Page 14 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

Bri and Lisa were jumping up and down with glee. I pulled away from Dante and ran to the wings, looking for my little star of a pupil. She was fast asleep on her mom’s lap. I smiled and crouched down.

“Janey, sweetie, wake up.” I called.

“Madi?” She opened sleepy eyes and peered at me. “Is it over?”

I nodded, helping her sit up. “Do you hear that, Janey? They loved it, they loved us.”

She grinned. “Is it time for our bow?”

“Yep, come on little princess.” I smiled at her mom and took her hand before leading her onto the stage.

We all lined up and waited for the curtains to rise. Opening night rocked. My only regret was the fact Matt wasn’t out there in the audience. That would have made the night perfect. An hour later I was changed and still buzzing, laughing at any and everything as the patrons left. I was in such a good mood I had even spoken to the press people who had attended tonight’s show. Of course, they asked about my relationship with Matt and why he wasn’t here tonight, but I fielded those questions like a pro as I subtly pointed out the exits to them. See? Matt was rubbing off on me.

“Beautiful.” A Scottish voice said from behind me. “You’re beautiful when ye dance, my wee lass.”

I spun around, eyes wide with shock, and encountered the grinning face of Dougal McGregor. “Dougie.” I said much louder than I planned to.

His grin widened and he held a bouquet of flowers out to me, leaning down to press a kiss to my cheek. The sudden flash of lights escaped my notice as I peered at the Scotsman and took the sweet smelling roses.

“What on earth are you doing here?” I asked, still flabbergasted to see him.

“Och, did ye think I would forget? Ye couldnae stop talking about this show of yours when we went to lunch that day.” he teased. Then he got stern with me. “Ye’ve not been answering my calls. Do ye not want to speak to me, lass? Are ye avoiding me?”

I blushed under my dark skin and stuck my face into the soft petals of my bouquet. “Three missed calls isn’t avoiding you. I’ve beenbusy. These are lovely, by the way. Thank you. Did you enjoy our performance?”

“Aye.” he confirmed with a nod, reaching out to grasp my arm gently.

This time I noticed the flash of lights. Darn it. I thought the reporters had all left. “What did you like most?” I asked, stepping back slightly so he had to let go off my arm.

He regarded me for a second then flashed me his cheeky grin. “I’m not yet sure, Madi. Good thing I’ve got tickets for every night your show is on. I’ll let ye know on the final night.”

My mouth parted in surprise and Dougie fiddled with his cufflinks. He wore a simple black suit with a white shirt, no tie, and the first few buttons of his shirt weren’t done up.

“You bought tickets for every night?” I asked in disbelief.

He nodded with a pleased look on his face. His brown hair had grown since the last time I saw him. Thinking back to our lunch reminded me of the Skype tiff with Matt. Oh crap. Matt did not want me fraternizing with Dougie. Hence my ignoring the Scotsman’s calls. I hadn’t told Matt about the calls. I simply didn’t want to deal with the drama.

“Madi!” Dante was waving me over to where he stood with a bunch of people.

I held a hand up, signalling 5 minutes, then turned my attention back to Dougie. “I hope you didn’t feel obligated to come.”

He flashed me a charming smile and shrugged. “I wanted to see ye dance. Congratulations by the way. I read about your engagement to Bradley.”

I couldn’t stop my mouth from curling up at the mention of my engagement to Matt. “Thank you.”

Dougie glanced at my bare left hand and tsked. “Dinnae tell me he’s too cheap to buy ye a ring.”

I shook my head at him, stifling a laugh. He really was an amusing character. And I still loved his accent. “I’ll have you know he has bought me a ring. I’m sure there was a picture accompanying the article you read.”

He flashed white teeth at me, wearing that ‘aw shucks’ look on his face. “Aye, there was.” Then he changed the topic with a perplexed,“I prefer ye with those wild curls. What have ye done to your hair?”

Dougie brushed the hair off my shoulders before I could react.The hell?What was it with these men and my hair? Touching a black woman’s hair…I’m not a freaking doll.

I shook my head again. “I have to go mingle now, Dougie. I’m glad you enjoyed the show.”

“I’ll see ye tomorrow night then.” he said.

I clutched my roses. “Thank you for these. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

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