A New Day by Nancy Hopper Page A

animal.  He really didn’t want her money.  He had the faith to get what he wanted, directly from God.  If what he said was true, how was she to compete with that?  The revelation left her feeling distinctly dissatisfied.  Something inside her wanted Gary's eyes fixed on her; and only her!
         They stopped for something to eat on the way home.  There was a little roadside cafe, that Tasha thought looked tacky.  However, she didn't mention it.  Things were a little strained after the mention of money. 
         Gary was guarded and quiet, and everything Tasha said seemed to irritate him.  She finally decided that if he was going to be so terribly grouchy, she’d indulge herself by venting her spleen.  She would gladly do her best to torment him.
         When he opened the van door to help her down, she pretended to slip, and fell against his body.  He caught her efficiently and set her on the ground, well away from him.
         “ Oh, I’m sorry .”  she giggled.
         Gary ignored her comment, and gestured for her to go ahead of him.  “After you.”  he insisted stiffly.
         “ Why, thank you.”  she said primly.
         It was nicer inside than she thought it would be, with a Calypso atmosphere.  Before they’d finished eating, a three piece band began to play.  Tasha felt the pull of the music, as several couples got up to dance. 
          “ Gary, please let’s dance.  I can’t stand   it, it’s divine!”  she begged, eyes shining.  “Who'd guess that such a little dump would have music like this ?”
         “ Tasha, I really don’t think it's a good idea...”
         “ Pa-- lease !  Just one, I promise !”
         “ You do, huh?” he asked doubtfully.
         “ Cross my heart.”  she said urgently.  Her green eyes were wistful and shining.
         He chuckled, and shook his head uncertainly.  “I think I’m going to regret this, but from you, that’s a challenge I can’t refuse.”
         She nearly squealed with delight.
         He nearly caught her off guard when he swung her into a very fast Cha Cha; but being extremely proficient at it, she managed to flow in step, and hide her amazement.
         “ I thought preachers didn’t dance!” she charged tauntingly. 
         “ And just what do you know of preachers?” he asked smoothly.
         She shrugged and didn’t answer.
         The song ended all too soon, and they turned to applaud. 
         “ Thanks.  I think I’d have died if I couldn’t dance to that song.”  she sighed happily.
         Gary looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes.  “Are you going to die if you don’t dance to this one?” he asked teasingly.
         “ No.  I promised you I’d settle for one, and that’s all.  I always keep my word.”  she said stiffly.
         “ Would you like to dance again?” he asked gently.
         “ Absolutely.”  she confirmed in a husky purr.  Oh, the ecstasy of having a man just where you wanted him!  It was positively intoxicating!  Especially when it was a big, self-satisfied jerk like Gary Taylor!  She was going to fix his wagon for him.  She owed it to herself.
         Tasha warmed to the slow rhythm, and did her best to warm Gary up to her.  She managed to press against him subtly several times.  About the third time she connected with him, Gary jerked her off the dance floor and dragged her back to the table.
         “ You creep, let go of me!  What is your problem?” she hissed.  “Where are you taking me?”
         “ Home.”  he snapped in a low voice.  “If you can’t behave like a lady in public, you don’t deserve to stay.”
         “ So don’t make me go places with you!” she suggested acidly.
         “ That won’t be a problem in the future.”  he assured her.
         Tasha steamed while he paid the bill.  People were staring at them, and whispering.  She