Page 41 of Someone to Tempt
“Speak for yourself, woman,” Gilbert says, running a hand through his hair like he’s well aware of how rare it is to have such thick strands at his age, and he’s not above a bit of pride in that fact.
Jake walks over to me. “The steel-toe boots were a joke. Sorry if I took things too far.”
Am I that easy to read? That’s annoying AF. “Did you know about this featured dance?”
“I volunteered us.” He offers the charming smile I’m sure has gotten him out of all sorts of trouble over the years. The one that won’t work on me because…been there, done that. And I was left with the souvenir broken heart to prove it. “I got here early, and Char mentioned it.”
At least, that’s what I tell myself. Loudly and often.
“We aren’t doing that.”
“Iris, you love dancing.”
“I also love not making a fool of myself in public. I assumed you and I would be hiding in the back.”
“Nobody puts Baby in the corner,” he says with a wink.
“You are no Patrick Swayze.”
“You wound me, Dixon. Cut right to the heart.”
It’s also not true. He’s just as sexy and cool as any A-list actor or Hollywood heartthrob.
The strong jawline, high cheekbones, and the slightly scruffy beard he’s grown since returning to Colorado add to his outdoorsy, everyman appeal. And don’t get me started on those deep-set, soulful eyes. Or the quiet intensity that draws people to him. That draws me in.
But I’m not the right partner for him. I’m not the awkward ingénue duckling who just needs a floaty dress and a show-stopping dance lift to turn me into a swan. And I wouldn’t become a princess even if I kissed a million frogs. That life isn’t for me. Even though I want a place to belong—somewhere to truly call home.For the briefest moment, wrapped in his arms, I almost believe it could be.
The irony isn't lost on me that I chose a career in politics—a world of spotlights and scrutiny—while desperately avoiding the kind of attention that comes with relationships. But in politics, I'm playing a role, advocating for others, hiding behind policies and platforms. It's different from being truly seen.
Char claps her hands and class begins.
I take my position with Jake’s arms around me, and my body isn’t at all convinced I wouldn’t love to be a princess if this man was my charming prince.
Class goes on, and I do my best to focus on the here and now. Am I any better from all those YouTube hours? It’s doubtful. To his credit, Jake does his best to make me look like I know what I’m doing—a nearly impossible task.
“Can you two stay for a few minutes?” Char asks at the end of class.
I immediately shake my head. “I gave Gloria a ride so I need to take her home.”
“I’ll drive her and Gilbert,” Tom offers. “Janie needs quiet after a migraine so I was going to give her some time anyway.”
“Works for me,” Gloria agrees.
“I’ll take any extra time I can get with you,” Gilbert tells her.
She rolls her eyes but also blushes slightly. The way the older man is so upfront about his crush makes me smile.
“I know the feeling,” Jake says so quietly only I can hear. Shivers erupt across my skin, and a dangerous need pools low in my belly.
“I should get back to the mayor’s office,” I tell Char. “Jodi took the rest of the day off. She’s getting ready for a big date tomorrow night.” I say the last part for Jake’s benefit, but he doesn’t react.
“A few minutes,” Char promises.
I can feel Jake watching me, and I don’t want to seem scared to be alone with him. Which I definitely am. Terrified I might be tempted to climb him like a spider monkey, which is simply a reaction to being dance partners and the heat of his body pressed against mine.
It’s a simpler explanation than admitting I’m reacting to him in particular. It would likely be this way with anybody, even Tom Baker.
Yeah, right.
