Win Me Over by Nicole Michaels

nothing to be done for it except deal. “Okay. How about that afternoon. Like two or three.”
    â€œCan’t do that early. My shop closes at five. How about six?”
    â€œOkay, that’s fine.” He definitely didn’t have Saturday night plans.
    â€œYou mind if I just leave the stereo here?” she asked.
    â€œYeah, sure. Might as well.”
    He watched as she picked up her stuff, patted Misha on the head, and then looked back at him. “Well, good job, Coach Clark. I’ll make a winning dancer out of you yet.”
    She gave him a wink and then headed for her car. The mood had changed dramatically from when she’d arrived. God damn, he felt stupid. He knew what she was thinking right now, that she’d gotten herself into a mess by agreeing to be his dance partner. He didn’t like to fail at things and he sure as hell didn’t like to do it in front of a beautiful woman.
    She waved over her steering wheel as she backed out and he did the same. One thing was clear: this was going to be hell. He was in store for a lot of hard work, and football season was not the right time for distractions. Maybe he’d made a mistake. He owed all of his attention to his guys and his assistant coaches. Between learning to dance and trying to keep his mind off his partner he was in trouble. Of course that might get easier after every practice. Turns out there was nothing sexy about dancing and after his horrible performance tonight he could only hope that she didn’t decide he wasn’t worth the time.
    *   *   *
    Callie placed the final pink cupcake into the giant box and gently shut the lid just as Lindsey came through the swinging kitchen door of Callie’s Confections.
    â€œHappy baby shower day,” Callie said.
    â€œI’m so ready for it to be over,” Lindsey said. “I love Mel, but she’s been so high maintenance lately. Is that normal for pregnant women?”
    â€œI have no experience with pregnant women, but it sounds about right. If I was pregnant I’d want everyone taking care of me,” Callie said with a grin. “When is she due again?”
    â€œThanksgiving Day.”
    â€œSeriously? That’s funny. So you may be eating your turkey dinner in the hospital cafeteria.”
    â€œOh no, she’s having a home birth.” Lindsey popped open the cupcake box and peeked inside.
    â€œHome birth?” Callie asked. “Why would she do that?”
    Lindsey shrugged. “It’s kind of a thing these days, I guess. They have a midwife all lined up and everything. Of course if they felt they needed to, they’d go to a hospital.”
    â€œThat sounds terrifying. Then again, giving birth period sounds terrifying.”
    â€œThese are beautiful and they smell delicious,” Lindsey said as she inhaled deep.
    â€œI hope everyone enjoys them.” Callie nodded to a box against the wall. “I loaded up all of the cake plates for you to display them on. I’ll carry them out for you.”
    â€œThanks for doing that. I can’t wait to put all of the decorations out.”
    Callie had no doubt it would be beautiful. Anne and Lindsey had collaborated on the shower for Lindsey’s sister, so there was no way it wouldn’t be gorgeous. Between Anne’s organizational and party-planning skills and Lindsey’s ability to make anything look beautiful, Mel and her friends were in for a treat.
    â€œWish I could come. Between work and dance practice I don’t think I’d have time.”
    â€œThat’s okay. You don’t really know Mel and I totally understand. How is dance practice going? Is the coach getting the hang of it?”
    Callie sighed. “Our first time was Thursday. Let’s just say I underestimated what it would take to make this happen.”
    â€œThat bad, huh?” Lindsey winced.
    Callie put her hand on her hip. “I really don’t