Page 181 of By His Play

Dragging my eyes open, I stare up into his.

“My grams taught me when I was a child,” I say proudly.

“She did a good job. My grandmother and my mother were both avid dancers. I could dance long before I could throw a ball.”

“I guess that explains the fancy footwork on the field,” I tease.

“It sure helps.”

Over the next hour, we perfect our Waltz before moving onto a Foxtrot.

By the time Maria brings the class to a close, my heart is racing and the hair that has escaped my ponytail is sticking to the light sheen of sweat on my neck. I feel amazing, and I can’t wipe the smile off my face.

“Effie, you were fantastic,” Maria says, coming over to check in on me.

“It was my partner.”

She chuckles. “Of course, that helps. But you were fantastic on your own. Good rhythm and form.”

“Thank you.”

“Will we be seeing you again?” she inquires.

“Definitely. I’ve booked for Thursday.”

“Fantastic. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

She moves to another couple as Brax removes his shoes and pulls his sneakers on.

“Shall we go and get that drink?” he asks as he throws his bag over his shoulder.

Together, we walk out, the conversation flowing easily between us.

I feel like a completely different person from the nervous, overthinking woman who stepped into this building an hour ago.

We’ve barely stepped outside when Brax’s cell begins ringing.

He digs it out of his pocket and curses when he sees who it is.

“I’m really sorry, I’m going to have take a rain check.”

“Okay, sure.”

He stares at his still-ringing phone before looking back up at me.

“Talk to Kieran, okay? I won’t say anything until you do.”

A breath I didn’t realize I was holding comes rushing out of me.

“Okay. Thank you.”

The call rings off and he lowers his hand to his side.

“In return, don’t mention I was here with you. This is the only place I’ve managed to keep my attendance under wraps. I don’t need hordes of women turning up to be my next partner.”

“Of course. Your secret is safe with me.”

“See you Thursday?” he asks before his cell begins ringing again.

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