Falling For Her Boss by Karen Rose Smith

other, waiting--neither knowing what for or why.
    Francie broke the spell.  "We...uh, we planned the menu for the party, who's making what, that sort of stuff.  My uncle Dom told Vince we could have the party at his place.  He and Aunt Rita have an old farmhouse with a huge living room."
    Noah loosened his hold on her hand and she pulled hers away.  He could still feel its heat and knew he would for a long time.  "I hope they didn't heap all the work on you."
    She smiled.  "They tried.  But I didn't fall for it.  Vince and Frank will do their share.  They might grumble, but they'll do it."
    "And Gina?"
    Francie's smile faded.  "I don't know what to do about Gina.  She was almost hostile tonight.  But when I ask her what's wrong, she says nothing.  Maybe she's still angry because I mentioned her curfew in front of Jake."
    "Maybe it's hormones."
    "I wish.  But she's been cool ever since I came back to Gettysburg.  I thought by now she'd be used to having me around."
    Francie looked worried, vulnerable, and he wanted to ease her mind.  "She's the youngest.  She must have had all your parents' attention when you were gone."
    "She did."  Francie sighed.  "I wish she'd talk to me."
    "She will."
    Noah's reassurance helped, and Francie realized she'd confided in him once again.  She didn't know why.  She was used to keeping her own counsel.  Maybe because he'd been so comfortable with Marie.  His gentleness and his caring had squeezed Francie's heart.  He'd make a great father.  But then again, he'd said marriage wasn't in his plans.
    Francie glanced at her watch.  "I'd better get my skates.  The seniors will be pouring in any minute."  She avoided looking at Noah and crossed to the door.
    "Francie?"
    The way he said her name made it sound so feminine, so lovely.  She stopped and met his gaze.
    "You're lucky."
    She knew what he meant.  She tried not to take her family for granted because she'd missed them so much.  But sometimes she did.  "I am lucky," she agreed and with a last lingering look went to the rink to forget about Noah and do what she was paid to do.
    ****
    The senior citizens took the floor with as much enthusiasm, if not as much speed, as the children.  Noah stood at the ticket window and watched Francie greet many of her customers by name.  One of the women who looked old enough to be Francie's grandmother put her arm around Francie's shoulders and gave her a hug.  When the music started, Francie skated around the rink, smiling and talking with the skaters.
    Suddenly Noah needed to be out there with her.  He went to the rental booth and found a pair of skates his size.  He laced up, tucking the ends into the black boots.
    Sometimes he skated when he was visiting a rink.  Not often, though.  And never in public.  He usually rolled the laps for exercise when everyone had gone home.  But now he wanted to get out there for the simple pleasure of skating with the crowd.
    He rolled onto the floor with the flow of the skaters.  The first time he rolled past Francie, her jaw dropped open in surprise.  The second time, she smiled at him.  That smile of hers lit up his dreams.  The third time around, he came up beside her and said, "Skate with me."
    Before she could answer, he took her in a promenade position, both of them facing forward.  They glided without breaking rhythm.  If Francie leaned into him, her head would nestle into his neck.  She would fit perfectly against his body.  He had no doubt about it.
    He held her left hand in his right.  Her arm surrounded his waist loosely; he held hers a little tighter.  Feeling her warmth, smelling her scent of roses, seeing her hair sway like a silky curtain across his chest created a swell of excitement within him that could easily turn into powerful arousal.
    The motion, the music, the colored lights flickering across the floor swirled pleasure around and through all his senses.  He felt alive in a way he'd never experienced.