Page 11 of Love is a Dance Step
And Asher knew it. He knew she’d never let him go. There was a time he was different, and she clung to the sweet childhood friend she’d revered.
Her leg bounced in time with the beat as the crowd stood around them, swaying to the music.
“People in the front row shouldn’t stand,” Asher grumbled. “It’s rude.”
“You know, we could stand.”
He shot her his patented ‘don’t be stupid’ look.
By the time the rest of the Stone family joined them, it was a welcome break. Nora slid into the seat on Lola’s other side and flashed her a grin.
The woman—she couldn’t remember her name—finished her final song and grinned at the audience. “Thank you, Tampa. You’ve been wonderful.” The crowd cheered. “Now, I know you aren’t all here to see me. Two major acts follow mine, and I know you’re really here for Drew Stone! He’ll be out shortly.”
The crowd waited restlessly for about ten minutes or so as the dark-clad crew raced across the stage. Finally, the lights dimmed and shadows ran out, taking up positions as the crowd chanted Drew’s name. Lola scooted forward on her seat, her hands gripping the arms while she tried to see Drew.
The music started first, a familiar beat Lola could have hummed in her sleep. It was one of Drew’s earliest songs, a crowd favorite. The people surrounding them jumped to their feet as the lights flashed a rainbow of colors, revealing the dancers crowded onto the stage.
Drew emerged from them as he picked up the first line of the song. The dancers stood frozen behind him, letting his voice lift to the rafters until the beat picked up.
The back row of dancers started moving, their steps perfectly timed, before the next row started until they reached the front where a lone woman showcased her skills.
Leah Baker. Lola had read about her. Drew’s concerts featured a whole host of dancers, but only one ever dancedwithhim. She led them all like a maestro directing her orchestra.
She seemed to float across the stage until she reached Drew. He reached out a hand and spun her toward him.
The crowd erupted as their dance kicked up.
This was what she’d imagined a Drew Stone concert was like, why she’d pored over YouTube videos. The dancing spoke to her, it entranced her. Watching Drew and Leah on stage called to the dreams she’d made herself forget.
“Come on, Lola!” Nora yelled as she jumped to her feet to dance along, pride glowing on her face. She reached down to pull Lola up.
Asher’s tense posture beside her no longer mattered. He couldn’t keep her from enjoying a show unlike any other, for appreciating the athleticism and talent it took to stand on that stage.
The other dancers didn’t hold a candle to Leah and Drew and the connection that was so obvious between them. They’d been dancing together for years, and it showed. But his voice… deep, much deeper than anyone would expect. It made the hairs on Lola’s arms stand on end.
Nora screamed at the top of her lungs, and Lola joined in, forgetting about everything else except this moment and the pure joy of living in this music.
By the time the song ended, Drew was already panting. But she knew from articles about him that he was tireless. He could dance for hours.
He walked to the front of the stage, a grin on his handsome face. Running a hand through his blond hair, he laughed. “Boy, it is good to be home.”
The crowd screamed.
“I grew up just north of here in Gulf City, and I’ve got to admit, I’m a little nervous tonight. My parents are in the crowd along with my three sisters and my brother.”
His eyes found their seats, and Lola sucked in a breath, unable to take her eyes from him. On a basic level, she knew his gaze was for his family who surrounded her, but still, the look burrowed into her, and she couldn’t move.
A section of the crowd yelling “We love you, Drew!” seemed to snap him out of a momentary daze, and he tore his eyes away.
“I love you too.” He chuckled. “So, why don’t we show my family just what we can do?”
The crowd yelled their approval.
“This one is for my sisters. I’m just a small-town Florida kid who somehow ended up on this stage. Living proof that anything is possible.” He smiled in their direction.
Stepping back, he dropped his chin to his chest. Leah joined him. Their moves started slow, matching the rhythm of the song as Drew sang. His words picked up momentum and so did the dance steps.
“Lola,” Asher called. “Sit down.”
