Page 70 of Close Match

“That’s one hell of a show, Linnie.” Monty’s eyes are burning down at me. “Though I imagine if I were sitting in the chair, it would have been even more entertaining.”

Swinging my back leg around, I push myself to my feet. “It’s fromSweet Charity. I haven’t done stiletto work in a while, so I figured I needed to bone up on it. Can’t let the skills get rusty from lack of use.”

Monty lets out a choked sound. I realize what I said, and I want to slap myself in the head. Instead, I make my way over to the bar and grab the towel and bottle of water I keep there. Just as the next number starts, I hit Pause. “What’s up?”

“Ev and Mom had a few things to do this afternoon. They’ll grab dinner out. Thought I’d see if you wanted to go for a ride,” he tosses out casually.

“On a horse?” I’ve been up on a horse a time or two around the ring with the beginner students. They find it cute that someone who’s as old as their instructor is taking the beginner class.

“No. But dress comfortably. We’ll be out a while ourselves.” Monty turns to leave. “I’ll grab some food for us to eat on the way. An hour enough time for you?”

“Sounds good.” Ever since we went downtown, Monty’s been different. He’s held himself back less and less from me even though there’s still a weary edge to him. His hair looks like it’s about two weeks past due for a cut. Normally, it frames the lines around his face. Today, with the smile on his face, it makes me wonder what slipping my fingers through the dark strands would feel like.

“Take your time. We’re not in any big hurry.” He opens the door and is about to pass through it when he drops a bomb on me. “But the next time you do that number, I might have to hunt you down after. You may not be used to that kind of response to one of your shows.” He steps through the door and closes it behind him.

I grab the counter to stabilize myself on the heels I’m wearing. It wouldn’t do well to roll an ankle at this juncture because if I’m not mistaken Monty just fanned the flames of the interest sparking between us.

And I just agreed to spend the afternoon with him?

Oh boy.

* * *

Dressed in a vest,long-sleeve T-shirt, and jeans, I meet Monty in the kitchen about an hour later. “I hope this works?” I twirl to indicate my outfit.

“You might be hot while we’re in the car, but otherwise it’s perfect.”

“Are you going to give me a hint to where we’re going?” I ask as we make our way out through the drop zone toward the garage.

He keeps walking. Holding the door for me, he purses his lips. “Nah. I am enjoying the fact you know nothing about the area, so everything is so new to you.”

I stick my tongue out at him as I pass by. Quick as a snake, he snatches me around the waist. “I recommend for your sanity, you keep that inside your mouth unless you plan to put it to use.”

I smack him on the chest. “Flirt,” I accuse.

“Maybe,” he agrees. “Then again, there’s only one way for you to find out.”

“Do your parents know how you behave when they’re not at home,” I tease over my shoulder.

Monty’s laugh in conjunction with the doors being unlocked is my only answer. But when I slide into the seat, a familiar-looking to-go cup is waiting for me. “Wait? Is this from…”

“You seemed to like their caramel mocha well enough when we stopped on the way in from the airport. I picked us up some food and drinks.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“What are we doing?” I whisper, turning toward him before I put on my seat belt.

“Giving up on being ‘just friends.’” His hand cups my cheek. “I’m spending way too much time with you on my mind. What do you think?”

Slowly, I nod, my cheek brushing the inside of his hand. Am I seriously agreeing to this? My heart picks up in anticipation and nerves.

“Then why don’t we get our first date started.” Monty drags his fingers through my hair as he lets me go, and I let out the breath I’ve been holding. I slide back against the luxurious leather seat and reach for my seatbelt.

Then a thought occurs to me. “Are Ev and Char truly out running errands?”

A smile slashes across his face. “They might have been encouraged to once they knew we already had plans.”

I laugh as he backs the SUV out of the garage. “Find something for us to listen to. It’s going to take about forty-five minutes for us to get there.” Monty unlocks his phone so that I can scroll through his music choices.

Soon we’re zooming down I-66 talking and laughing about my riding lessons. “And to think I was going to suggest you get driving lessons soon,” Monty teases me.