Page 60 of In Step

“He’s such a bossy shit,” Morgan grumbled as they danced past. “I’m taking him fishing next week to get my revenge.”

“I hate fishing.” Judah kissed Morgan’s cheek.

“Precisely.” Morgan switched holds to take lead, walking Judah backward. That lasted about five seconds until Judah promptly switched them back.

Leroy and Fox had come a long way in the lessons we’d had so far. The biggest issue was persuading Leroy to stop fighting Fox for control. Fox was a natural lead, a solid, calm presence, not to mention, very tall.

“Relax, Leroy.” I adjusted their embrace. “You guys look great together when you just let Fox do what he’s supposed to do.”

Fox shot me a wink. “As with everything in our relationsh—ow!” He hopped on one foot, rubbing at his shin. “What the fuck, Leroy?”

Leroy smirked. “Sorry, must’ve slipped.”

Judah watched the mothers, and Leroy and Fox, while I spent quite a bit of time with May and Linc, and Jon and Connie, all of whom had danced a little rock and roll in their past, except for Jon, although he at least knew how to partner. After thirty minutes or so, with the basics under their belt, I sent them out onto the floor, promising to shoot them some music and website links so they could rehearse at home. They stumbled around a little, but Judah stuck close, giving instructions and using himself and Morgan as examples while I circled the room.

Cora and Martha were the best of the lot—they’d clearly been practising. I adjusted their holds now and then, gave them a few tips, and then let them go rather than getting too bogged down in details or small errors. I’d broken the dance into a very simple choreography for them. This was all about fun and tickling up some interest in classes for Judah—showing what could be achieved in a short amount of time. It was never about perfection, and just as well. I smiled to myself. There were more errant elbows and wayward feet in the room than a beginner’s ballet class. But there was also a ton of laughter.

I wandered the room, grinning at all the furrowed brows, tongues poked between teeth, and glares directed my way when I reminded people to look up and not down at their feet. Not to mention the occasional laughter when couples banged into each other. All in all, they weren’t too bad for a bunch of beginners.

I watched and smiled and made suggestions and ached so damn hard for Kane to be with me on the floor, I could hardly bear it. The thought of him alone in his bedsit, while we were all down here dancing and having fun, did funny things to my stomach. Stupid, protective urges.

I rolled my eyes at myself. I’d barely known Kane for a week. What the hell did I think was going to happen between us? I travelled the world for a job while Kane... hell, Kane had no idea what he wanted in life. Nothing past settling things with his father and his sister and nephew. He had no life plan, no career, no particular goals beyond that. He wasn’t even out.

Maybe that was just the age difference, and I wasn’t sure it even mattered. Maybe not, if I lived here. Because none of it spoke to Kane’s strength, his courage, his humble honesty, and the way he owned all of himself, good and bad, just trying to make his life work and make amends. But Ididn’tlive here. And I was so deep in trouble over him, I wasn’t sure I could find my way out.

And I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

I reached for my phone and texted him.Wish I was dancing with you.

He replied in seconds. Me too.More dots came and went.Or that you were here in bed with me.

The thought definitely stirred some interest.Don’t tempt me.

Dots came and went.I know you and Judah are working this weekend, but I was thinking about what you said. I have next Saturday off and I was thinking I could give you that tour, if you still want?

I definitely want.More than I should.

Great. You can say I’m giving you a ride into Whangarei if anyone asks.

Right. It was a timely reminder the man wasn’t out, and no guarantee that the planned conversation with Leroy would even happen.Sure. Morgan offered to drive me around since Judah can’t but I don’t want to take up their weekends. I can spin it.

More dots.It’s nothing special just Painted Bay according to Kane.

I frowned at the screen and wrote without thinking.If I’m with you it’s always special. I stared at the words, my thumb hovering over the backspace. But an image rose in my mind from the night before—Kane wrapped in my arms with my lips buried in his hair.Fuck it.I pushed send.

A few seconds later his single-word reply plastered a sappy grin on my face, wide enough to be seen from space.Same.

Still smiling, I pocketed the phone and looked up to find the music had stopped and everyone was chatting. Everyone except Leroy who stood a couple of metres away, staring at me like he could read my mind.

“Someone special?” He arched a brow, and I almost laughed at his choice of words.

“Just my brother,” I lied. “Organising the Wellington trip.”

Leroy’s cagey look said he didn’t believe me, but he let it go and I took the opportunity to change the subject and glanced to where Cora stood talking with Judah.

“Things look to have settled with your mum.”

He followed my gaze. “Yeah. She’s a strong personality and it’s gonna take some time, but at least she’s listening. And I think she said something to Kane, cos she kind of took him on as a project as well, and I’m sure that’s getting old fast. Still, if Judah and I can get a simple door knock out of her, we’ll have struck the motherlode. I can’t tell you how many times she’s arrived unannounced in the middle of... stuff.” He flushed bright red, and I bit back a smile.

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