Hot to Trot (Dancing in Texas #5)

Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

P HOENIX WAS NOT what Scarlet had expected. The large structure that appeared when she drove between the two stone pillars didn't look like a gang rehabilitation facility. It looked like a mountain lodge with its cedar-planked siding, huge wraparound porch, and stacked stone columns. Ornamental grasses softened the stone base upon which the structure was built. An ugly dog waited for her on the porch.

She guessed Banjo was the welcome committee.

Scarlet stepped from the black convertible and pushed her sunglasses atop her head. She'd dressed in her standard uniform for acting classes- snug black pants, black T-shirt, hair pulled into a low ponytail. She was a blank canvas, awaiting the opportunity to morph into whatever character she needed to become. Improv was her favorite. She hoped it would work with her new students.

"Yo," a voice called from her left."You bringing sexy back? Or is this more of a back-in-black sorta thing?"

Scarlet spun and met a smiling face, attached to a startlingly plump physique. "More Black Magic Woman. I'm Scarlet and I'm the new acting coach."

The man smiled and extended a hand. "I'm Georges. I'm a counselor here at Phoenix. One of the first graduates, too."

Scarlet shook his hand. It was slightly sweaty. Like Henry's, but the smile the man gave her was charming. "Nice to meet you, Georges. Now, where am I to go? You know, to work my magic. Or as some call it, community service."

Georges grinned and beckoned her to follow him toward the front door. "Right this way, Black Magic Woman."

The dog rose, stretched and trotted down the steps to greet her. She reached down and scratched him behind the ears and received a sloppy doggy kiss on the back of her hand for her effort. She could see the appeal of the scruffy mutt, and it occurred to her Henry needed his own pet. She'd missed his birthday, so maybe...

The dog lifted his leg and peed on a potted plant next to the drive.

Maybe not.

Scarlet stepped inside the center behind Georges into a large rustic room. Rick and Kate Mendez sat on the leather sectional, drinking lemonade.

"Welcome to Phoenix, Scarlet," Rick said, rising. He gestured for Kate to remain seated when she tried to struggle to her feet. “You want a lemonade?"

"No, thanks. Wow, what a fabulous place," Scarlet breathed, taking in the wagon-wheel chandelier, arched wood ceiling, and huge moose head hanging above a stacked stone fireplace. Fans whirred above and the concrete floor was softened with Navajo rugs and an animal-skin rug, which was enclosed by the sectional.

"We like it." Kate patted the plush leather beside her. “Come sit. We'll talk first and then take you around to meet the staff and the clients.”

Georges disappeared with a salute as Scarlet sat.

“Sounds good. I didn't know what to bring. Back in Manhattan, I teach at a community theater adjacent to the YWCA. We have a stage, props, and sound equipment. I'm afraid this will be a little basic."

"We like basic," Rick said. "This room is our communal room and it's probably the only space big enough for your class. Unless we move the games out of the recreation room."

"This should be fine if you don't mind my moving the sectional a bit." There wasn't much privacy for shy actors, but for the hours she was here it was her job to teach them to become someone other than themselves.

The door opened, interrupting her thoughts.

"Ah, right on time," Rick said. Scarlet turned to watch Adam stroll their way. Though he wore a pristine, pressed uniform, his gait was lazy and rolling. Almost seductive. Something fluttered in her belly.

"Afternoon, ladies." Adam set his hat on a sofa table, unveiling golden hair that glinted in the late-afternoon sunlight pouring through the unadorned windows. He was altogether yummy, yum, yum.

"We were about to go over the center's protocol with Scarlet. Do you have anything first?" Rick asked Adam.

Adam glanced at Scarlet. She hadn't spoken a word to him since he'd ripped himself away from the cell bars and paid the pizza guy. After Drake had left, Adam had handed her a loaded paper plate, another can of soda, then moved his center of operations to the front of the station. When Scarlet awoke the next morning, stiff from attempting sleep on the narrow bunk, another officer had greeted her and led her to the bathroom. She'd seen Adam briefly in the courtroom where he'd remained silent, only nodding his head at the judge's directives.

"I have a few papers for you to sign, mostly stating you understand the conditions of the sentence and agree to comply.” He waved a manila folder before setting it on the low coffee table.

Scarlet picked up the folder and leafed through it as Rick began explaining how the center worked. With half an ear, she learned the clients were well-screened and held to a certain standard of behavior while learning she couldn't drink alcohol or carry a firearm without violating the terms of probation. Well, there went her Saturday night.

After Scarlet scratched her name on the appropriate lines in the documentation, Kate took her on a tour of the facility, which included classrooms, sleeping quarters, and a separate building outfitted with all the supplies necessary to run an auto-detail shop along with a... boxing ring?

"What's that for?" Scarlet pointed toward the ring.

Kate smiled. ''Oh, that. Well, Rick swears the clients like to take out their anger by beating the crap out of each other. But I think he really bought it for himself. And Adam."

"Adam?"

"Yeah, he and Rick box at least once a week."

"Box?"

"What are you? A parrot?" Kate said, waddling toward the rear of the metal building. Fans were mounted in the corners and a miniature gym lurked behind the boxing ring, replete with weight benches, an elliptical machine, and a treadmill.

"Nope. Vampire queen," Scarlet said.

Kate snorted and continued her tour. "So this is where the guys work and work out. On Wednesdays and Saturdays we run an auto detail shop. We make enough money to cover entertainment costs, equipment, and give them some money to send home to their families. The guys like the ring and weights. Guess it does give them release. This program can be extreme by digging into a lot of stuff they don't want to talk about. Intensive therapy about relationships, guilt, and things no one should suffer through." Kate rubbed her lower back. Scarlet had nearly a foot on the diminutive Kate, whose distended belly jutted forward. The woman had to have perpetual backaches. Probably spasms, too.

"So what do you think?" Georges said, materializing at Scarlet's elbow. She squeaked. For a big fellow, he had an incredible talent for stealth.

"It sounds like a program that works."

Kate nodded. "It does, for the most part."

"So?" Scarlet said.

"So what?" Kate asked.

"What do I do now?"

"Oh." Kate snapped to attention. "Georges, let's take Scarlet to meet the guys."

He saluted yet again, making Scarlet wonder if he'd been in the military. He led her out to the long back porch of the main building. There was a nice flagstone patio with Adirondack chairs and a fire pit. Adam stood waiting.

"Can I speak with Ms. Rose before she gets started?" he asked. It hadn't really sounded like a question. More of a command.

"Sure," Kate said, before turning to Scarlet. "Come on inside when you're finished."

Scarlet nodded, and Georges and Kate left her alone with the sexy cop who kicked off weird sensations inside her a mere four days ago. Part of her was pleased she would have time alone with Adam. Part of her wanted to get everything over with so she could move on with her life. Go to L.A. Or back to New York. Anywhere but this little Texas town where she treaded water.

For a moment, Adam didn't speak. He seemed captivated by the way an old wooden fence zigzagged the property. Finally he turned to her. "This won't be easy."

"Not much in life is," she responded, kicking the weather-worn footstool sitting in front of a chair.

"About that night in the holding cell-"

"Think nothing of it." She waved a hand. "It was no biggie. A moment of insanity. One we can't repeat."

"Exactly."

''And about what I told you. About being in love with a man who dumped me-" She paused, looking away from him. Something about connecting with his eyes felt too raw. The man stripped her defenses. Obviously. Why else would she have told him about John? No one knew about their split. Maybe her roommate, Stefan, had an inkling, but even he didn't know Scarlet had been dumped. Heart-trampled. Abandoned. "I'd appreciate you not mentioning that information to anyone. I shouldn't have asked you to do... um... what you did. It wasn't fair of me."

She could feel his stare and forced herself to meet it.

"Who are you? And what have you done with Scarlet?"

"What?"

"That was... heartfelt." He crossed his arms over his chest, which caused his shirtsleeves to pull tight over his muscled arms. His skin was as golden as his hair. He was an all-over golden boy. No, not a boy. A man. She swallowed. Hard. "You weren't acting out a scene in your head, were you? Because when I first met you, I got the idea that you acted out stuff going on in your mind. It was as if you listened to an inner voice directing you."

Scarlet blinked. How in the hell had he known? It was a bad habit, seeing everything as a director might, carefully orchestrating responses as if she were in front of a camera. But she'd tried really hard since she'd been in Oak Stand to step out of acting mode and be more herself. "I'm not acting."

He arched an eyebrow.

"Seriously. I'm sorry. I can see how much your job and your reputation mean to you. I shouldn't have put you in an awkward position, especially knowing you want me."

His eyes widened slightly, but he regained composure quickly. ''That's pretty egotistical even for a soap star."

"My show is not a soap opera. It's a drama. And you do want me. I've been around men long enough to recognize the signs. You-" she pointed at him "-want me."

Something crackled as she pointed to herself. Static electricity built like an imminent storm.

"I don’t.”

"Yeah, you do.” She paused and allowed her mouth to curve. "Hey, it's okay. I want you, too. So we're attracted to each other? Big deal. We're young, single, and not ugly. It's natural. But don't worry. I won't act on it."

"You mean, I won't act on it. If I were a betting man, I'd say self-control is not one of your strong points. But it is one of mine. So I won't lose all sense just because you walk by in a tight pair of pants and don't bother to wear a bra." He glowered at her, uncrossing his arms and propping them on his lean hips.

"I'm wearing a bra today. "

He frowned harder.

All Scarlet could think was how cute he looked when he was perturbed. He made being defensive look sexy. And she wanted to prove that he wasn’t in control as he thought.

But she knew better than to provoke him. No use in letting the spark of attraction go anywhere. She still loved John. Still dreamed about him. At least she wanted to dream about him even if he faded more each day.

Adam bristled like a dog guarding its turf. "Why would you tell me that? Nevermind. The important thing is what happened at the station isn't going to happen again. I don't make many lapses in judgment, and I damned sure don't repeat them."

Scarlet smiled inside, though she presented him with a calm demeanor. She was a good actress. "I'm sorry. Of course. And I've made you angry enough to curse. Sorry about that, too."

"I'm not angry."

"You sure? Because you look angry."

He spun on the heel of his perfectly polished boot and stalked up the flagstone path to the porch. "Report to me after this first session. I have your email address and will send you the time I expect you to come to the station. Behave yourself,” he called over his shoulder.

Then he disappeared into Phoenix.

"And goodbye to you, too," Scarlet said to the emptiness surrounding her. For a moment she felt lonely. Which was stupid. She wasn't any more alone than she'd been ten minutes ago. But something about Adam did things to her. Confused things. Things she'd rather not think about.

So she wouldn't.

She followed the path and prepared herself to meet the men she would be working with. Teaching acting to former gang members. Should be a piece of cake.

ADAM WAVED TO Rick, then stepped outside. Scarlet had gotten to him with her very honest and very true words.

Yes, he wanted her. But did she have to bring it out in the open? He didn't want to admit it to himself, much less say it out loud. Now it was out there. Floating. Waiting to fan the flames of need that burned inside him.

Yes, he wanted Scarlet. But he couldn't have her.

To take what he wanted from Scarlet would be unethical. Misconduct. And even if no one found out, those actions would only lead to disaster. Better to imitate his mother's approach to life. Close eyes and ignore what's right in front of you. Don't acknowledge. Don't respond. Do nothing. Life is easier that way.

Even as he thought about avoiding truth, he knew it was no way to live. At least, no way he wanted to live.

Scarlet was braver than he was. She'd said what she felt, what she knew to be true. He denied and ran. He didn't feel too proud of himself, even though the final result was what he'd been after. He and Scarlet were totally platonic and they had to remain that way.

His phone buzzed as he opened the door to his cruiser. He pulled it from the holder clipped to his belt. No ID.

"Hinton."

"Oh, Adam, you answered," the voice said with a nervous laugh.

"Yes."

"This is Sophia. Sophia Waters, Mayor Waters's daughter."'

"Of course. What can I do for you, Miss Waters?"

Another nervous laugh. "Well, this is going to sound very forward. I wondered if you had a date for the Labor Day picnic next weekend? I haven't met too many men in Oak Stand. Or should I say single men. Um, single men who are nice men. Jeez, I'm so botching this-"

“You're not botching anything.”

“Yes, I am." She gave a self-deprecating laugh. This time it didn't sound as nervous. "I'm not really good with being aggressive with guys. Oh, Lord, that came out wrong. What I mean is I usually don’t make the first move.” She paused. "I called to ask you to attend the picnic with me. I make a good lemon pie, and I'll even be naughty and sneak in some wine if you don’t tell the city council.”

What could he say? Sophia was the right kind of woman. She'd said so herself. With bright blue eyes, subdued makeup, and nicely padded bra, she was exactly the sort of girl he should be dating. Sophia taught Sunday school at the Methodist church, she whipped up brownies for the firefighters' bake sale, and she painted her fingernails the lightest shade of pink. Everyone said how nice she was, how polite, how pretty. Sophia was everything a man could hope for in a partner.

"I'd love to go with you, Sophia. I have Labor Day off, so I can lose the uniform and wear jeans."

Sophia laughed again. "That sounds wonderful. And, please, call me Sophie."

"Okay, then, Sophie, shall I pick you up?"

"Well, sure. I guess. If you'd rather not, I can meet you there."

Adam thought she sounded as if she'd rather him make it an official date and pick her up. "The picnic starts at noon, so I'll pick you up at eleven forty-five."

"Great. See you then," she murmured. He could hear pleasure in her voice. Something about it made him feel uneasy. The way he'd felt at the dozens of debutante balls his mother had forced him to attend when he was in college. He felt... hunted.

"See you," he said, pressing the end button and returning the phone to its holder.

He ducked inside the cruiser, firing the engine as Scarlet appeared on the porch. She stood, one hip cocked, arms akimbo. She watched him for a moment before raising her hand and wiggling her fingers, which he took to be a wave.

Sheer desire sank its teeth into him, much like those fangs she wore on her soap opera. Oops, drama.

Damn it.

He didn't wave as he reversed out of the gravel parking area and turned toward the highway that would take him to the town he served. He wasn't being rude. Simply childish. Damn Scarlet for making him want her so much. Damn her for making Sophie Waters seem like taking a bath with his socks on.

Then it struck him. What he faced was a test. Nine months ago, he'd left Houston and all that it represented. He'd left behind being his father's son. Left behind Angi and a failed marriage. Left behind using his name to get ahead. He was done being Adam Hinton, heir to a large fortune, ne'er-do-well, seduced by big-breasted women in honky-tonk dives. Instead he set out to be who he'd always wanted to be. An enforcer of laws. A citizen. A friend. A neighbor. A regular Joe.

So the desire Scarlet Rose evoked in him was a test.

Would he revert back to his old ways?

Or stick to his guns about being a changed man?

Much depended on holding to the latter. He had no choice. He had to ignore the lust humming in his blood and look toward a future with someone who would stay in Oak Stand. Who would have his children. Who would balance a checkbook. Who would head a committee. Who would conduct herself in an orderly fashion.

This was a test he had to pass.