Filed to story: Love on the Sidelines (Natalie & Karl)
He nodded toward my left. “I reckon that’s her waving her arm off over there.”
“Thanks, Cliff.”
“No problem. Save me a dance for later?”
“Sure.”
Jenna settled back in her seat when I reached her, and eyed my outfit enviously.
“You’ve been shopping.”
I had run home after work, swallowed a sandwich, and showered. Afterward, I put on my best black jeans, boots, and a new scarlet tank top, over which I’d added a black bolero jacket embroidered with red roses and trimmed in metallic gold thread. “I got them at that new South American boutique in the mall.” She sighed. “I wish I could wear red. Unfortunately, it looks horrible with my hair.”
“Yeah, but you can wear green and I can’t. It clashes with my eyes.” I glanced up as a waitress stopped beside me. “White wine for me. Jenna?” She gestured at her glass. “I’m fine.” The waitress made a note on her pad, then left.
Jenna waited until she was out of earshot, then leaned closer. “Listen, Natalie. Hugh is here. I swear I didn’t know until a few minutes ago. If I had, I never would have suggested coming to the roadhouse.”
Instantly, I went tense and all my anticipation drained away. “Where is he?”
“Two tables to our left and back one.”
“Is he alone?”
She grimaced. “If you’re asking if he’s with a woman, the answer is no. There are a couple of guys from the mill with him. Do you want to leave?” My chin went up. “Absolutely not. This is supposed to be a celebration. I’m not going to let him ruin the night for me.” I took a quick peek at his table and nearly groaned. He was rising from his chair, looking in our direction.
“Good for you,” Jenna said. Her gaze was fixed on something behind me. “How about Karl?”
“Karl?” Puzzled, I jerked my gaze from Hugh in time to see Jenna point. Karl was crossing the dance floor, heading straight for us.
Oh, Christ. Both men were going to reach us at the same time, and I was terrified Hugh would spill the truth about Katie out of pure spite. “Stop Hugh!” I yelped at Jenna. “I’ll stop Karl.”
Neither of us hesitated. Like a well-trained football team, she dodged left and I sprinted to the right. Slightly out of breath, I skidded to a stop in front of Karl and smiled. “Hi. What are you doing here?”
His answering smile was rueful. “You’re here. Where else would I be? Besides, Daniel pushed me out the door and ordered me to hurry. I think he’s afraid someone will beat me to the punch.”
I grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the dance floor. “Great. Dance with me?”
“Now?”
“No time like the present.”
Once we were in position, I maneuvered him until his back was to the table, then peered around his arm. Jenna was standing in front of Hugh, one hand on her hip, the other on his chest. She was shaking her head, and I could tell she was talking fast. Hugh was staring down at her, lines of stubbornness etched on his face.
“It’s a good thing I’m used to Bowie leading.” Karl’s voice broke my concentration.
“What did you think I’d do, slug him?”
I should have known Karl would see right through me. Leaning back, I met his amused gaze. “Of course not. It was never you I was worried about, it was Hugh. It would be just like him to start a fight.”
“Hugh Morgan? He never struck me as the type that would get physical.” I relaxed long enough to realize that Karl really was a good dancer. Our bodies seemed to fit together perfectly as we moved, and I suspected he’d had a lot more practice than what he’d got with Bowie. I squelched the tingle of jealousy that hit me.
“Normally, you’d be right. But his ego is all tied up in this divorce, and I don’t know how much he’s had to drink.”
“I think I can handle him.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Then what is the point?”
With a sigh, I glanced back at Jenna and Hugh, then frowned. Jenna’s hand was on his cheek and Hugh’s expression had softened as he gazed down at her. “I don’t want Hugh using you as the scapegoat for why our marriage didn’t work. Right now, everyone knows about Hugh’s cheating. He’s lost the respect of some important people in town. If he can turn it around and put the blame on you and me, he’ll do it. And all it will take for everyone to believe him is one good fight, in public.” He moved his hand to my neck and ran his thumb lightly over my lips. “Do you want me to leave?”
I fought off a shiver, fought off the need to feel his mouth on mine again. “No, but I don’t want you or Daniel to get caught in the middle of this, either.”
“I’m not worried about it.” His arm tightened around my waist, pulling me closer against his body. “I don’t care what anyone thinks about me.” He did care, though, deeply, whether he admitted it or not. But against my better judgment, I gave in and slid my arms around his neck. It simply felt too good, being with him this way, and I still ached with need from our passionate session in the barn last night. Even sleep had brought no ease, because I’d dreamed about making love with him. It had been so long since I’d felt any desire, felt anything, that now I was like a firecracker with a lit fuse, ready to explode at any second.
The song ended and another one started. I took the opportunity to check on Jenna and Hugh. To my surprise, they were on the dance floor, arms around each other in much the same position Karl and I were in. Once again, I frowned. Something about the way they looked at each other set off a niggling feeling in my head, but I couldn’t figure out why. It was like a word that’s right on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t quite get it into the forefront of your memory.
“They sure look cozy,” Karl said.