Page 24 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

Adam’s grin didn’t waver but Matt saw the flash of regret in hisbrother’s eyes as he said, “Marital bliss isn’t for everyone. Look at our own bloody parents.”

Matt peered at him. “Do you miss her? Caitlin, that is. Do you miss her at all?”

Adam turned back towards the window, shoulders drooping slightly. “Ah, sometimes, but it’s been what? Almost five years? I made my choice and she made hers, it’s the past.”

Matt felt pity for him. And immense gratitude that the woman he loved was waiting back home for him. “God. I can’t wait to go home.”

Adam turned around with a chuckle. “Missing your poppet?” he teased.

“Yes,” Matt replied without hesitation. “I bloody well am.”

“She is petite, isn’t she?” Adam continued to tease. “In comparison to you I mean, how do you fit your-”

“Shut up, you twat.” Matt cut him off with a shake of his head and a good-natured grin.

“Right then,” Adam smoothed his brown hair back. “Shall we order room service or have breakfast in the restaurant?”

“Whichever you prefer, Adam.” Matt said, attention going to his mobile. “I need to make a few calls.” He grabbed up his phone and walked away. First he would call the investigator to check where things stood. Then he would call his woman. He needed to hear her voice. He needed to go home.

CHAPTER 3

“I can’t findmy shoes!” Gerrard yelled in annoyance as he manhandled his way through some of the other dancers. “Who moved my bloody stuff?”

I rolled my eyes, pulling on my own pointe shoes. It was the final night of our two weeks performance. We all had mixed feelings about it.

“Have you checked in the rec room?” Liam turned around, hand covering his junk. I averted my eyes and checked my costume wasn’t too tight. When had he gotten that new tattoo?

“Thirty minutes until curtains up.” Gloria advised as she entered the crowded changing rooms. She slipped in between half-naked bodies and waved me over.

“What’s up?” I asked over one of our temporary dancer’s crouched form.

“Dante needs you on stage.” she said quickly before spinning on her heels and once again dodging half-naked bodies as she exited the room.

“Ugh.” I muttered softly and made my way pass the people racing to get dressed for our final show. What did Dante want now? Well, only one way to find out. Ten minutes later I was striding onto my stage. Dante stood at the edge of the stage, sneakily peeking through a crack between the heavy stage curtains.

“What do you want?” I asked on my approach. The sounds of a rapidly filling auditorium gave me a small dose of the jitters.

“Is that the director from the Royal Ballet sat in our front row?” he hissed.

“You are shitting me.” I gushed as I slid up to him and peeked out the tiny gap. “Is it him?”

“Looks like him.” Dante replied nervously. “But it can’t be. Why the fuck would he be here? It can’t be him.”

We looked at each other, then simultaneously went back to peeking.

“No, it’s not him, Dante.” I decided.

“You’re right.” Dante agreed, pulling me back from the curtains. “Idon’t know why I thought it was him. Last night, sweet cheeks.” he said, changing the topic with a wide grin.

“Tell me about it,” I murmured, gently dabbing away the smudge in his eye makeup. “I don’t know if to cry or roll on the floor in anticipation of four weeks off.”

Dante licked his index finger and ran it over my left eyebrow, smoothing it down. It wasn’t gross, it was just, well, itwasgross but it was Dante and there was no need to get eeked out.

“I told you I’m going home, right?” he reminded me. “My flight’s on the 2nd of January.”

“Yeah, yes, you mentioned it. How long are you staying?” I didn’t want to dwell on the fact my best friend was going home in the next five days.

Dante gave me an exasperated look. “How long is the corp off for?”

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