Page 9 of Declan (Men of Clifton, Montana #53)
It was very tense between them when he would drop Jenny off, but since schools were in, she rarely saw him.
Jenny was only there one day a week after school, from four pm to five pm.
Some days, Stephen would just stand outside the door and wait.
The only classes on Saturdays were the dancercise classes, and that was for eighteen and over.
She hoped Stephen didn’t punish the little girl by keeping her from her dance lessons because of Elise not wanting to see him again.
Elise strolled down the sidewalk. She paused at each storefront, window displays of silk scarves, handmade ceramics, but skipped Timeless Treasures. Antiquities beckoned, but she was on a mission for fresh finds this time, but she would be back. She loved antiques.
Across the street, the bakery’s scent of warm sugar and butter drew her inside. The glass case glittered with pastries; she snagged a ticket, then leaned back against a small table, inhaling the sweet, yeasty air.
When the door jingled open again, Elise glanced over her shoulder, and her pulse went into overdrive.
Declan entered, utterly relaxed in jeans and a red T-shirt that hugged his pecs, arms, and flat stomach.
No badge gleamed; no khaki shirt confined him, but he wore a black felt cowboy hat that shadowed his eyes.
He spotted her, the corners of his mouth lifting. He still looked ridiculously good, with his dark hair touching the collar of his shirt and gray eyes bright.
“Hello, Deputy,” she managed, voice breathless.
“Ma’am,” he replied with a teasing tilt of his head, fingers brushing the brim of his cowboy hat.
“You’re not on duty today?”
He shook his head. “I only work one weekend a month, unless needed. You exploring?”
She nodded toward the canvas of stores lining the street. “I haven’t had a chance to look around since I moved here.”
He glanced at the shopping bags dangling from her arms. “Looks like you’ve made some discoveries.”
She laughed, cheeks warming. “Maybe too many. I should just go home, but there are a few more shops I want to explore.”
“What do you usually do on your day off?” he asked, leaning casually against the wall.
“Relax. You?”
“After I clean the barns, I go horseback riding, or fish at one of my ponds.”
“I love horseback riding,” she said, smiling.
“Well, you should come out to my place,” he offered, voice easy. “I have several gentle horses.”
She imagined sunlit paddocks and horses nuzzling her palm. “I’d like that.”
“Any time. It’s about fifteen miles from here. You’re welcome whenever you like. I’m free tomorrow if you don’t have any plans.”
“I don’t and I would love to,” she said, heart fluttering.
“Sure. Looking forward to it.” His gaze held hers.
Her number was called twice before she tore her eyes away. She ordered six chocolate cupcakes with swirls of strawberry icing, paid, and lifted the blue box.
Turning to leave, she nearly bumped into Declan. She stumbled back, frosting-scented air swirling between them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were that close.”
He grinned. “No problem. Could you wait a moment? I’d like your number for tomorrow. That way if anything comes up for either of us, we can get in touch.”
“Of course.” She set the cupcake box on a nearby table. “I’ll be here.”
He strode back to the counter. “Courtney, how are you?” He asked the server, then ordered a dozen cookies.
“Wonderful, Declan.” Courtney rang up a dozen chocolate chip cookies, boxed them neatly, then set the box on top of the glass case. He paid, lifted the box with one hand, and returned to Elise and nodded for her to go out, as he held the door for her.
“Are all those chocolate chip cookies for you?” Elise teased.
“They’re my weakness,” he said with a grin. Outside, the cool air surrounded them. Declan looked skyward. “You picked a perfect day for shopping.”
Elise breathed in the fall breeze. “It’s beautiful. I hope tomorrow is, too.”
“It should be,” he said, pulling his phone from his pocket. “What’s your number?”
She recited it, watching his thumb dance across the screen. “Now call me,” she said, offering a playful smile.
He grinned and dialed. She let it ring once, hit ignore, then entered his contact.
“Do you want me to pick you up?”
“That would be nice. I live above the studio.”
Declan smirked. “Yeah, I remember you telling me. I’ll pick you up around eleven-thirty. Will that work for you?”
“Yes. I’ll be ready.”
“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he promised.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said softly.
“Not as much as I am. Oh, wear boots and a hat if you have one. It might be chilly, but the sun will still be beating down.” He touched his hat, slid on his sunglasses, and strolled across the street, the cookie box swinging at his side.
The sun sparkled on the pavement, and Elise felt a bright thrill of anticipation for the days ahead.
As she strolled along the sidewalk, she stopped beside a shop called ‘Paige’s’ and the window display made her smile as she looked at the sexy lingerie there. She knew she had to go inside.
She pulled the glass door open, stepped inside and glanced around. Then she saw a beautiful brunette walking toward her.
“Hello, welcome to Paige’s. If you need any help, just ask.”
“This is a great store.”
“Are you new here?”
“I am. I just opened a dance studio for ballet. I also have dancercise classes on Saturdays.”
“Dancercise? I’d love to do that. I’m Paige Richards.”
“Elise Ramsey. It’s nice to meet you, Paige.”
“You too. Take a look around and let me know if you have any questions.”
“I will. Thank you.”
After spending almost an hour in the store, Elise ended up buying three teddies, two sets of matching bras and panties, a red dress that had a zipper from neck to hem, that she knew she had to have and a pair of red stilettos.
She had no idea who she planned on wearing all this for, but she loved sexy clothing.
She told Paige to sign up for the classes and let her know she taught the first one, but there were two other classes also. She left the shop with a big smile on her face.
The following day, Elise found herself perched on her plush sofa, her eyes flitting to the clock every few minutes.
The hands seemed to crawl, inching slowly toward eleven, and still, he hadn’t arrived.
Anxiety nibbled at her, much like she nibbled on her bottom lip.
Could he have changed his mind? If plans had shifted, surely he would have called to let her know.
As disappointment began to settle in, she leaned back against the sofa, only to be jolted upright by a sudden knock at the door.
Her heart leaped as she stared at it, anticipation mingling with relief.
A second knock spurred her into action, and she sprang up, hurrying to answer.
Swinging the door open, she was met with a sight that made her inwardly sigh, his presence was undeniably captivating.
“Hi,” he greeted her, his voice smooth and warm.
“Hi. Come in for a second,” she replied, stepping aside to let him enter.
“Alright.” He removed his hat, wiped his feet on the mat, and stepped into her apartment. He smelled amazing. Elise watched as his eyes roved the space, taking in the surroundings before settling back on her. “This is a nice place,” he remarked appreciatively.
Sighing with contentment, Elise smiled. “I love it, and it’s very convenient.”
“I’m sure it is,” he said, his gaze drifting past her to a collection of photos adorning the wall. “Do you mind?” he asked, nodding toward them.
“No, please go ahead,” she encouraged.
Declan moved toward the wall, studying the photos with interest. He glanced over his shoulder at her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “These are of you.”
“Yes. A photographer friend of mine took them.”
The photographs were a striking trio of black-and-white images, capturing her in various elegant poses in her tutu.
One showed her standing with her arms gracefully arched above her head, one foot poised delicately against the opposite knee, her entire form balanced on her toes.
Another depicted her with one leg extended elegantly behind her, a hand touching it lightly, while her other arm reached skyward.
The final image was her favorite, a breathtaking shot of her standing on her toes, bending backward with her arms stretched wide behind her, her gaze lifted upward in serene concentration.
Declan turned to her, admiration in his eyes. “They’re beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she replied, feeling a warm blush spread across her cheeks at the compliment.
“And these are your shoes? They’re called shoes, right?” he asked, a playful grin tugging at his lips as he examined the pink pair of ballet slippers encased in a shadowbox frame.
“Pointe shoes or ballet slippers,” she corrected with a smile. “Used for standing on your toes.”
“I like that the photos are in black and white,” he said, his voice warm as he smiled at her. The photographs, stark and striking, captured moments with a timeless elegance. “They’re stunning.”
“She’s a great photographer,” Elise replied, her own smile reflecting the pride she felt.
“It’s not only the photos. It’s you,” he added, his gaze soft and appreciative.
“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as if sharing a secret.
He walked toward her, each step determined, his eyes never leaving her.
He stopped just in front of her, a breath’s distance away.
“You’re welcome,” he said quietly, his words hanging in the air between them as they shared a moment of silent connection.
Then he stepped back, the spell lightly broken. “If you’re ready, we can head out.”
“I am, just let me grab my purse, sweater and baseball cap.” Her voice was practical, though edged with excitement.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied with a playful nod.
Elise smiled, a small thrill running through her as she picked up her hat, sweater, purse and keys.
She moved toward the door, pleasantly surprised when Declan reached around her to open it, gesturing her through with a nod.
She stepped outside, feeling the cool air of the day brush against her skin, as he followed, pulling the door closed behind them.
He extended his hand for her keys. After locking the door, he returned them to her with a courteous nod, then took her hand, leading her down the metal steps to the waiting truck.
Her heart fluttered, a silent cheer echoing inside her.
Yes! His manners were as impeccable as she’d hoped.
Declan opened the passenger door, waiting as she settled into her seat before closing it gently. Walking around the vehicle, he slid into the driver’s seat and glanced at her. “Seatbelt, please.”
“Yes, sir,” Elise responded with a teasing smile, clicking the seatbelt into place. She couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face as he drove them toward his home, the anticipation of the day ahead filling the air between them.