Wrapped Up in a Beau by Angelita Gill Page A

arms.
    â€œChump? Leo, don’t be ridiculous.”
    â€œNow, now, you don’t have to pump old Leo’s ego. I know I’m not much to look at. I’m short, I’m chubby. I have a lot of hair where it shouldn’t be. But!” He raised a finger. “I can dance. That’s how I got her, you know. All those idiots were trying to impress her with their money and flash. But me? I took her to tango. We’d dance for hours. Time would,” he swept his hand through the air, “fly by. I never wanted to take her home. I knew I wanted to marry her that first night. Believe it.”
    â€œYou knew that quickly?”
    â€œBaby girl, when it’s right, it’s right away .” His eyes misted and he cleared his throat then stared at the photo once again.
    Greta’s heart went out to Leo. It was truly heartbreaking Mrs. Rossi had been taken from him. Greta didn’t know what it was like to be loved like this. Once, when she’d first started her nanny job, she thought she was in love with a boy from Scotland. He was so passionate, so energetic, a total charmer. Oh the rush of a first love. He’d wanted to marry her and start a family, but Greta hadn’t been ready. She’d just begun her nanny position and craved to see the world. Their relationship ended, leaving her heartbroken for months. Two years later, she’d gone to Scotland and passed through his town, found him married with a child on the way. From how he’d gazed at his wife, Greta knew she and her first love were never meant to be, and everything had turned out for the best. Still, she hadn’t loved anyone since. She never allowed herself to get attached. It hurt too much when she had to leave. Best to keep things casual and fun. Even so, her heart longed for someone to love her as Leo loved his Raquel. “Do you think your wife would mind if I asked you to dance with me?”
    Leo brightened. “Of course not. I might be a little rusty though. Not as, uh, limber as I used to be.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the middle of the store. “Quick. Before the rush starts.”
    â€œRight now?” Greta smiled, placing her hand on his right shoulder while he put his at her waist. They began to dance, and with every misstep, every stumble, she and Leo laughed.
    â€œYou dance a lot like my daughter,” he announced. “You won’t let me lead!”
    Leo’s daughter was yet another female Greta envied. If Greta had a father like him, she would never let a Christmas go by without visiting him, no matter how far away she lived.
    Leo glanced out the window. “If Mason spends as much time with every customer as he does Mrs. Vickers, I’ll never close today.”
    Greta turned her attention to Mason, watching the woman prattle on and on while he appeared to hang onto her every word.
    â€œI’m not a blind man, you know,” Leo declared, and Greta blinked with confusion.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œYou and the rich stud. There’s something going on, isn’t there? I saw your face when he came out. Your eyes went…” He demonstrated a comical, wide-eyed expression.
    Greta gave a nervous laugh. “I was surprised to see him. He doesn’t come off as a man who will get his hands dirty with hard work. Not the kind you and I know about. He’s pen and paper, checks and suits.”
    â€œNo, no. I’ve met those types. They would never volunteer their free time to help out some old fart in a café.” He snorted. “No matter how much they want a woman.” When she opened her mouth to protest, Leo cut her off. “I know he’s mainly here because of you and I don’t blame him one bit. It only took me a couple of seconds to sense something’s going on between the two of you. When he heard your voice, the man lit up like a Christmas tree. Doesn’t even try to act macho and hide