Page 23 of Lovers' Dance

My cell rang again. “Where are you, Lis? Dante called and he was getting worried.”

“I ducked into a café, Madi. That was crazy, wasn’t it? Have you heard from the others?”

“Just Dante. Have you heard from Brianna?”

“She sent a text. Are you close to the meet point?” she asked.

“No, I’m going to get something to eat first. Oh my God, did you see Liam’s face when those two guys checked out his junk? I swear he’s never going to wear a leotard for another snap dance.”

“Ha. Um, listen. Eddie’s been griping about the choreography, Madi. He said you and Dante never take his views on board.”

My eyes widened. “Did he really say that?”

“Yes, was a bit rude about it too. I don’t know. He must have been having a bad day or something. Do you want me to let Dante know?”

“No, there’s no need to get Dante involved. It’s my dance company, I’ll sort it out. Look, I’ll see you later and we can talk then. Bye.” I hung up, fuming internally at what Lisa had confided in me.

“You okay?” Matt asked after a moment of silence.

“Yeah, I mean, yes. Where would you like to grab something to eat? That pub coming up looks okay.”

Matt and Nathan exchanged a look. A snotty sort of look. I noticed that Nathan was wearing a suit similar to Matt’s. Great. He was probably another rich white man. It was expected, the wealthy were a cliquey group.

“I’m starving, Matt. I know you’ve probably never eaten in a place like that, but I doubt I could afford the sort of restaurants you normally frequent.”

“It’s fine, Madi,” he replied.

“Great,” I said, a touch too brightly. “Now both of you keep your eyes front, I have to change my clothes.”

They both looked at each other, then their heads jerked forward. Matt’s gaze was jumping between the road in front and the rear view mirror though.

“No peeking,” I warned as I pulled my t-shirt out of my bag.

“You’re no fun, poppet,” he drawled, then started looking for a parking spot while I changed in the backseat.

Matt felt like a teenaged boy on a first date. Over-excited, nervous and hoping to go all the way. He stole a look in the mirror, willing her to flash him some more of her smooth dark skin. Beautiful. She was so damn beautiful it made him ache. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nathan reaching up towards the sun visor.

“Don’t even think about it,” he growled in a low voice to his friend.

“What?” Nathan whispered back, trying for an innocent look and failing miserably. “The sun’s in my eyes.”

“My fist will be in your eye if you touch that visor,” he warned quietly.

“What was that?” she called from behind his seat, sounding muffled.

“Nothing. Are you finished, Madi? I need to reverse into that spot.”

I told him I was done as I pulled my favourite cowboy boots out my bag and stuffed my ballet shoes in. I thought about freshening up my make-up, but what the hell? It wasn’t like we were on a date. We were going to get something to eat, a thank you for him rescuing me again. I was trying my best not to think about what we’d gotten up to that night in his bed.Shit. Had he told his friend about that?

Matt parked as I pulled my hair up into a loose ponytail. Nathan was openly staring at me. Was he a weirdo?

Once the car was parked, Matt jumped out to open the door for me. I stepped out of the car, then flung myself into his arms. He stood frozen for a second before wrapping his arms tightly around me.

“You’re the best, Matt,” I murmured into his neck. He smelt so good. “I can’t believe you rescued me again.”

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