Page 60 of Hostile Witness
The third song was an old hip-hop tune from her college years, and they danced apart, seeing which of them could perform the coolest moves. Laughing at their attempts, they fell into each other’s arms when the song ended. The band announced a short break so the crowd could enjoy the sunset.
Ethan guided her to the railing with the best view of the bay. “Stay here.” He headed for the tiki bar.
The evening’s fireball hovered above the horizon as if daring the pink-and-lavender sky to become more stunning. Sunsets always took her breath away, but this one she’d remember forever as the night she broke free of an internal chain that had bound her to the past. The memories weren’t worth the angst anymore. They were like tumbleweed bouncing away.
Something deep inside had been set free.Her therapist would have a good time with that one at her monthly check-in.
Ethan returned and slid in next to her, accompanied by two huge cups of ice water, and a tempting array of citrus fruit. They toasted and drank the cool and invigorating liquid like parched travelers.
Tia held up the cup. “Thank you, for this. And for the evening, too.”
He slipped his free arm around her waist. “I hope you’re having as much fun as I am. I haven’t danced like this in a very long time.”
Tia glanced up at him. His eyes sparkled with gentleness and humor and were the feature that enamored her the most. His physical demeanor virtually screamed sexy hot to the extreme, but his eyes held stories she couldn’t wait to hear. She pulled the band from her wrist and started smoothing her hair back into a ponytail.
He touched her hand. “No, don’t. Please. You have no idea how beautiful it is when your hair swings free.”
“Really?” She plopped the scrunchie into his waiting palm, and he shoved it into his pocket.
The emcee grabbed the microphone. “Are you ready for more?”
“Hell, yeah,” Ethan shouted. He bent down and spoke into her ear. “They’re going to play a salsa set.”
“How do you know?”
His eyes glinted in amusement. “Because I requested it.”
“Ooh. Hmm,” Tia murmured. She only knew the basic salsa steps and had never danced it except in front of her computer while trying to learn. This ought to be interesting.
Ethan grabbed her hand as the rhythmic music began. Two spins later, she was swiveling her hips and moving in unison with him as if they hadn’t taken a break. She closed her eyes, threw her head back, and let him spin her over and again. Tossing her hands in the air, she let him catch her—never doubting that he would.
Reality might kick in tomorrow, but tonight was all she could count on. And tonight she was flawless and beautiful and desirable. Her face hurt from smiling as they swiveled to the music in perfect harmony for several songs in a row. She turned and looped her arms around his neck. “Can we go home?”
He planted a soft kiss on her temple. “If you want.”
Ethan grabbed their dinner bill and found Earl while Tia visited the restroom. “Thank you for watching him. We really appreciate it.”
Earl handed over the leash and stroked Flynn’s bulky coat. “This dog wore himself out trying to keep up with you two on the dance floor. He never took his eyes off Tia. For that matter, neither did you.”
Ethan ran a hand through his hair. “She’s a beauty. That’s for sure.”
Earl leaned back in his chair. “I haven’t seen her smile like that in years. And I’ve never seen you cut loose and have fun.” The older man held up his hand. “Not my story to tell, Son, but after watching you two out there tonight, I think you may be writing a story you tell your grandbabies.” One side of his mouth lifted into a rare grin. “Glad you had fun. I’m out of here. Tina should be home by now.”
Ethan shook his friend’s hand. “Thanks again.”
“Happy to help.” Earl spotted Tia on the way out and gave her a quick hug.
35
Ethan yanked the shirt over his head and made a beeline for the kitchen. He almost tripped over Flynn stretched out horizontally in the hallway right outside Tia’s bedroom. The dog lifted his head and sniffed, then snorted in utter disgust. At least that was what it sounded like to Ethan.
He bent down to pet the dog. Flynn gave him the side-eye and turned away.
“Look dude,” Ethan implored, “I’m sorry we made you sleep in the hallway last night. We excluded you, but there wasn’t enough room in the bed, and sometimes dog parents need time alone.”
Flynn closed his eyes and sneered, exposing his gums and eyeteeth.
“It’ll probably happen again.”Oh, please, let it happen again. Ethan rubbed behind Flynn’s ears. “But that doesn’t mean we don’t love you anymore. You brought us together. You’ll always be our special big boy.”