Page 60 of Declan
He started the machine, revving it gently as they retraced their path. The once-clear tracks were nearly obscured by fresh snow, urging Declan to push forward with urgency. He leaned back to speak to Elise over the engine’s hum.
“Keep an eye on Tank, please.”
“I will,” she reassured him, glancing at the dog trotting alongside them through the swirling snow.
Once they returned to the cozy warmth of the house, they didn’t linger. Instead, they hurriedly climbed into his truck, eager to get her home safely. The promise of dinner together would have to wait for another day. Outside, snowflakes tumbled from the sky in a swirling dance, carpeting the world in a thick, white blanket. The way the snow was falling, it seemed like a small miracle that he might make it back home without incident.
After he dropped her off at her doorstep, he leaned in and kissed her softly, savoring the moment. She pleaded with him to stay, but he shook his head regretfully. He explained with a smile that he needed to get back because of Tank. With a reassuring nod, he gestured for her to go inside where it was warm and safe, promising to call as soon as he reached his home.
The journey back took him over an hour, the tires of his truck crunching through the thick snow. When he finally arrived, heimmediately let her know he was safe and sound. He ended the call with a promise to see her soon, his heart yearning for that moment to come sooner rather than later.
Chapter Nine
The following Saturday, Declan knocked on the door to the dance studio, but got no answer, so he pulled on it, surprised that the door wasn’t locked, entered and heard classical music. Rays of late afternoon sun streaked through high windows. Maybe she was teaching another class since some had been cancelled due to the snow.
Following the sound, he padded across the wooden floor, heading toward the back. He hadn’t seen Elise since last weekend when they were at the cabin and the snow cut their visit short.
By Wednesday, the weather had warmed enough to melt most of it, but it was just a teaser because more snow was predicted. Declan had to see her. Text messages and calls weren’t enough.
At the doorway of the largest room, he halted, folding his arms across his chest and leaning one shoulder against the frame. He watched Elise whirl beneath a cascade of golden light, her tight black shorts clinging to her sculpted thighs, her matching sports bra revealing the graceful curve of her waist. Each of her moves seemed to defy gravity; she rose onto the tips of her satin-tipped ballet slippers, extended one slender leg behind her, then glided into the next move with effortless precision.
He watched her for several minutes, in awe of her movements. When she leaped into the air, he shook his head in admiration;thiswas her passion.
When she rounded to face him, her smile brightened the entire room. She darted to the shelf holding a small silver stereo, fingers dancing over her phone screen. The music stopped. She grinned and sauntered to him, chest rising with the afterglow of exertion.
“What are you doing here?” she asked. Her cheeks held a rosy glow.
“I thought maybe you’d get lunch with me.”
She brushed damp strands of hair behind her ear. “I’d love to, but I’m sweaty and I need a shower.”
A slow grin curved on his lips, then he pressed a gentle kiss to her soft lips. “I like you sweaty,” he teased, laughing when she swatted him playfully.
“Maybe you could shower with me.”
“That’s the best idea I’ve heard today, but I’m on duty.” Declan pushed off the doorframe.
She glanced toward the wall clock. “Isn’t it a little late for lunch?”
He shrugged, tucking his thumbs into the beltloops of his jeans. “I’ve been busy.”
She planted a quick kiss on him, rising on her toes until her lips met his. “Are you coming by later?” Her brow creased with curiosity. “Wasn’t the door locked?”
“No.” He straightened.
“No, what? You’re not coming by later or the door wasn’t locked?” She tilted her head and bit her lip to stop a grin.
“Yes, I’m coming by later, and no, the door wasn’t locked.”
Elise shook her head. “Well, damn. Erica must have forgotten.” She gave him one last kiss before stepping back.
“I thought you were teaching a class since some were cancelled last week.” He removed his thumbs from the loops and brushed a tender kiss to her forehead. “You were beautiful out there. What was that piece?”
“Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. My favorite.”
He smiled wryly. “I don’t usually listen to classical, but that one’s familiar. You were absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks. Sometimes I stay on Saturdays to dance aftereveryone leaves. I dance for an hour.”
