Authors: Nancy Hopper
Dana sighed as they all went their various ways, and she found herself alone in front of the fire. She grabbed a cream colored, soft comforter, and curled up on the settee before the fire. She smiled with delight as snowflakes began feathering down outside. She picked up her book, and settled in for a long, quiet afternoon.
Billy was the first to find his way down the stairs, and he made a beeline for Dana.
"There you are! Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, after talking to you on the phone so many times. Are you enjoying your book?"
Dana smiled, put the book aside, and drew her feet closer under her when he joined her on the settee.
"You make a very pretty picture here, with the snow behind you and a comforter in your lap. Very cozy, and lovely. Do you read a lot?"
"Oh, depends on my mood. I take spells with it." She mused. "How about you?"
"Oh, no. Not really. I'm busy too much of the time. Say, Dana. How about showing me the town?" he persuaded, giving her a winning smile.
"Well, I wish I could; but you see, I don't know anything about Salt Lake. This is my first visit here, and ..."
"Well, then, we'll explore together." He decided firmly.
"Really, I am sorry, but I am expected to stay here and hostess. Besides, I was up very late, and I do just need some time to myself. I may even nap, awhile." She hinted gently.
"Well, we'll go to dinner, then." He again decided for them.
Dana couldn't help smiling. "Oh, I believe that Brent and Tim had something kind of special already planned for us, tonight."
Billy sighed, and looked out the window restlessly. "So, are the resorts open? Should be."
"Perhaps. I don't know." She answered patiently.
"Well, then it's strike three, I guess. Perhaps tomorrow." He suggested brightly. "Where is the kitchen, anyway?"
Dana sent him in Lucinda's direction, and picked up her novel again. The man wearied her, with his breezing in and out. What a busy one! He was good to look at, with his longer, wavy brown hair and gray eyes, but his mouth never stopped!
Mike was a green-eyed, auburn-haired fireball of a man. Tall, slim and intense with energy, Dana nearly groaned aloud when he showed up, practically on Billy's heels.
"Hello, Dana." He greeted her, and sat across from her with a crooked grin.
"Hello, Mike. All settled in?"
"Yes, thanks. Everything is lovely. Say, you're reading?"
"Yes. Fiction. Do you like to read?"
"Once in awhile. It's History or some such thing, when I do. Usually I'm in the middle of a mess instead, you know -- lobbying, or sending food and supplies to shelters. That sort of thing."
"That's wonderful. I'm sure it keeps you very busy."
"Oh, yes. But say; aren't you the lovely voice in Tim's office?"
Dana admitted it, with a shy smile.
"Well then, I feel as if I know you! Perhaps I could know you even better, after we've shared a cup or two downtown. Do you like Espresso?"
Dana smiled regretfully. "I'm afraid I really can't. It’s not easy to find coffee of any kind, in this town. Besides, that would be very upsetting to Billy – I just turned him down, you see. I really am very tired."
"Oh. Well, that is perfectly understandable." He said, with obvious disappointment.
"Lucinda can fix you whatever you'd like, in the kitchen." She suggested.
"Sure, thanks. I'll do that, then." He agreed, smiled his thanks, and went his way.
Dana smiled and raised her novel. "Two down." She grumbled, irritated that she'd become such a prized commodity in the household. She wasn't feeling very appreciative of masculine attention, just yet.
It wasn't long before the snow had muffled much of the street noise, and Dana's eyelids began to droop over her drowsy eyes. Her book slid to her lap unnoticed, and she unconsciously curled around until she was in the best position to catch all the warmth of the fire, and be completely covered by the afghan.
She made a lovely picture against the snowy window, with her slippers peeking out from under the blanket, and the firelight reflecting in her face.
She stirred, sensing eyes on her, but there was no one about. Then, aw shadow caught her eye at the top of the stairs. Was it a departing figure? She smiled, supposing she was fanciful, and let her eyes close again.
Tim found her sawing logs there several hours later, and slapped her leg gently. "Hey, roll out." He urged. "Look alive, Dana. Dinner's about on. You'd better get yourself dressed."
Dana groaned, and stretched. "All right." She agreed sleepily. A few minutes later, she came downstairs wearing a soft, pink cashmere sweater over a lavender shirt, and matching wool pants in a soft plaid of pink, blue and lavender. Her gray leather boots complimented the outfit beautifully.
Her makeup was in mauve and pink tones, and the effect against the sweep of her dark hair and blue eyes was so soft and feminine, that she had no problem commanding attention when she walked into the room. She was immediately the focus.
Brent winked at her conspiratorially as she passed, and greeted him. She greeted Tasha and Tim, and found her place at the dinner table.
It seemed that Tasha’s ideas for her wardrobe were going to be a smashing success.
Someone pushed in her chair for her as she sat down. She looked up and smiled, and found herself looking into deep, velvety brown eyes that were most intense and probing. She let her eyes fall from James Burton's deep eyes, to his full, sensitive lips. They did not smile.
"I'm afraid Lucinda has assigned us to be dinner partners. I hope you don't mind." He asked, quietly taking the chair to her right.
Dana's eyes softened at the humility so evident in his spirit. "I'm delighted, Mr. Burton." She assured him quietly. "I haven't had a chance to get to know you, yet. Did you get some rest this afternoon?"
"A bit." He admitted. "And I was glad to see that you did, also." He admitted, a corner of his mouth turning up.
Pink spots appeared in Dana's cheeks, and a strange flutter started in the pit of her stomach, at his words.
"I hope that my napping didn't keep you upstairs. I didn't mean to fall asleep." She apologized.
He smiled slightly. "No, no." He assured her. "I did exactly what I wanted to do, this afternoon."
From the intense scrutiny of his eyes upon hers, Dana couldn't help but wonder if one of his activities had been to stare at her from the top of the stairs. Deciding she was fanciful, and flattering herself, she smiled and steered the conversation back to safer waters.
"Tim tells me that you're a writer."
"Of sorts." He admitted.
"And a very gifted musician. What instruments do you play?"
James shrugged. "Piano. Guitar. Drums. Some horns. Kind of – whatever is needed at the moment."
"Don't tell me that you're one of those people who can play anything?" she accused.
James looked into her eyes with lazy scrutiny. "Some say so." He admitted.
Dana smiled. "Will you share some of your work with me sometime?" she asked gently.
He seemed a little embarrassed. "Sure." He agreed.
Dana smiled, and turned to her left to answer a question for Elaine. She didn't have an opportunity to speak with anyone again as Mike, Billy and Brent launched into a hot political debate. But, she was aware of James Burton's presence, and smiled gently at him whenever their eyes met.
He was different. Quiet, but strong. Humble, yet self-assured. He had strong, clean hands. His black hair was shiny, and soft-looking. His eyes were deeper than life. His lips were sensual when he curved them into a smile, and his cheekbones were set high. He was husky, but had a trim waist.
He was interesting. Very interesting. Intriguing, and a little bit mysterious. She found herself very curious about him. Tim spoke so highly of him, and of his work. She had no doubt that he was very good, indeed.
She found herself looking more than once at his hands, his arm beside her; his broad shoulders. The shadow of a heavy, black mustache and beard were appearing on his brown skin. His hands were strong, and capable -- very masculine. Yet, his fingers were slender and sensitive.
She could well imagine him playing the piano; composing beautiful music, writing magnificent works. She sensed depth and passion; light and darkness; joy and pain within his soul. This man felt to Dana, as if he had experienced life to its excruciating extremes. The longer they sat there, the more shy Dana felt with him. Soon, they were finished with the meal, but the argument among the three more vocal men, went on strong.
Finally, James cleared his throat, and stopped the debate cold. "If you will excuse us, I'd like to take Dana for a walk." He said quietly. He stood up, and held a hand to her. His eyes waited patiently, yet expectantly for her response.
She rose from the table, and put her hand into his almost timidly. She was certain that her cheeks were flaming, and that her trembling was visible to everyone. If James noticed, he said nothing.
The table seemed unnaturally quiet as they left. It was certainly true that everyone was staring after them. Mike and Billy were open-mouthed and wearing frowns of chagrin, given that James had so suddenly foiled their plans to occupy Dana for the evening. The rest of them wore veiled looks of amusement.
James' hand was extremely warm. He held hers firmly in his grasp until they reached the top of the stairs. "Make sure you wear something warm." He warned.
Dana smiled shyly, and slipped into her room. She then found herself in a nervous flutter. She put on her cashmere muffler and beret, put darker lipstick on, more dramatic eye shadow, her maroon wool coat, her gloves, her boots, took a glove off for perfume on the wrist, put the glove back on, and – oh, my! She thought. What was she doing? Why had she said yes? Why was she nervous? She sighed, realizing she was in a dither. She gathered her breath and wits, and opened her bedroom door.
James was waiting in the hallway, his eyes almost black in the dim light. He was wearing a long, black wool coat with leather trim, and a Stetson. His longer, black hair curled over his collar very attractively. Dana smiled shyly, but couldn't for the life of her think of anything to say.
The snow had stopped falling, and the stars were shining brightly above them. Clouds scuttled through the night sky to the cadence of a light, whistling wind.
They walked in silence for a few blocks, before James turned his eyes and looked at her with intense appraisal. He stuck his hands in his pockets, and stared up at the stars above. Then, he smiled at Dana shyly, and she felt as if the sun had suddenly come out from behind a cloud. His teeth were very straight and white, and he somehow just glowed.
"Did you see their faces?" he chuckled. ”They just couldn't believe that I was snatching you right out from under their noses."
Dana smiled. "I'm quite sure they will have a quick recovery."
He shook his head. "I don't know about that." He argued quietly.
Dana wasn't sure what he meant, but the burning, intent look in his eyes caused her stomach to flutter. "Do you live near the resort, home in Jackson?" she asked softly.
"Yes." He answered simply.
"I'm surprised we've never met before, then. I ski there all the time."
He gave her a sharp look. "I've seen you around."
Dana found herself wondering if James ever had an idle thought, word, or look. "You have? Really? How did I miss meeting you, James? I'm certain I'd remember you."