Through the Eyes of a Child

He reached up and wiped away one of her tears. “Please call me Travis. Are you okay?” “Of course,” she lied with an unconvincing smile. “Girls get emotional and I needed some air. I’m good now.” “Okay then. Would you still like to dance with me?” He offered his arm. “Even though I suck at Smalltalk?” “You’ve got yourself a dance partner,” she laughed and took his arm. Taking position on the floor the two danced for quite a while, and Ellie was surprised at how comfortable she was against his large frame and his tender touch. Travis was also having his own difficulties staying focused with her inviting scent of lavender and jasmine every time she moved. Ellie noticed the interesting way Travis was holding her hand. It was curled into his chest, their fingers were intertwined, and his thumb was in between, caressing her palm. “This is a unique way to hold someone’s hand,” she breathed out, trying not to overreact to his touch. “I’d like to think of it as my signature hold,” he answered softly against her ear. “I do it so a woman will always remember dancing with me. It’s not hurting you, is it?” “No. I like your theory though.” She smiled up at him. It was a beautiful, genuine smile––and was that desire he saw flash in her eyes? Shit, I’m in trouble, Travis thought. It was only there for a second, but the glimpse of hunger he saw in those green eyes made him want to drag her from the dancefloor and find a vacant room someplace. “So, how long have you and Johnny been married?” He needed to redirect, and quickly. “We just celebrated our fifth anniversary about a month ago. We have the most adorable little girl. Her name is Angelina, and she just turned five a few weeks ago.” She giggled awkwardly when he seemed to be doing the math in his head. “Yeah, she was a honeymoon baby.” “Wait, so how old are you?” She didn’t look a day over twenty. And why the hell did he ask her age? “Never mind, just ignore that.” “It’s okay, I’m twenty-four. I know, people still think I am a teenager. How about you? Are you married?” “No…” he answered firmly. He swallowed down a curse when he noticed the desire instantly return to her eyes. Double-shit. Ellie could feel her face heating as her eyes fixated on his lips––those very sexy, kissable lips. She needed to break away from Travis before she did something she wished she hadn’t. “Um, thank you for the dances.” As if on cue, they both stepped back from each other and Ellie pointed outside. “I’m going to go get some fresh air…uh, again.” “I’ll get us something to drink and meet you there.” A few moments later, he joined her with two glasses of champagne. “Here you go.” Ellie took a sip and sat the glass down on the table by her rose. “Thank you. Wow…it was pretty warm in there, huh?” “Here, let me help you with your wrap. That should help you cool off.” Before she could stop him, he slipped it off of her shoulders. There in the light, were the finger marks Johnny had left. “Thanks anyway, but...” She noticed the instant horror on Travis’ face when she tried to pull her wrap back on. “Please, I know what you must be thinking and it looks worse than it is. This is a very important night for my husband, so––” “That’s always the excuse, isn’t it?” he huffed. “‘It looks worse than it is.’ This isn’t the first time Johnny has done this to you, is it?” “I beg your pardon?” She gasped a little too dramatically. “You don’t even know me. How can you say something like that to someone you’ve just met?” “Mrs. Talino, please calm down,” he said, hushing his voice. “I’m sorry. But no woman deserves to be abused by anyone, especially her husband.” “Wow! That is so awesome, Travis,” she laughed, clearly out of character for the moment. “Hello, Johnny.” Travis turned to see Johnny only a few feet away, and it took everything Travis had not to knock him out. “Honey, are you ready to dance now?” she asked, pulling her wrap tightly around her shoulders. “No, I’ve got a lot of stuff to get done in my office. Mr. Coletti said you could use his limo, which I don’t even get to ride in.” He seemed irritated by that fact then turned to Travis. “He also said you could escort her home if you wanted. Do you want me to have the driver pull around front?” “Johnny, we’re supposed to be dancing tonight. Together. The party isn’t even over yet, maybe I can help you in your office.” “Don’t be ridiculous,” he bit out. “You don’t know how things work in my office. Now do you want the limo ride home or not?” Ellie could feel Travis moving towards Johnny and she quickly stepped in front of him. “I don’t know, I’ll figure it out.” “Suit yourself. See you, Travis.” When he disappeared around the corner, Ellie turned her glare to Travis. “Seriously? Please tell me you weren’t thinking of starting something with him just now.” Busted. “I’m sorry, shit. I’m just making things worse. I’m sorry,” he repeated softly. “It’s okay. I…I guess I better go.” “Mrs. Talino, please let me escort you home. I’ll take you right now and the limo is right downstairs waiting.” “Please call me Ellie. And actually, I’m not ready to go home yet. Would you like to dance some more?” Before Travis could answer, she pulled him out onto the dancefloor. She could feel the tenderness of his touch as they danced and he held her hand in that peculiar way. For someone who looked like they had a rough life, there was a gentleness about him.