Indian Summer by Dellani Oakes

Indian Summer is an historical romance set in St. Augustine, Florida in 1739, a year before a major siege by the British. Gabriella Deza, the daughter of the Spanish governor, is fast approaching womanhood. Her fifteenth birthday looms on the horizon. She is completely taken by surprise when her father's aide-de-camp, Manuel Enriques, declares his love and asks to accompany her to her birthday party.

Indian Summer isn't currently available, but will be re-released the summer of 2017 along with the sequel, Savage Heart!

Excerpt from Indian Summer

"This is my dance, I believe, Señorita Deza."

Manuel locked eyes with the next candidate for treading on my toes, who cowered under his look. Nodding rapidly, the little rabbit of a man retreated to the corner behind Clara and seemed to take her as his shield of defense.

I graced him with my sincere smile and said, "I promise the next dance is yours, señor."

He bobbed his head rapidly again, retreating even further.

Manuel spoke from the corner of his mouth as we walked to the dance floor. "I don't think you will have to honor that promise, my sweet."

Chortling, I replied with a coquettish toss of my hair. "Why, Señor Enriques, do you intend to intimidate every man here?"

He chuckled secretively as he turned me in a circle under his arm. "If need be, my dear. If need be. I shall have you to myself." He put special emphasis on “shall” as he spun me again and the music began.

Quiet at first, I listened with only half my attention. Suddenly, the orchestra erupted in a wave of the most exciting music I had ever heard! The guitars hammered loudly, the percussion began a beat I was familiar with. The music echoed the pounding of my heart. Manuel chuckled, seeing the surprised look upon my face.

"Do you like my choice? It's a special request I gave them. A dance just for us!" He spun me again, three times in succession.

"I don't know this dance!" I gasped. "I don't know the steps!"

"Listen to the music, Bella. You know this. You feel it in your blood! Would I ever embarrass you? Follow my lead and you will be free!"

The music continued slowly, just a hint of notes on a single guitar. Manuel led me in a few gentle steps, ending in a deep dip. The tempo changed, accelerating into a fast, syncopated rhythm. He swept me into the most amazing dance! The music crashed into me in wave after wave of excitement. The power of it washed over us, setting my heart pounding in my chest with a beat at the same time unnatural, but as much a part of me as breathing.

We spun, stepped, dipped, clapped, stomped and when we got to the end I realized I had just danced my first Flamenco. I had seen this dance many times. The country folk in Spain danced this at their celebrations. The music and tradition had followed us to this new land, where they danced it at festivals. Manuel led me off the dance floor, both of us a little breathless and perspiring. It was then I noticed no one else had joined us in the dance. I looked up at him with a question on my lips. He shrugged casually.

"I asked for a dance alone with you. The gentlemen politely complied."

I narrowed my eyes, feigning a glare. "How much did you threaten them?" I was teasing and he knew it.

He held his fingers about an inch apart. "Perhaps, this much?"

Our laughter filled the courtyard as the next dance began. The orchestra seemed rather let down after the Flamenco. I believe it had been the highlight of their evening as well as mine.

"I need something to drink." My throat was dry and scratchy and I felt hot all over.

Manuel bowed, kissing my fingers, making his way to the punch. As rapidly as they could without being unseemly, my sisters rushed to my side.

"Bella," Maria chirped. "Where did you ever learn to dance like that! My goodness, I've never seen anyone dance the way the two of you did!" Their eyes glowed with happy envy.

"I didn't really know the dance, but Manuel is a strong lead. Was it really so exciting?"

"Exciting?" Maria grabbed my hand to her heart. "My land, girl, I'm all of a flutter! If a man were to ask me into the bushes now, I think I'd go willingly." She giggled. "My insides are on fire."

Irena didn't speak, but she didn't need to. Her blush from her cleavage to her hairline told me she felt the same way. "That was the naughtiest dance I've ever seen! And magnificent!" Irena's eyes glittered. "I should feel as if I had lived a full life indeed, if only I could dance like that once! I don't think Jason knows Flamenco." She pouted, looking disappointed.

Maria nudged her. "Jason is a fine man, Rena, but he has no 'Fire' to him."

Irena bristled at this. "He has plenty of fire!"

"Yes, if you like a slow burn." Maria shrugged. "Now that Captain Du Pont, there is a man with fire blazing in his soul."

I thought my sisters were about to come to blows, when Manuel approached us. He smiled warmly, extending a tray with three cups of punch.

"Am I interrupting something, ladies? If so, I'll take my leave.” He made as if to walk off.

Maria grabbed his arm shaking her finger at him. "No you don't, you naughty man! What a spectacle you made out there!"

She was teasing, I hoped he would be able to tell. In reply, he caught her hand and spun her around under his arm. Then he lowered her into a dip that had her nearly horizontal to the floor! All this with one hand, for he still carried the tray and didn't spill a drop! Raising her slowly, hardly seeming to strain with her weight, he locked eyes with her and his gaze burned into her soul.

"No, not naughty, my dear Maria. I'm wicked."

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani