Page 10 of Lady Luck's Kiss
Running her fingers through her hair, she prayed that it looked halfway decent and got out her phone’s camera to check. This resulted in Beth darting around to join her in a selfie. She really adored Beth sometimes – she made the best out of every situation.
“Oh yes! That’s my song!” Beth cried out, laughing. She put both her arms above her head, disappearing into the crowd to find a dance partner.
Charlie stood there, alone, by one of the tables and flagged down a waiter to get a soda. Humming, she felt herself swaying to the loud beats as she waited patiently for him to return. Thankfully, he was quick. She was sipping on a cold Dr. Pepper, using it to get her stomach settled in no time.
It was fascinating to see the people on the floor move slowly in motion. The loud music was drumming with each beat and she felt it in her teeth with the speakers positioned around the room. Some songs were fast, some slow, but it didn’t seem to matter. They moved in a distinct pattern that seemed to be created of its own. Like great waves, ebbing and flowing. Cowboy hats, frizzy hair, bald heads, etc…it created a rhythm that was easy to feel deep down. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around, thinking it was the waiter again.
It was not.
“Hey, Lady Luck,” Jack yelled with a smile. It was the handsome bull rider that she’d kissed for good luck. He was simply gorgeous. Tall, tanned, with a wicked smile that curled her toes in happiness. “It’s Charlie, right?”
“It’s actually Charlotte, but you can call me Charlie if you want – and hey there, yourself!”
“It’s nice and suits you.” His wide smile made his eyes crinkle at the corners from years in the sun. She liked that he had an easy tendency to grin. It made him seem to be approachable. If it wasn’t for the unveiled interest in his gaze, he might have been friend-zoned right away. There was no mistaking the man liked her in the way he watched her.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, blushing and looking away. She took a big sip on the straw, embarrassed by the attention he was directing her way.
“So, did you like the rodeo?”
“Not really.”
“Why?”
“It’s not my thing, I guess. I hate seeing people get hurt.”
“Why’d you come then?” he asked, looking surprised at her answer. She realized that people must go for the thrill of excitement and the sport. While it was exhilarating, it wasn’t her thing. She’d rather sit at home watchingJeopardyor some old re-runs.
“Well, because Icouldgo and I’ve never been before. I could check it off my bucket list that I’ve gone to one and satisfied my curiosity.”
“Nice.” He nodded approvingly with a smile. “People should want to do things and experience life. I like that. Want to dance?”
“Me?”
“Yes, you! That’s what people do at these things. They dance.”
“I really can’t…wait!” she balked as he took her hand and led her out onto the floor. She pulled back nervously, feeling her stomach rebel briefly. “Wait! I’ve never been dancing. I can’t dance!”
“You don’t have to then. I will lead us, and you just let me do the dancing,” he offered politely with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Think of it as another one for your bucket list, Miss Charlie. Allow me… and relax. You look plum scared of me and just a little bit of boot-scootin’.”
“I’m not scared of you…”
“Good, now loosen up and enjoy it.” Jack spun her around once and pulled her into his arms. Laughing, she waved a finger at him knowing he’d won this round and bested her. He took her hand in his and put it on his shoulder. The other, he held in his other hand gently. Jack’s free hand came to rest on her hip, causing her to jump and him to grin widely.
“Relax, remember?”
“I am relaxing!” she protested. His warm hand was creating havoc in her. She had no idea that his hands were that big and warm. It practically swallowed her hand, making her feel incredibly delicate. Glancing up at him, she saw the red lipstick mark was still on his cheek but faded. “You didn’t wash it off?”
“Why would I?” he asked simply, looking pleased.
“Your run is over.”
“Doesn’t mean I want my luck to end. I’m hoping that it’s still working.”
“I’m not sure I have any luck at all, much lessgoodluck.”
“Maybe you aremygood luck charm.”
“Maybe it was skill that kept you from getting maimed today.”
