Page 6 of Small Town Prince Charming

Tracey paled. “Another? How many have you had?”

“One. Carol. It didn’t work out.” He shook his head. “Honestly, I’m not looking to date anyone.” He could be convinced if the right woman asked him on a date—like Tracey.

“Uh...she didn’t say anything about a date or a wife.” Tracey fumbled with the dress and perched on one of the seatbacks. “No, she was wearing another girl’s costume because the other girl wanted Maisey to be able to dance in the performance.”

He wobbled onto the seatback one aisle behind hers. “Come again? Maisey did what?”

“Maisey wants to dance, and she’s in the class showing she can do it. One of the girls, a friend, gave her the wrong costume—the friend’s—so Maisey wouldn’t have to pay for it and could participate. I asked Maisey, and she said her dad couldn’t afford for her to dance.”

He had to be honest, but he hated the embarrassment. “I work two jobs, and I don’t have the time or money for dance. I barely keep us fed.” He tried to hide his shame. Tracey didn’t need to see him upset. If he hadn’t been saddled with Jessica’s debts, he’d be better off.

“Do you mind if she takes part in the recital?” Tracey asked. “I saw her practice with the other girls, and she’s good. She deserves to dance. She’ll have a costume, if you’ll let her, since I took her measurements. Actually, she’s already got one.”

“How much?” He’d have to shuffle a few things to find the money, but he had to give Maisey this.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” She had to be joking.

“I’d like to sponsor her.” Tracey smiled. “When we were in drama, my mom couldn’t afford for me to participate, and I was so embarrassed. I wanted to act and work, but there wasn’t any money. Jana, the woman who owned Big Mart, sponsored me. I never asked or begged, but she made it happen. I’d like to do that for Maisey.”

“I can’t pay you back.” He’d have to tell her that truth soon, too. Damn.

“Maybe not in cash, but you deserve some help. If I can do it, then I want to.” She grasped his hand. “She can help out at the store, if that makes you feel better. I can always use models for the clothes.”

“Women’s clothes?” Now she really did have to be joking, even if she’d proposed a great idea. Plus, when she held his hand, he felt sparks.

“No, the shawls or jewelry and hair accessories. She could model the children’s costumes for the theatre, too. I wouldn’t post her face,” Tracey said. “This way, too, she can hang out at the theatre or at my store. She’ll be safe, and you won’t have to worry.”

She made a lot of good points. “You’d be willing to help? She’s a handful.”

Her eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’m sure she is. She’s the spitting image of Jess.”

“I know.” Every day she seemed to look more like her mother. “She does love to dance, doesn’t she?”

“She does.”

Tracey’s smile warmed his blood and he longed to hold her again. He liked the way she’d fit into his arms back when they were younger. Would she still feel so good in his embrace? Flutters started in his stomach. Because of her? It sure felt that way.

“Do you think it’s doable?” Tracey asked. “May I sponsor her?”

He had nothing to lose and would get to see Tracey more often. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yes.” He scrubbed his brow. “Sure. If it makes her happy, then why not?”

“You always were a softie.” She soft-punched his bicep. “Who has rocks for arms. Wow.”

“You don’t have to butter me up. I’ve already agreed.” But she could keep touching him and setting off those sparks, if she wanted.

“Sorry, but you do have some serious guns. I see why you’re working on those sets. You can move it all by yourself.” She stared at him a bit too long, but he didn’t care. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize.” He folded his arms. He liked the way she looked at him because it made him feel important.

“Well, I’ll make sure she’s set and can stay at the store until you pick her up each night. In the meantime, I’ll finish altering her costume.” Tracey stood. “Tell her whatever you want about how she’s getting to dance or why she’s coming over. I don’t care. You know she’ll be thrilled.”

“She will.” And she’d love being able to dance. She needed an outlet for her energy.

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