opal leaned in close. “Sophie is a close friend. We’re carrying a few of her styles to help her test the market.” Her gaze shifted to the shoes. “Those feature four-inch heels, hand-beaded teardrop crystals, two sets of cross ankle straps, and extra padding for comfort. The tips are sterling silver. And, of course, her signature scrollwork, which you no doubt noticed.” In a stage-whisper, she added, “Retail on each pair is $1,295.”

Whew! Air rushed between Tara’s lips. The pricey shoes were so far out of her budget, they might as well be on the moon. Afraid she might drop the one she held and lose a couple of the expensive gems in the carpet, she gingerly handed the heel to Opal. “Have you sold many?”

“Laura keeps track of our inventory. Honey?”

Beneath a beehive of dark brown hair styled like her mother’s, Laura pursed red lips. “We’ve handled three sales so far this month.”

Pretty good for a pair with such a hefty price tag. “Do you mind if I mention them?” When Opal agreed, she snapped a picture of the shoes in their little nest. So far, no one at Weddings Today had mentioned Sophie’s new venture. Getting the scoop on the story was quite the feather in her cap.

“If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Actually, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d love to hear more about you and Laura and The Glass Slipper.” Tara opened the notebook she carried with her everywhere she went. Flipping past the list of questions she’d asked of other vendors, she turned to a blank page. “How long have you been in business? What made you decide to specialize in bridal footwear?” She stood at the ready, pen in hand.

A half-hour later, she had enough information to write an entire article on her new favorite store in Heart’s Landing. After taking a few minutes to window shop and snap pictures of several elegant pairs of shoes, she thanked Opal and Laura for their time and rejoined Jason on the sidewalk.

“All done,” she announced. The interview had lasted longer than she’d expected. She tapped her notebook. “I have everything I need. The store’s a beauty, and the owners are sweethearts.”

“You liked the shoes, I take it?” Jason pocketed his cell phone.

“They have an amazing selection. I’d definitely come to The Glass Slipper to shop for my wedding.” Her words faltered. “Not that I have any plans to get married anytime soon. I’m focused on building my career right now.”

Who was she trying to convince—him or herself? Either way, it didn’t matter. She and Jason had already agreed that they didn’t have a future together. With a renewed determination to maintain a professional relationship and nothing more with the man whose company she enjoyed far more than she should, Tara squared her shoulders. “According to my itinerary, the rest of the afternoon is free time.”

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