A Dress for Dancin'
Part 3
Kid grew more worried as he watched Lou on the dance floor with yet another partner other than him. For the rest of the afternoon and even at dinner, she'd seemed to have lost the playfulness that she'd had earlier in the day, but seeing her dance with other men, he saw a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her lips. He also noticed that once she was on the dance floor with him she would cling tightly to him when someone asked to cut in. This was the first time they were able to be with each other in public as a couple, and they both wanted to enjoy it for as long as they could.
When the dance ended, the gentleman escorted Lou back to where Kid was standing. "Thanks again for your company, Miss McCloud, it was my pleasure," he said before kissing Lou's gloved hand and then tipping his hat as he walked away.
"Can't says I blame the other men for wantin' to dance with the most beautiful lady here," he said trying to lighten her mood.
"It's not my fault there's not enough women here tonight," she grinned before kissing his cheek. "It's not often I get to dress up and spend the night on the town."
With what had happened with Lambert only weeks before still fresh in his mind, Kid shook his head and mumbled, "Yeah and look how the last time turned out."
At first Lou was taken aback by his statement, but one look in his eyes revealed the reason behind his comment. "You're jealous."
Kid nodded. "I can't help it Lou."
With what had happened with Lambert only weeks before still fresh in both their minds, she welcomed his need to be overprotective and tonight she was more than grateful for his clinginess. And it even gave her a small thrill that he now knew what she felt like when they had attended dances previously and she watched as he danced with the other girls, while she stood in the corner wishing he was dancing with her.
"Kid, there's a difference between what happened with Lambert and even with DeWitt. You're here to make sure none of these men try anything. And besides you have one advantage these men don't," she said grinning.
"What?"
"You get to dance with me all night," she said grinning. She chuckled as Kid grew embarrassed and made sure no one else around them had heard.
"Miss McCloud," the dance master greeted as he approached the couple. "May I have the honor of the next dance? We can't have you spendin' most of the night with your gentleman friend here, it wouldn't look right. A young, attractive lady like yourself should be free to dance with whomever she'd like."
Kid felt Lou squeeze his hand tightly. "Actually," he started. "We were just headin' outside for some air. Maybe the next one."
He nodded as he walked away and Lou took a deep breath.
"Thank you."
"Come on Lou, let's get some fresh air." She nodded and they walked outside and around the corner of the town hall where there was a small garden. Kid led her to one of the benches, and only then did Lou loosen her grip. He sat first and pulled Lou into his lap with her back pressed against his chest and wrapped his arms around her tightly. Lou hugged his arms back, feeling safer than she had in a long time.
"Lou, what's goin' on? You've been actin' weird the last coupla hours. One minute your fine and the next you're not. What's goin' on?"
Lou looked at Kid and smiled. "I'm fine. Just not use to all the attention. It's been awhile since I've gotten to spend this much time bein' a girl."
Kid wasn't sure whether or not to believe her. There seemed to be something else on her mind, and then he realized what it might be. "Are you worried about what's happened between us, what could happen?"
Lou's eyes widened as she wondered if he might have figured out her deepest secret. She turned to the side and looked at him. "What do you mean?"
Kid turned red. "Well, we ain't been real careful. Guess we just got so wrapped up in each other, we didn't think about the consequences. I want you to know that..."
Lou placed a finger on his lips and smiled. "Kid, it's ok. I know you wouldn't run away from your responsibilities."
"Lou, if you are carryin' my child..."
"You don't need to worry 'bout that." Even though she knew she should tell Kid it was highly unlikely, she was scared of his reaction. She knew he would love her even if he wasn't her first, but the rest of it... This had been the perfect trip together, and she didn't want anything to spoil it for him.
Kid had felt Lou tense up and he started to massage her shoulders and slipped one hand down and gently rubbed the area around her breast. Lou giggled at his boldness and playfully slapped at his hand while looking around making sure no one was around or watching them.
Kid smiled but didn't remove his hand. "Then what's been buggin' you? You don't seem the same this evenin'."
Lou smiled. "I'm the same as I was yesterday, just a lot happier. I guess... Never mind, it's dumb."
Kid placed his finger under her chin and smiled. "Nothin' about you is dumb. Tell me."
Lou chuckled. "I kinda miss us sneakin' out to dance. I mean I'm glad we came tonight, thank you for that, but it's not the same."
"Well, when we get home tomorrow, we'll still have to sneak out to dance."
Lou giggled as she realized which dancing he was talking about. It was hard to believe this was the same Kid who just a week ago, insisted they stopped their fooling around before they went to far. Now it was as if he couldn't get enough of their lovemaking. She could feel his desire for her already and she leaned back to kiss him gently on the lips.
"Do you think we can make this work?"
Kid nodded. "We'll find a way. I love you, and I don't think I can stand not being able to be with you. There's the barn, the swimmin' hole, and if those don't work, I can always get Rachel to change the schedule so we can have more runs together." He wiggled his eyebrows and began gently sucking on her earlobe.
A shudder ran through Lou's body. "Kid!" she exclaimed as she felt his hand slide under her dress. "We can't."
"Why not?" he asked continuing his hand upwards.
"Because anyone could walk by and see us. If it's not proper to spend all night dancin' with you, then it's definitely not proper to do this... here."
Kid groaned as he rested his head on her shoulder and removed his hand. "You're right." He grabbed her by the waist and stood her up. She held out her hand and helped him up as well. Remembering what she had said only moments earlier, he smiled. "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"
Lou giggled. "You can have this dance, the next dance, and every dance for as long as you like." She kissed his cheek and then smiled. "Last one back to the house cleans stalls for a month!" she said as she took off running.
Kid chuckled as he realized she misinterpreted his intentions. He was also surprised that even in fancy shoes and a dress, she was still faster than him. But if it was a race she wanted, he'd make sure they would both enjoy the prize.