Page 49 of Save the Last Dance
Through a side window, she noticed a construction crew had started working on a second stage that Mack had pitched to the Harvest Fest committee as a way to bring in more performers. In fact, she could see Mack in a hard hat talking to a guy running a forklift.
The hard hat did nothing to detract from his appeal, although it did seriously beg for him to take off his shirt to complete the Hot Construction Guy fantasy Nina was having.
“Well, if you’re not ready to talk, then sex and lots of it is your best bet.” Gram winked. “That counts as communication as far as I’m concerned.”
With the visual of Mack still sizzling Nina’s insides, Gram’s wisdom suddenly had a whole lot of appeal for her, too.
“Whatever works,” Nina added, hoping she’d put in enough hours on the Harvest Fest prep today to justify leaving shortly. She was more than ready for more with Mack. “That is, I think you should try it, Bethany. I’ll finalize the details on the Harvest Fest. You take your man and run.”
Bethany tilted her head and seemed to weigh the idea. “Ally did text me to say she’s staying overnight at her grandmother’s house tonight.”
“See? It’s like this plan was meant to be.” Nina grabbedher list from Bethany and tucked it in her pocket before putting the sorted beans in a kettle to soak overnight. “Out the door you go and leave the rest to me.”
Both women stared at her.
“What?” She cleaned off a counter with a paper towel and tossed it in the trash. “I’m a romantic. What can I say?”
“You sure came around in a hurry, honey. That’s all.” Gram fished in her purse that was strapped around a bar of the walker and came up with her cell phone.
“I’m going to try this.” Bethany picked up her car keys from a spot on top of a chest freezer. “Wish me luck, ladies.”
“Good luck!” Nina peeked out the window again, hoping for a glimpse of Mack. She wanted to find him before she lost her nerve. Or her mental image of him without a shirt. “Gram, are you ready to go?”
Smiling down at her phone, Gram shook her head. “No need to worry about me. Harlan is on his way to deliver another load of hay for the maze and he said he’d take me out for ice cream afterward.”
“Really? You’re sure you’re not too tired?” Nina didn’t want to neglect her granddaughter duties now that she was finally back in town to help out more. “Your therapist said to build up slowly to longer outings.”
“A new man in her life puts a spring in a woman’s step.” Gram arched an eyebrow. “You ought to know.”
“No comment.” Nina kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “Why don’t you sit out in the front of the building until he gets here at least? There are more comfortable chairs there.”
She backed through one of the swinging kitchen doors and held it open for Gram as she pushed her walker into the main gathering area of the hall.
“Well, look who’s here?” Gram cast Nina a sly glance asthe front doors opened and Mack strode through, a hard hat under one arm.
A surge of longing hit Nina so hard she nearly tripped.
“Are you almost ready?” he asked, his voice a sexy rumble in the room that made her blood run hotter.
“All set.” She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he kicked aside a small throw rug so it wouldn’t get in Gram’s way.
“You two run along.” Gram settled in her seat with her phone and gestured for them to leave. “Harlan will be here any minute.”
Nina exchanged a look with Mack and just that shared glance set her body on slow burn.
“Okay, Gram.” Nina wasn’t about to argue. She looped her hand around Mack’s arm, not caring who saw or what the town thought. She needed to touch him. “Would you mind driving?” she asked him.
His molten stare made every one of her nerve endings come to life.
“I thought you’d never ask.” He pushed open the door for her and held it as they walked out into the purple light of the sinking sun.
Nina couldn’t help but remember her grandmother’s advice to Bethany as they hurried toward the El Dorado and the privacy they’d wanted all day.
She’d definitely be communicating with Mack a whole lot tonight.
Mack put theold V-8 engine to the test on the way home.
Nina in the seat beside him, casting him looks that provided excellent motivation to channel his inner Dale Earnhardt. The prize at the end of this ride beat any race winnings, that much was for damn sure.
