Christmas in Angel Harbor - Jeannie Moon Page 0,46
perfect. Everyone loved it. I can’t wait for you to see it tomorrow. Aunt Tracy is going to pee herself.”
Danny looked away, grinning at that little bit of information.
“About that. She called. She can’t make it.”
“Oh no! So you’re flying solo?”
Jane went out by herself all the time. Tracy had a wonderful husband, and she wasn’t always available to be Jane’s wingman. She’d checked with Viti and Claire, and both of them were busy as well. “It’s fine. I’ll run into someone I know.”
“I’ll go with you.” Danny had moved to one of the stools at the kitchen island, looking casual and completely at ease with the suggestion. He was obviously out of his mind. He shrugged while Jane stood there, stunned silent. “What?” he asked indignantly. “Got a hot date?”
“No. But, um, I guess I don’t understand. There will be a lot of people there. You don’t have to come with me.”
“That’s actually perfect,” Tara said clapping her hands together. “Have you been back to school since you graduated?”
“I have not,” Danny said.
“Then I’ll have to give you a tour of the new theater complex. It was renovated two years ago. The entire auditorium, and music hall. It cost a fortune. Five million dollars, all donated.”
“Wow,” he said with a raised eyebrow. “Someone has deep pockets.”
Jane watched the exchange and something about his reaction to the information about the theater renovation was…off. Interesting. She dismissed the idea before it took hold, but she wondered what was behind his response.
“I’m happy to go with you, Janie.”
Realizing she was beaten, Jane nodded. What was his game, she wondered? “The show is at seven-thirty.”
“Dinner first? Or after?” he asked. Now he wanted to go to dinner too? The man was not making this easy for her. How was she supposed to resist him?
“Um, after!” Tara said. “The directors could always use some extra adults at the diner. Why don’t you come there after the show?”
Who was this child? Jane mused. “Wait. Are you inviting us out with the cast and crew? This is your fourth show, and I’ve always been banned from such activities.”
Tara rolled her eyes. “Mom, stop. It’s my senior year. Why not?”
Danny had dropped his head, trying to hide the laugh, understanding this was going to be a lot more than either of them bargained for. He was being a good sport about it, but for someone who was laying low, this was a pretty public outing. “Dozens of loud teenagers? Sounds like a great time.”
“You don’t have to…” This was getting worse and worse. She didn’t know if she should try to save him from the mayhem, or toss him right in the middle of it.
“Nah. I’m in.”
Tara smiled wide, and Jane felt like she’d been double-teamed. “Fine. I’ll meet you there at…”
“I’ll pick you up. Six-thirty? Seven?”
She didn’t even bother to put up a fight. There was no point. “Six-thirty. It’s going to be crowded.”
“Great.” Popping off the stool, he nodded to Tara. “I’m going to take off.”
“See you tomorrow,” her daughter said brightly. What a turncoat.
This was getting more and more bizarre. He was flirting openly, in front of her daughter. It was like he’d been issued a challenge and Jane was the prize.
She stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the mudroom, watching him as he put on his coat. The dark wool fabric spanned his broad shoulders and back. It was such a simple thing, so unremarkable, but it was so incredibly sexy. He was too damn gorgeous for his own good, or for hers.
“What are you up to, Danny Gallo?” she whispered.
“Me?” he grinned. “Nothing. Third time, Janie. Third time.” With that he kissed her on the cheek, lingering just a little above the corner of her mouth. He winked and let himself out.
Jane was left speechless, once again.
Tara, on the other hand, was kinetic, running to the window with the dog, and dashing back to her. She was darting around like The Flash.
Jane still hadn’t moved. Third time, he’d said. As in third time’s a charm?
“Mom! Oh my God!” Tara grabbed her hand and yanked her back into the kitchen. “He’s totally into you.”
“What? No! Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Janie? He calls you Janie? It’s adorable.”
It was adorable, and it made her insides quiver like a plucked bow. Everything about him was dangerous to her very vulnerable heart. He was charming, smart, and so funny. He was a talented man with a deep emotional well, and even though he hadn’t mentioned it, he