Page 15 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Until tomorrow.” he repeated and winked before walking away.

I blinked quickly. That was weird. Why did he make it sound like a date? I sniffed my roses and hurried over to Dante’s group.

“And here is my partner in crime.”

Dante flung an arm across my shoulder when I stood by his side. He made the introductions and I grinned at everyone while accepting their praises for how well we had done. This socializing I could deal with. Not some stuffy function where I couldn’t laugh madly or fool around without fear of reprisal.

“Yourpas de deuxwas exceptional.” A soft spoken female voice said from behind me.

I turned around quickly to voice my thanks and encountered a young black woman with chunky braids and shy eyes. “Thanks. Did you enjoy the show?”

She nodded quickly and tugged at the collar of her coat. “I just wanted to say you were great on stage. You don’t really see many black people doing what you do.”

My gaze searched her features. Now that I assessed her properly, she looked around my age, maybe a bit older. I gave her a friendly smile. “Well, hopefully that will change in the future.”

She fidgeted then started backing away. “You were great.”

Before I could thank her again she spun around and fled towards the exits. Okay then. Fingers cross my quota of strange interactions had been filled tonight. It was gone 1am when we finally left. I drove home quickly, wanting to be in bed before my buzz fizzled out. Today was a new day and we would have to do it all over again this evening. I freaking loved my career. After a shower I donned my p.js and risked a call to my knight. Russia was 3hours behind, he just mightstill be awake.

“Hello? Matt?” The connection was scratchy.

“Poppet? Is that you?”

“Yes. Can you hear me? The line’s all funny.”

“Hold on a moment…there, any better?”

I could hear him clearly now. I snuggled under the duvet and smiled to myself.

“Tell me,” he ordered in his deep voice. “How was opening night?”

“It was great, hon, everything was perfect.” I gushed.

“I’m glad to hear it. I wish I could’ve been there.” The regret he felt was obvious.

My heart tugged at the tone of his voice. “I know, Matt. How are things with you? Is it very cold over there?”

He let out a snort. “Freezing, but the hotel is pleasant enough. Adam returned to his room not too long before you called. We spent most of the day going through reports.”

I made a sympathetic sound then decided to bite the bullet before cowardice won out. “Umm, I have something to tell you, but you must promise not to act crazy.”

There was a slight pause before Matt said, “What is it, poppet?”

“Promise first,” I hedged.

Another deliberate pause on his end. One that lasted almost a minute. Man. Why did I have to fall in love with a ruthless business tycoon? One minute turned to two and I heard him clearing his throat in a threatening manner.

“Matt, this is running up my phone bill. Just promise and I’ll tell you.” I negotiated.

“Tell me whatever it is you feel you have to tell me and then I’ll decide what my response will be.” he replied in a tone that brooked no argument.

Stupid domineering man.

I sighed out loud then took a deep breath before ’fessing up. “Dougie came to the show tonight and I know you don’t want me talking to him but I couldn’t very well ignore him and he’s a really nice person so I don’t get why you don’t like him but he bought me flowers and he kissed me hello and I think a photographer got a picture so it might be in the papers or maybe not but I’m telling younow so you won’t be mad if it is and,” I had to take a deep breath here and I rushed to finish before Matt could yell at me. “He said he bought tickets for every night the show is on and that’s really sweet don’t you think? But I didn’t speak to him for long maybe less than five minutes so you can’t get angry but I didn’t want to be rude and I got your bouquet by the way I loved it.” Another deep gasp for air. “I love you veryverymuch please don’t shout.”

I closed my eyes and waited, phone pressed to my ear. Maybe I shouldn’t hold it so close in preparation of the expected tirade.

“Where exactly did he kiss you?” Matt asked in a quiet voice.

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