Free Moving On by Annette Bower Page A

waved at him. Nick tried to keep his mind on the music rather than the anticipation of Anna’s jeans-clad thigh bumping against his as she practiced the steps under the table.
    The disc jockey took a break and the room settled into a quiet hum.
    She gestured around. “Tell me about this.”
    “We’re a small community, and we have widowers, widows, and other singles living alone, so as a community we come out to dance. You might say we’re the dance ambassadors.”
    Nick sensed the effervescence leave her posture. “Did I say something wrong?” he asked.
    “No.” Anna shook her head. For once, her stomach did not recoil at the word ‘widow.’ She was in the company of other widows, even though they didn’t know it. None appeared to feel guilty about enjoying life.
    She tore a serviette into a million little pieces to repress the urge to share her experience. She didn’t want to taint their fledgling friendship. She scooped up the remnants of her destruction and stood. “I’d like to try these new steps again before I call it a night. What about you?”
    “I’ve had a long day. I’ll sit here and visit for a bit. You go ahead. Line dancing is great because you don’t need a partner. You can just get on the dance floor and let loose.” She saw him rubbing his left knee.
    “Yes, I will.” Anna wished she had a Stetson, boots, and a ruffled skirt. She’d abandoned her suit jacket long ago while she learned the slip and slide steps. Her brown-eyed temporary dancing ambassador caught her eye and smiled before he turned back to the group at the table.
    When the dance ended, Nick walked Anna to her car but didn’t get in.
    “No ride?” she asked.
    “I’m fine. The Fergusons are going to drop me off on their way home.”
    Relieved because she didn’t want to be afraid of his dog again tonight, Anna sighed, “Thanks, Nick for a great time.”
    He gave the front fender a pat. “You’re welcome. Drive carefully.”
    Later, Anna cuddled under the covers and searched the corners of her heart. It was time for her to plan who she was going to be, without her past with Murray and the life they had planned. Thinking of the people she had surrounded herself with since his death, most were strong, supportive women. She missed the male view on life. Perhaps she was drawn to Nick for that very reason. He made her feel as she hadn’t felt in months, feelings she had thought had been buried with Murray.
    She drifted off on a twirl and a kick, slap, and stomp.

Chapter 6
    The persistent caw of the crows and a knocking at her door finally registered. Anna rubbed her eyes and stretched, jumped out of bed, slid into her slippers, and grabbed her robe. “I’m coming.”
    Perhaps Margaret needed something. Or maybe it was George come to inspect the house. Anna flipped the dead bolt and swung the door open. Then shrieked.
    The beast had found her and was panting on her deck with only a thin mesh door between them. She heard a low call. “Molly, sit. Stay. Good girl.”
    Nick stepped into view. “Morning! Molly and I were out for a ride and she promised to be on her best behavior. She wants to be your friend. Any chance you would come out on the deck?” He bowed, scraping his bicycle helmet in mock chivalry.
    “I don’t know if I can. I’m shaking like a leaf just standing here imagining her bolting through the screen door.”
    “You could desensitize in stages.”
    She pulled her robe tighter around her and took in his loose-fitting riding clothes. The automatic coffeemaker bubbled in the background. “Coffee’s almost ready. Would you like a cup?”
    “Absolutely, but first, Molly and I need a large drink of water. Although I ride and she runs, she thinks she has a harder time during our workouts. Don’t you, Molly?” He scratched behind her ears.
    Nick slid through the door with a crooked grin. “It’s a beautiful morning.” He looked around. “Wow, this place gleams. You’ve worked very