Page 51 of Declan
“Elizabeth, you could be doing so much more teaching with me. You’d make an excellent ballet teacher. Do you know that most of my students know who you are? I have that beautiful photo of you on stage dancing inSwan Lakeas Princess Odette. You were pure perfection in that. I keep that photo in the studio to show the students just what they can accomplish.”
“I’m flattered, but I am very happy here.”
Wynonna looked at the watch on her wrist, then stood and Elise did too. “I need to go. Walk me out.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go so soon.”
“This was just a quick stop to see you. We’ll talk more.”
Elise took her hand, and they entered the lobby. She smiled when she saw Declan leaning against the counter, talking to Erica. He straightened up and smiled when he saw her.
“Declan, I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I just thought I’d stop in and see if you wanted to get lunch together.” He grinned, then looked at Wynonna. “Ma’am,” he said as he touched the brim of his hat.
“Wynonna, this is Deputy Declan Cavanaugh. Declan, my ballet teacher and mentor, Wynonna Branson.”
Declan removed his hat, put his hand out to Wynonna, and shook her hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too.” Wynonna looked at Elise. “I can see why you’re happy here, but please give it some thought. The students would love you.” She kissed Elise on the cheek, smiled at Declan and Erica then walked out into the bitter cold.
Elise blinked back tears as she watched her leave. She hated letting her down, but Elise knew her place was here in Clifton with Declan. She looked at him.
“I’ll grab my coat.”
“Sure.”
“Come to my office with me.”
Elise entered her office, and Declan closed the door behind them. She started toward the peg where her coat hung, but he wrapped his fingers around her wrist, pulled her close, and kissed her lips.
Elise wrapped her arms around his waist, then stared into his eyes.
“Do you know how sexy you look in this protective vest?”
“No, I can’t say that I do.”
She laughed. “It’s very sexy. This gun on your side. The badge on your shirt, but this cowboy hat is the sexiest of all,” she said with a smile.
“Do you know what’s sexy about you?”
“What?”
“Everything.” He kissed her lips again, then raised them. “What was your ballet teacher doing here?”
“She stopped in on her way to California for a show. I haven’t seen her in a while.”
“What did she want you to think about?”
“She wants me to return to New York and work with her, teaching ballet.”
“I see.”
“I’m not going, Declan.”
“Are you sure?”
