Page 10 of Beyond The Barre

“Sweetheart, I’ve got to go, but have a wonderful time on New Year’s Eve. I want to hear all about it.”

“Ok, merry Christmas, Mum. I love you.”

“Love you too, Scarlett. Bye.” The phone call ended.

Scarlett put her phone back in her pocket and gazed around the empty streets. The day had heated up; the sun was high in the sky. She had better get indoors soon before she got sunburnt.

Maybe she would watch Christmas movies and daydream about her very own Prince Charming.

Christmas flew by in a blur of activity for Linc as his days got longer and anxiety set in. The closer the opening got, the more worried he was something would go wrong. What if the stock ran out? What if no one showed? Had he ordered enough chairs? Were his staff fully trained?

But now the night was in full swing he started to relax. Everything was progressing smoothly. The stars were out; the air was sweet and balmy; the band was great, and a few people had even started dancing.

He came out from behind the bar when he saw Wes heading his way. “Congratulations, man. This place is looking great.” Wes clapped Linc on the back with his spare hand. The other gripped a pint of amber beer.

“Thanks.” Linc looked out at the sizeable crowd, trying to get his head around how many people had shown up to support him and his venture. Their happy faces warmed his heart. This was exactly what he had wanted—to bring people together, to build community spirit. The last few years had been difficult for the town. Bushfires, floods, and other natural disasters were normal occurrences in country towns. Add in a pandemic and many shops and cafes had closed their doors, never to be reopened.

Two girls, dressed in denim shorts and barely anything else, strolled past them, giggling and smiling at Linc. From boyhood, Linc had possessed the sort of looks that made people stop and stare. By the time he’d reached adolescence, wherever he went, girls had swivelled so fast for a second glimpse that they tripped over their feet.

Linc had always loved the attention. Most people commented about his similar looks to the British Prince Harry, and he wasn’t about to turn down such a compliment. The royal had made gingers popular. When once he might have been teased, now the girls loved his red hair, and it gave him a sense he was special. One of a kind.

Wes nudged him in the ribs. “You could take your pick tonight.”

Linc took another look at the girls. He could probably have them both at once if he was so inclined. Keeping things casual had always been his jam. He had seen the way his parents were—so reliant on each other and needy. They could never do what they wanted without getting the other’s permission. He didn’t like that kind of control. He was in charge of his life, and he’d never wanted to be responsible for anyone else’s happiness.

But tonight he wasn’t thinking about getting laid. Tonight was a special night, and he didn’t want to start the new year with a woman he probably wouldn’t see again. There were some boundaries you just didn’t cross, and this was one of them. New Year’s was for friends and family. Not one-night stands or flings.

Besides, he was waiting for a particular girl tonight.

He hadn’t seen Scarlett come in yet.

They hadn’t even exchanged phone numbers, so he’d had no contact with her in more than a week. Although he could have asked Audrey for her number, he wanted to wait and let Scarlett decide she wanted to give it to him. The last thing he should do was try to put any pressure on her.

He mingled with the crowd, making sure everyone was happy and had a drink in their hand. Everyone complimented him on a fine establishment and told him how great the night was and how much fun they were having.

He was outside in the beer garden delivering a round of cocktails to a table of young women when he felt a tap on his back. He turned to see Scarlett standing there. She was dressed in a floral summer dress with sandals on her feet and her hair swept back in her usual bun. Her neck was bare and beckoned him to touch it with his lips, to discover all the dips and crevices of her body. But New Year’s wasn’t a night for one-night stands . . . so why was his body acting like this?

“You came.” Even to his own ears, his voice came across as husky.

She lowered her long, dark lashes. “I said I would.”

Yes, she had, but he still hadn’t wanted to get his hopes up. But there she was. In the flesh. A very beautiful flesh package, too. Her skin looked more bronze than usual in the glimmering outdoor lights, and he wondered if she had been spending some more time outside. The glow suited her.

Aware that his jeans suddenly felt a size too small, Linc tore his gaze away and shifted his weight to his other leg.

“This place looks amazing.” She looked around, and his eyes followed her gaze. It really was a great turnout. Exactly how he had planned it and what he’d hoped for, right down to the twinkling lights dangling above them.

“Thank you. I’m really glad you came.”

“Me too.” Her voice was a whisper, and he almost lost it on the breeze.

“Let’s get you a drink.” He offered her his hand, and she only looked at it for a second before placing hers in it. He led her through the bustling crowds of people until they reached the bar. There, he beckoned her to take the only free seat as he made his way to the other side of the the wooden countertop. Once they were face-to-face again, he asked for her order.

“What do you recommend?”

“Hmm. Do you like fruity drinks?” he asked.

She nodded, a slow smile forming.

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