Page 48 of In Step

Leroy scowled and Fox shot me a wink that said,well played.

“Shows what he knows” was all Leroy said, but there was a new and determined cut to his jaw and I knew in that moment that getting him all the way to the recital was in the bag.

“It’s just a surprise, that’s all.” He shot me a curious look. “Because, well, it’s Kane. He’s like the lone wolf of lone wolves. The guy won’t even go down to the wharf with us in the morning. Always walks.”

“Have you actually asked him?”

Leroy’s look of surprise quickly turned into a frown. “Well—” His gaze jerked to Fox, who finished for him.

“No, not lately, and maybe that’s on us. He refused at the beginning, so we just left him alone. But you’re right. It’s winter. We should check in again.”

I shrugged, trying to backpedal my interest. “That’s up to you. I just think a lot of people leave Kane alone because it’s easier. But he’s a quiet guy and he knows what people think of him. He’ll never push himself.”

Leroy’s gaze burned two holes in my head. “You seem to know quite a bit about him for such a short time.”

“Not at all. But sometimes it’s easier for outsiders to see stuff, right?”

Leroy continued to study me. “Right.”

“Well, thanks for the heads-up.” Fox left to finish dressing, and after another long second or two, Leroy followed.

I breathed a sigh of relief and hightailed it back to my room to check on emails and continue my refresher course on HIV. Yep, I was doing really well with the whole walking-away option.

Fifteen minutes later, the outdoor security light clicked on, and Leroy’s SUV fired up. Shortly after, the sound of boots on the bedsit stairs had me scrambling to the window to peer through the sheeting rain. Kane glanced my way and a frown tugged at his brow. I gave him a wide smile and eventually his mouth turned up at the corners.

Then Fox called his name, flagging him over with a hand out the passenger window. They talked for a few seconds with lots of gesticulations on Fox’s part, and then Kane clambered into the back of the SUV, throwing me a what-the-fuck look out the window as they drove off.

A few seconds later, a text arrived on my phone.Was this your doing?

If it’s a good thing, yes. If not, then hell no.

Dots came and went.I guess it’s a good thing. Didn’t feel like getting wet. Thank you.

Thank Christ for that.They asked what I was doing last night. Heard the music. Rookie mistake, sorry. I said I’d roped you in as my guinea pig for dancing lessons. I think they bought it.I waited.

This reply took a lot longer but was succinct in its message.Fuck.

Yep, pretty much.

* * *

“How much wiggle room do I have?” May stood at my back, fluffing my hair while she stared in the mirror wearing a frown of concentration.

“Nothing too short,” I clarified, suddenly nervous. “I want it longer on top, a bit like Judah’s, but I definitely want it buzzed around the ears and up off my collar. It’s getting in the way with the kids. It got caught in Hannah’s elbow crutch yesterday when I was helping her place her feet, and if it has to be up in a bun all the time, then I may as well try something new, right?”

She narrowed her gaze. “So, you’re saying you trust me? Because I know you creative types, and far be it from me to mess with thetalent.”

I snorted. “Sounds like you’ve been there before?”

“Honey, you have no idea.”

“Well, I’m way too long in the tooth for that nonsense, so you’re safe.”

She circled me once again, still studying my hair. “Okay, I’m gonna keep it tight around the ears like you want, but I’m going to leave a little more length at the back than you asked for. It won’t get in your way, but it will look more balanced.”

I gave her a thumbs-up.

“Good.” She patted my shoulder, keeping her eyes on mine in the mirror. “How’s Judah?”

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