Disclaimer: Same as 1-4.


"You gotta know it, It's electric, Boogie woogie, woogie!"

John had his left side pressed up against the jukebox as the sound of "The Electric Slide" filled the air. Several people had turned up to Patmores and although it wasn't the biggest place to hold a line dance once the other half was cleared out it was a nice sized room. John still didn't know why he had decided to come. He wasn't much for dancing, especially after his accident, but here he was now in the corner by the jukebox watching the others. The lunch counter and all the tables were packed with people eating and drinking. This must be making Mrs. Patmore a killing he thought. He glanced over to the other side of the room and noticed Tom and indeed Sybil was there with him. They did look pretty good together and they were both good kids even if Tom was a little over the top at times. Robert would probably kill Tom if he knew he was courting Sybil. John chuckled to himself at the thought of an irate Rob. Just then Tom spotted him and giving a big wave he yelled, "Good to see you boss man!" John twitched a smile and gave a wave in return. A slow song took over then and John stood up a little straighter.

"I see the questions in your eyes, I know what's weighing on your mind, But you can be sure I know my part."

He put his hands in his pockets and leaned back against the wall when he saw the door open. A lady with what looked like ginger hair entered first and made her way towards the far end of the lunch counter, and then she entered. Anna. She had been on his mind since that Saturday three weeks ago. She looked gorgeous in her teal blue and white checkered shirt. Her skinny jeans were tucked into a pair of brown leather boots with light blue trim embroidered on the side. Those must be new. And her hair was in a loose braid down her back. His heart rate quickened as he watched her walk in the same direction as the ginger haired lady. They began talking near the counter, and were laughing at something one of them had said to the other. Her smile was lighting up the whole room. It made her look more radiant if that was even possible. She crossed her arms in front of her chest as the other lady ordered them something from the counter. She must be living here or at least close by here. They got their drinks and continued to stand near the back for a while caught up in their own little world. He broke his gaze from the ladies realizing he probably looked like some kind of stalker lurking in the corner.

"I swear, By the moon and stars in the sky I'll be there, I swear."

He looked down at his feet and shifted his weight from foot to foot as the slow song began to fade out. He looked back up when the song ended and Anna and her friend made their way to the makeshift dance floor and got in line with the others.

"Out in the country past the city limits sign, Well there's a honky tonk near the county line."

Anna was trying her best to keep up with the dance steps to the song, but she wasn't letting the fact she didn't quite know them yet slow her down.

"Yeah, heel, toe, docie doe come on baby let's go boot scootin, Whoa Cadillac black jack, baby meet me outback we're gonna boogie, Oh get down, turn around go to town boot scootin' boogie."

John's heart swelled with pride as he watched her master the steps. She seemed so sure of herself and able to get outside her comfort zone. I highly doubt many English people are doing line dances. She looked like one of the locals now and it suited her. He wondered how a person could seem so carefree and full of life. Anna began to turn in a circle and when she came back around she looked his way. He pushed himself off the wall and stood a little taller. He cleared his throat though he wasn't sure why. Anna furrowed her brow only for a moment as she continued the dance. She looked away and then looked back at him. She looked down to make sure she was still doing the right steps and then she looked back up with the biggest grin he had seen on her yet. She offered a small wave in his direction, and continued on with the dance without looking his way again.

His mind began to wonder. Was she waving at him? Did she mistake him for someone else? If she did notice him it wouldn't matter a girl like that was way too good for him. Before he could continue with his self-depreciating thoughts the song had ended and Anna and her friend were headed in his direction. He took his hands out of his pockets still not sure what he should do with them as they hanged by his sides. As they got closer, Anna spoke first.

"Mr. Bates?" She asked with a shy smile.

Drumming up courage from somewhere, he replied. "Miss Smith good to see you again."

Anna looked at her side to Gwen and introduced the two.

"Mr. Bates I'd like for you to meet my friend Gwen Dawson. Gwen this is Mr. Bates."

John reached out to shake Gwen's hand. "Pleasure to meet you Miss Dawson, and please you can both call me John."

"Nice to meet you too John. You must be the Mr. Bates that saved Anna from taking 4 hours to change her own tire."

Anna quickly turned to her friend and gave her a look.

John chuckled. "I didn't save Miss Smith. I simply offered to help on my way into town."

"Yeah very funny Gwen," Anna retorted, "So what brings you here tonight Mr. Bates? Do you enjoy line dancing?"

"A few of the guys I work with were coming tonight, and they insisted I tag along."

Gwen quickly interrupted as the sound of "Ain't Goin' Down till The Sun Comes Up" came over the jukebox speakers. "Anna you absolutely gotta learn this one. Come on!"

Gwen took Anna by the hand and drug her back to the dance floor. A half smile crept onto John's face as he took in the scene before him. The crowd was doing the Tush Push. This dance was more difficult than the previous one she learned, and she was doing her best to watch Gwen.

"Ain't going down 'til the sun comes up, Ain't givin' in 'til they get enough, Going 'round the world in a pickup truck, Ain't goin' down 'til the sun comes up."

A table opened up and John decided to have a seat. He stretched his long legs out in front of him, and lifted his hat to sweep his hand through his hair before placing the hat back. This song ended quicker than he was expecting. He glanced out to the dance floor and found that a gentleman had asked Gwen to dance. He noticed Anna decided to head back to the counter to collect her drink and stood there admiring the others while she sipped her drink.

John fought with himself on whether he should ask her to dance. He wasn't a dancer, but a girl like Anna didn't deserve to be in the corner watching the others either. He made up his mind to ask her and was making his way to stand up when another guy approached Anna. John stopped his movements and watched as he saw him speaking to her and then Anna nodded her head. He offered his hand and she took it as they made their way to the floor to dance. John leaned back in the chair and looked at the guy a little closer. He was younger, in better shape, and seemed to be charming. He looked down at his feet and began brooding. That is the type of guy Anna should be with. She deserves a guy that can give her everything she's ever wanted, and not a guy that comes with baggage and a past. After a moment, he saw someone moving quite fast out of the corner of his eye. He looked to his side and briefly saw Anna open the door and step outside. The song wasn't over. Why did she go outside?

As if he didn't have control over his own legs, he got up and proceeded to walk outside. He looked to his left and then his right when he noticed Anna sitting on a bench a few feet away. She had her arms wrapped around her middle with her head down. Tears were trickling down her face. He slowly approached her, "Anna?"

She jumped a little at the sound of his voice and looked over to him. "Oh Mr. Bates, you gave me a fright. I didn't know anyone else was out here."

He took a few steps closer and replied. "I happened to notice you came outside. Is everything alright?"

Anna put her hands over her eyes. "It's just... that guy that asked me to dance. The only reason he asked was because he had other intentions."

John then sat beside Anna on the bench and said softly, "Anna, what do you mean by other intentions?"

"He assumed just because I accepted his offer to dance that I'd want to go back to his place as well. Then called me a horrid name when I declined," she said, choking back a sob.

John couldn't believe the nerve of that guy. Well, actually he could. He had unfortunately met several guys like that on the riding circuit. He wanted to get up from there right then and go punch his teeth to the back of his skull. Making sure Anna was okay was more important though, so he took a deep breath and replied, "Anna, please look at me." Anna took her hands away from her face and looked at John. His hazel eyes were shifting from green to brown, and she got lost in them for a moment before he continued.

"Please don't let a guy like that upset you. He isn't worth it."

"I know," she said, calming herself down as she wiped under her eyes.

"Not all guys are like him. You deserve much better than that," he told her with conviction.

"I know you wouldn't treat me like that," she said bluntly.

John gave her a small half smile. "Do you? And how do you know that?"

"I don't have to know everything about you to know you are a good person, Mr. Bates." Anna locked her gaze with his.

It could have been 5 seconds, 5 minutes, or 5 hours until one of the spoke again. Neither was really sure.

"Anna, if you knew everything about me it would change your opinion of me." He looked down at his hands, breaking the spell.

"I shouldn't care what it is I found out about you. It wouldn't alter my opinion one bit."

John gave a sad smile. "But it would. It most certainly would."

He took in a breath and changed the subject. "Does Gwen know you're out here?"

She shook her head. "No. She's probably still in there dancing the night away with I believe he introduced himself as Gary."

He looked at her again. "Well, we can't have that. May I offer you a dance Miss Smith?"

Anna gave him a small smile and nodded her head yes. He offered his hand as he stood up and led them both back into the drug store.

"Anna! Where did you go? Are you okay?" Gwen asked as soon as she saw her.

She laid a hand on her shoulder. "I'm fine Gwen but thank you. Get back to Gary and have some more fun."

"Only if you are sure..."

"I am."

At that, Gwen smiled and made her way back to Gary.

"Our love is unconditional, we knew it from the start."

"This is a good one." Anna said as she placed her hands on John's broad shoulders.

John put his hands on either side of her waist as he replied, "You know this song? I didn't picture you as someone who knew George Strait."

She chuckled. "Everyone knows George Strait."

"I stand corrected," he stated with mock seriousness.

They swayed in companionable silence for a moment letting the lyrics of the song wash over them.

"You will always be the miracle, that makes my life complete, and as long as there's a breath in me, I'll make yours just as sweet."

Anna was the first to break the silence. "I take it you are a Johnny Cash fan."

"I am actually. How did you guess that?"

"I heard you playing his music in your truck when you came to my rescue," she said with a little smile.

"Aren't we the observant one Miss Smith," he said in a soft, velvety tone that sent a shiver down her spine.

She only replied with a smile and took a moment to look at him properly. He looked so very handsome in his solid maroon button down shirt, dark blue jeans, and the brown leather cowboy hat he was wearing the first time she saw him. He was also wearing a belt buckle like he had the last time but this one looked different. She glanced at it. Fort Worth Bull Riding Champion 2000. She was intrigued but didn't ask any questions. I'll just have to save that question for later.

She got a little bolder and leaned her head on his shoulder. His arms naturally wrapped around her waist as she closed her eyes and took in his scent. His cologne was intoxicating as it mixed with his scent. She breathed in deep and wondered why she felt so comfortable with a man she'd only met twice now. It didn't feel like that though. It felt like she'd known him a lifetime.

John held his arms firmly around her waist. He was trying to stay focused on not doing anything to upset her, but he knew he wouldn't. It was hard to stay focused when she was invading all his senses. The feel of her being this close sent a warmth through him he was unfamiliar with. She smelled of sunshine, lilacs, and springtime. He couldn't remember the last time he smelled anything better.

"Thank you for the dance, Mr. Bates." She said as she broke contact with him. She suddenly felt much colder.

"It was my pleasure. Are you staying much longer?" He asked out of curiosity.

"I was thinking about leaving and just walking home. I'm sure Gwen will want to stay until she gets kicked out." Anna chuckled at the thought.

"Do you live far from here?"

"No, I'm just a couple miles outside the town here. So, the walk shouldn't be that bad."

"I could give you a ride home if you like," he said pleasantly.

"I can't keep taking advantage of your kindness Mr. Bates."

"You could never take advantage. I insist."

"I'll just need to go tell Gwen that I'm leaving then." It was more of a question then a statement.

He nodded and she went off to tell Gwen she was leaving and had a ride home.


They rode in silence on the way other than Anna giving directions to her home. The silence wasn't awkward though. It was a nice ride to the outskirts. They pulled into her driveway, and she turned to thank him again for the ride home. He insisted on walking her to her front door. Something about a gentleman always walks a lady to their door. As they walked to the door Anna didn't really want the night to be over quite yet. It was only 9 o'clock, which was hardly late for a Saturday night. When they reached the doorstep she asked, "Would you like to come in? I could make us some tea or coffee?" She asked shyly.

"If I had to guess I bet you make an excellent cup of tea," he said with a smirk.

"And you would have guessed right," she replied quickly. The front door unlocked, she stepped inside and shut the door after John stepped inside as well. John took off his hat and held it to his chest. That's when Anna got a look at his hair for the first time. He had dark hair that was a little mussed up from wearing his hat and he was graying just a bit at the temples. It looked thick and luscious and all she wanted to do was run her hands through it.

She broke herself from staring and said, "Is it a southern thing?"

"Is what a southern thing?" He looked confused.

"Taking off your hat in certain places."

"Oh that," he chuckled, "It is the proper thing to take off one's hat when inside someone's home."

"But you can wear it inside other places." It was a statement not a question.

"Yes, pretty much any place but someone else's home and church."

At that, Anna turned and walked towards her kitchen to turn on the kettle.

"Are you a religious man Mr. Bates?"

"I grew up in church, but I find my faith isn't exactly on par with the church," he replied, trying to not sound like a heathen.

"How about you?" He continued.

"I do believe God has a plan for us all. I feel he's there to help us," she said causally.

"The tea will be ready in just a minute. Why don't you go ahead and take a seat in the living room," she said as she brought two mugs down from the cabinet.

John did as he was told and wondered into Anna's living room. Her decorations were simple but homey. She used a lot of neutral colors which matched his taste as well. He came upon a small table with a few picture frames on it. One was a picture of Anna with another woman who seemed to be around the same age as her. Another was a picture of Anna with an older woman, and the one in the front looked to be a picture of a young Anna with a man and woman. He assumed those to be her parents.

"Find anything interesting?" He jumped at hearing her voice.

"Now who's the one giving who a fright?" He smirked.

With a laugh she said, "Sorry about that. Here is the tea you requested."

John gently laid his hat down on the armchair next to him and gratefully accepted the steaming cup. He nodded his thanks and took a sip.

"You know I've not had a lot of experience with hot tea, but this tastes magnificent."

"You flatter me Mr. Bates." She turned to look at the pictures he was looking at. "This is pretty much my life in a nutshell. Well my old life, I came here to start a new one." She made her way to the couch and sat down. John continued to look a moment longer then joined her, keeping a respectable distance between the two of them.

"That is something I've been meaning to ask since I met you." He took a longer sip of his tea.

"And what exactly have you wanted to ask?" She inquired curiously.

"How you ended up here of all places. What brought you to Lockhart?"

Anna told him about her work and how coming here was a promotion for her, but also a chance to create a new life. She went on to tell him she chose Lockhart instead of Austin because she lived in the city almost her whole life and was looking for something slower paced.

"So you've always lived in London then?" He said, putting his empty mug on the coffee table.

"Actually no, I was born and raised in Yorkshire, which is more like the country, but when I was fourteen I had to move to London."

"Did you bring family with you or are they still back in London?" He asked.

"My auntie Paula is back in London. That's a picture of us there." She pointed to one of the frames on the table. "My friend Jane is in that one there. We've known each other since we've been children, and the last one is my parents and me. I lost my parents in a train accident when I was fourteen. That's why I had to move to London. I was an only child, so my auntie brought me to London. She is all the family I have left." She offered with a sad smile.

"Anna, I'm sorry." He said with all the empathy he had. That was why the picture was of Anna when she was younger.

"It's alright. It did take me a long time to come to terms with losing both my parents as a teenager, but my auntie took me in and finished raising me."

She proceeded. "Enough about me. Have you always lived here?"

John told her he was born and raised in the next county over where his momma was still living. He also explained his family situation on how his dad left him and his momma when he was about six years old and never heard from him again. He also felt comfortable enough to share his momma's current health problems.

"Oh my, is she going to be alright?" She asked with sincere concern.

"I would like to hope so but the truth is I don't know. I may have to move her into my home just so I know she's safe."

"Well she's very fortunate to have a son who cares so much about her." She gave his forearm a gentle squeeze then put her hand back in her lap. John felt a jolt of electricity run through his arm at the contact.

"It's the least I can do after all she's put up with," he replied with sad eyes.

Anna gave him an uneasy smile and decided not to push him for answers about that remark and instead asked him about his work. He talked about Grantham Farms and the ins and outs of the job, and after talking about a few other simple topics he made a move to stand up from the couch.

"Well Miss Smith, thank you for your hospitality and a wonderful cup of tea. I think I better get a move on before I out stay my welcome."

Anna stood up as well, "Don't be silly. I was the one who invited you in."

John walked across the room to grab his hat and turned back to speak to her again.

"Might I call on you again sometime Miss Smith?"

My my he is quite the southern gentleman. Without answering, Anna walked away into another room. Way to go Bates. Before he could continue punishing himself Anna bounded back into the room and took his hat from him. She placed something in the hat and handed it back to him. He looked into the hat and saw a folded up piece of paper. He gave her one of his half smiles that seemed to be reserved for her eyes only and he made his way to her front door.

"Thank you for a lovely evening Mr. Bates."

"Believe me Anna the pleasure was all mine," he said in a low voice.

He opened the door and let himself out. Anna stood in the doorway as she watched him take the piece of paper out of the hat and put it into his right front pocket. Once he was inside the truck and backed out onto the road, he gave a small wave and she returned it almost immediately. Once he was out of sight, Anna closed her front door.


Next time Anna will find out a lot more about John.

Thank you for reading! Please review if you'd like. They are appreciated. :)

Lyrics By: Marcia Griffith- Electric Slide, John Michael Montgomery - I Swear, Brooks & Dunn- Boot Scootin' Boogie, Garth Brooks- Ain't goin' down till the sun comes up, George Strait- I Cross My Heart