Ladies Man: Rhythm & Romance, #2

By Mariposa Cruz

Clark Stevens has always had a way with women, but his teenage daughter despises him.  When his daughter comes to live with him fulltime, he enlists co-worker, Julie Wahl, to coach him on parenting skills.

As a single mom and paralegal, Julie has successfully balanced family, work and swing dancing. After heartbreak on the dance floor, the last thing Julie needs is an office romance.  But she can hardly say no to a colleague in need, especially one with dark brown eyes and a killer grin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mariposa Cruz
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223751885

Mariposa Cruz

Mariposa Cruz balances writing with working as a full-time corporate paralegal. She currently writes, works and dances Salsa in Reno, Nevada.

Book preview

Also by Mariposa Cruz:

Howl

Hot Flash

Rhythm & Romance Series:

Package Deal

Wedding Tango

Lovestruck Two-Step

Knit & Brews Series:

Man of the House

Chapter 1 

Julie Wahl scanned the packed crowd at Wranglers for Dale as she edged her way toward the bar. The broad-shouldered retired fireman had been her partner during the last four Thursday night West Coast Swing lessons. Wranglers offered free dance lessons on Thursdays in the hopes of drawing larger crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.

A triumph of inspired design and marketing finesse, Wrangler’s owners transformed an abandoned bowling alley into Reno’s hottest country western venues. Antique branding irons shared the walls with neon signs, the eclectic balance of old and new reflected in everything from the musical act line-up to the choice of brews on tap. In a nod to Wranglers’ past as the Silver Strike Bowling Center, a battered bowling pin presided over an impressive wrap-around maple bar with inlaid wood reclaimed from the lanes. Dale had explained, in detail, the history of the Wranglers’ bar design and the challenges of working with reclaimed wood when he joined Julie and Moira at their table last Thursday night. Julie’s previous dates had been with various white collar stiffs, all of whom whined about their ex-wives and acted uncomfortable when she mentioned dancing. It was a relief to talk to a man who understood how things worked and knew how to dance. Dale’s pale-blue eyes had twinkled as he easily led her through the steps. Tomorrow was Valentine’s Day. Maybe she’d have a real date for tomorrow night.

The crowd at the bar parted, revealing Dale with a wisp of a blonde wrapped around him. Julie knew that the kid had to be at least twenty-one to enter the bar, but she looked sixteen, with teased-high blond curls, a bare-backed halter, and faded jeans with tears in the right places. He beamed at the rail-thin blonde like he’d once grinned at Julie. Unable to move, she stared at them until Moira touched her arm.

C’mon, I’ll buy you a beer.

Julie shook her head. Just a club soda, she replied though she would have preferred a beer. At barely 5’1", with a petite frame and full bosom, she had to be wary of calories; otherwise, she’d be short and square, like many of the older women in her family. Moira gave a curt nod, and the tall redhead continued toward the bar with long strides. Julie retreated to their usual table while couples gathered on the dance floor for the lesson. She could go solo and practice her footwork, but certain moves, like turns, were impossible to learn without a partner. Though she wouldn’t be the only solo woman, Julie hated to go through the motions alone. At least she could commiserate with Moira until the Line Dance lesson started.

It’s not like we were dating, Julie said when Moira returned to their table with their drinks.

I can’t believe that jerk practiced his dance moves with you and then picked up that brainless chicklet. Moira’s green eyes darkened, and she took a long drink of her beer. She glared at the couple as though plotting revenge.

Hey, you.

Hey, yourself. Moira’s righteous anger faded as she grinned at the lean, bald man with a wide grin who’d just joined them. Recently divorced, Denton was new to Thursday lessons. He favored Moira. Tall redhead with sparkling green eyes and great legs—who wouldn’t? Moira glanced at Julie as Denton offered his arm.

I’m fine, she lied, forcing a smile. When they left, Julie sipped her club soda and shifted her weight on the high stool in an attempt to get comfortable.

Are you sure you want that much bling on your booty? Won’t that hurt when you sit? Courtney had asked when Julie held up the faded jeans with the rhinestone-adorned back pockets.

I’ll be spending most of my time on the dance floor, she informed her teen daughter. The jeweled pockets had seemed to wink in agreement, and Julie knew she had to have those jeans. Unfortunately, Courtney had been right; Julie felt like she was sitting on gravel. The only remaining single guys were a cluster of old cronies at the bar intent on their beer. Maybe she should leave.

Evening, Julie. The older gentleman touched the brim of his palm leaf cowboy hat.

Hi, Greer, she replied. Her heart sank. Adept at his footwork, he looked good on the floor. Unfortunately, his rigid stance and stern demeanor made him a difficult partner.

Would you join me for the lesson? He