Chapter 5
On an impulse, Tara dressed up that evening as she and Bobby prepared to go out to eat. Her sleeveless white dress fit closely at the bodice, then flared softly from the hips to sway flirtatiously at her knees. She added white heels and glittering earrings to complete the look.
It was an outfit she'd bought with Rob in mind, but never had the chance to work it. Tonight, Tara wore it for Bobby's benefit. He'd already made so many sacrifices for this assignment, she thought. The least I can do is look like a wife he'd be proud of having with him.
The woman in the mirror looked very different from the everyday Tara at the bullpen. She studied her reflection thoughtfully, wondering if one day she'd find a man that saw her as more than just a computer specialist and agent.
The shimmer of light hitting her ring drew her attention. Gazing down at the diamond ring and wedding band, Tara felt herself longing for the day it was real, and not just part of her job. Maybe I should let things develop between Bobby and me, she thought wistfully. My luck with men hasn't been too great, and he knows me better than anyone else does.
She sighed and shook her head. Am I really that fickle? Who would believe that Tara Williams, who'd always been so careful, so picky, would find herself in this situation? Lusting after a man who'd treated me like a kid sister from the day I joined the team, she thought with disappointment. What is wrong with me?
Part of the problem, Tara decided, trying to be objective, was that she wasn't entirely sure what Bobby wanted. He'd been a perfect gentleman, for the most part. And yet there was something about the way that he looks at me that makes my knees go weak, she sighed.
The frown that darkened his face when SAIC Franklin showed some interest in her almost seemed to indicate that he was jealous. But why? Tara wondered, remembering the phone call from Darcy the day she brought him home from the hospital. It wasn't as though Bobby and I are more than friends, she thought, trying to justify the feelings overwhelming her at the memory.
Tara groaned, slapping a hand against her forehead. I can drive myself crazy this way! she thought. I should have just stayed at home where I belong!
"Yeah, right," she muttered aloud to the empty room. "Might as well join a convent."
All in all, that might just be the safest choice when it comes to Special Agent Bobby Manning, she thought with a grimace, picking up her purse and heading out the door.
Chapter 6
The restaurant Myles recommended was a tropical paradise of exotic flowers, shadowy corners, flickering lights, and strategically placed rock waterfalls. The polished, wooden dance floor was in the center of the room with small tables arranged in cozy grottos around it. A band played from a stage nearly hidden in lush greenery.
"This is beautiful," Tara told Bobby when they were seated at a table in a secluded corner. She felt almost as though she'd just stepped out of Texas and into the Caribbean.
"Staged romance," Bobby said dismissively.
"You've been complaining since we got here," Tara frowned. "Is there anything about this place that you like?" she demanded, exasperated by his attitude.
"Yes, you're here!" Bobby reached out to touch her cheek.
Tara blushed, very thankful the waitress chose to approach their table at that opportune moment. They placed their drink orders, then looked at each other across the table.
Tara glanced at Bobby from beneath her lashes, her breath quickening at the image before her. With his gleaming blue eyes, flashing dimples, killer smile, and muscular arms, he was becoming more intriguing to her all the time.
Talk about confusing situations! she mentally shook her head. Here she was telling him to give her space, and all she can do is fantasize about the man sitting across from her.
"Did I remember to tell you how nice you look?" Bobby asked.
"Yes," Tara responded with a shy smile. "But thank you again." She had to admit that Bobby looked very nice himself in a charcoal dress shirt and black dress slacks.
Tara quickly looked toward the dance floor, afraid of where her thoughts were straying. She could so easily imagine herself swaying back and forth to the music in the arms of the man she loved. Whoa, where'd that come from? she blinked.
"You've gotten very quiet," Bobby commented, reclaiming her attention. "Dance with me?" he suggested, pushing his chair back.
Tara looked at him a bit warily, before standing and placing her hand in his outstretched one. I can't very well say no, because I was daydreaming about dancing with him just now, can I? she sighed as he led her to the dance floor.
The song was a slow, bluesy number. Only three other couples were on the dance floor, locked closely together, oblivious to spectators. Ignoring them in return, Bobby smiled down at Tara, taking her into his arms.
He held her close, but not so tightly that she was uncomfortable. His hand rested discreetly at the small of her back, his palm warm through the thin fabric of her white dress. His other hand clasped hers, firmly, almost possessively.
Tara trembled.
"Are you cold?" Bobby asked attentively, leading her into a slow, swaying rhythm.
"No," she whispered, then managed to regain her voice. "It's been a while since I've danced," she added, as though in explanation of her hesitancy.
"It's been quite a while for me, too," Bobby admitted while making a tight turn, his feet meshing expertly with hers.
"You don't dance like you're in need of practice," Tara looked up at him skeptically.
"That's because I'm dancing with you," Bobby murmured. He gave her a slow smile, resting his cheek against her hair as he began softly humming along with the music.
Unforgettable, Tara recognized her favorite song as her pulse fluttered like crazy. Her knees went weak in response to his sexy tenor crooning in her ear.
Tara never thought herself a sucker for a corny line, but it looked as though she'd been wrong. She was slowly finding herself unable to resist the affect of his words and actions, which should have sounded silly, but somehow didn't.
It was growing increasingly obvious to Tara that she'd misjudged the effect he had on her. And what am I supposed to do about it? she wondered as she subconsciously leaned into him, drawn to his warmth and strength.