Page 17 of Someone to Tempt
“Everyone, help me welcome our newest student.”
I recognize Gloria Johnson as the members of the class approach. Her smile is warm, and her eyes bright as she gives Grandpa a little wave.
“Are you my partner?” I ask the woman standing next to Gloria. Both of their faces are lined with soft wrinkles, but the former senator is taller, her hair styled in a classic bob. She exudes confidence and looks elegant in her cashmere sweater and dark pants.
The woman I assume to be my partner could be a stand-in for Mrs. Claus. Her eyes twinkle and her posture is slightly stooped, but her smile is bright and welcoming.
“Not so fast, kid.” A tall, balding man with a slight paunch steps forward and shoots me a glare. “Janie is mine.” He puts a protective arm around Mrs. Claus’s shoulder. “In dance class and life.”
“Fifty-five years last week,” Janie confirms, holding up her left hand. “We’re glad you’re here, Jake. Your grandfather said you’re a great dancer.”
Grandpa elbows me and says, “Jake’s got all the right moves.”
I’d like to move right on out of this place.
“Here she is now,” Char announces before I can make an escape. “Our other new student.”
I turn with the rest of the group, and suddenly I’m not going anywhere.
8
JAKE
Iris Dixon is wearingblack leggings and a long-sleeve athletic top under a fleece vest. She’s braided her hair, and twin spots of pink color her cheeks.
Based on how her gaze darts around the room, she looks about as excited to be here as I feel. But I was coerced. What’s her reason?
“Cheeky monkey,” Gloria whispers under her breath, and my mind immediately tries to connect the dots between the retired senator and Skylark’s current mayor.
“Iris, come and join us.” Char motions her forward. “We were just talking about the dancing prowess of your new partner. Have you met Jake Byrne? He’s Gilbert’s grandson and in town for...”
“A while,” I supply.
“We know each other.” Iris flicks a glance at me that has daggers shooting from it, her posture ramrod straight.
Grandpa clears his throat and grins. “Welcome to the class, Mayor Dixon. I guess surprises are the spice of life. That’s what I always say.”
“I’ve never heard you say that,” I tell him.
“I’m saying it now.”
Iris steps forward and offers Grandpa and the other members of the class a stiff smile. She avoids looking at me again. “Thanks for letting me join. This is going to be fun.” She nearly shouts that last word, and I think about what she said on the street about not being fun.
What the hell is her deal? One thing I know for sure is that partnering with me isn’t Iris Dixon’s version of fun. And while I don’t owe her a thing, some long-dormant spark of chivalry flares in my heart at whatever private struggle she’s clearly facing.
“Maybe this isn’t a great idea,” I say to Char. “I’m sure there’s somebody else with more experience who could join the class as Iris’s partner.”
My grandfather nudges me with his elbow. “You quitting already?”
“I’m not quitting. I’m being respectful of Iris’s feelings toward me.”
Iris chokes out a laugh. “I don’t have feelings for you. But feel free to quit.”
“I’m not quitting,” I repeat through gritted teeth.
A few more couples have entered the studio, and the back of my neck burns at the attention we’re drawing. This wasn’t how I planned my return to Colorado.
It’s too much—Iris glaring at me. Grandpa putting me through the paces of proving myself— and my stomach churns like it used to when Mike and I would sneak into the kitchen to stuff our faces with the leftover desserts from Dad’s fancy parties. I stand perfectly still and try to will away the nausea.
