A harrumph drew their attention to the table behind them.
Frank rose and held out his hand to Beverly. “While you two are playing with flowers, we’ll show you how to mambo.”
Frank led Beverly onto the dance floor and twirled her in his arms, executing each step with a surprising amount of hip action for someone close to needing a hip replacement.
Eliza’s mouth dropped open, a giggle escaping. “Why, Frank! I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“See if you two can keep up.” His gray eyes glinted with humor as he spun Beverly around the room.
“I think they might steal our title of Daisy Hop king and queen.” Grant sounded both incredulous and impressed.
“They will if you just stand there.” Eliza gave his shoulder a good-natured jab.
“You’re right.” Grant reached for her hand, drawing her into his arms.
For the duration of the song, they followed Frank and Beverly around the dance floor, barely able to keep up. At the conclusion, breathless from dancing and laughing so hard, Grant and Eliza bowed humbly to their rivals, acknowledging defeat.
“You win, good sir.” Grant shook Frank’s hand, tipping an imaginary hat in respect. “I concede the crown.”
“I had no idea you two could dance like that.” Eliza swept flyaway tendrils from her glistening forehead, glancing from Frank to Beverly with admiration.
“Never underestimate a navy man,” Frank told her with a gratified grin.
When the lively trumpet notes of Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me” piped through the speakers, Grant asked, “Rematch?”
Frank snorted. “Kids these days. And their tomfoolery…” He shook his head for Beverly’s benefit.
Chuckling softly, she tucked her arm through his, patting the back of his hand. “Let’s get you some punch.” She turned to Grant and Eliza, her eyes shimmering with a knowing smile. “You two have fun.”
Eliza suppressed another giggle as Frank hobbled off the dance floor. While he might not be a spring chicken, the man had moves and moxie. She’d give him that.
“What do you say?” Grant stretched out his hand. “One more dance?”
“Or as long as it takes….” Eliza trailed off with a mischievous smirk.
“For what?”
“The Charleston Flip.”
* * *
“We did it! I can’t believe it! ” Eliza threw her arms around Grant’s neck, planting a kiss on his cheek in her excitement. “The flip was perfect!”
When she pulled back, her hands lingered around his neck, her dark eyes glittering as they gazed into his.
Grant took in her flushed cheeks and her full, rosy lips stretched into an inviting smile. His breath came in short, ragged bursts, either from the exertion of dancing or because he desperately wanted to kiss her.
Casting a furtive glance over his shoulder, Grant noticed a few curious onlookers. But no sign of his parents. Not that he was surprised. Or particularly disappointed, under the circumstances. He could only imagine the grief his mother would give him for dancing with Eliza all evening.
Suddenly, her cryptic words flew into his mind unbidden.
There are things about her you don’t know….
Grant gritted his teeth, willing the unwelcome thought to disappear. He wouldn’t let her get inside his head. Especially tonight. “Why don’t we get some fresh air?”
“I’d love to.”
Almost as a reflex, Eliza slid her hand in his as he led her outside. His heart sputtering at her touch, Grant curled his fingers even tighter, never wanting to let go.
