Page 39 of Love is a Dance Step
Because Lola was not a dancer. That was what everyone told her, right? She loved to dance, that was never in question, but did dance love her?
She scrolled through her phone for one of Drew’s songs, but he closed his hand over hers. “We’re not going to dance to one of mine. This won’t be choreographed, just two people dancing together.”
Her breath caught in her throat as she led him into an empty studio, the only one not being used for the kids’ program. A few days ago, she’d sat watching Drew on stage and knowing that he’d forever be a stranger, a man to idolize for his dancing.
And now?
He wasn’t what she’d expected. There was a cocky air about him, a surety. He didn’t care what anyone else thought. He trusted his own eyes, his own feelings. And that had led him to Lola.
For some reason unknown to her.
Lola had never been special, never the one chosen. She spent her life in love with a guy who dated half of Gulf City. Her mom never chose to be around, her dad didn’t stay past her first birthday.
Yet, here she stood in front of someone beloved by millions of fans around the world, and he was looking at her.
If only it could last. “What do you want me to play?”
“Fate byFate. Don’t tell Ben, but it’s my favorite song.”
She shook her head as she found it on Spotify. When would Lola Ramirez ever speak to Ben Evans? It was ridiculous.
She hit play, and the music came through the recessed speakers in the ceiling.
Drew held out a hand. “Come here.”
She set her palm against his, letting him tug her closer. He dipped his head so his breath grazed her ear. “Don’t be nervous, Lola. Just dance.” His other hand came up to rest on her lower back, and his hips swayed, carrying hers with them.
Lola felt every point of connection, everywhere their bodies touched.
“Come on, Lola.” He grinned. “Show me what you’ve got.” He whirled her away from him before pulling her back.
As the music played, Lola grew bold, pressing herself tighter against Drew, running a hand down his arm. She broke away from him to go through a series of solo steps, and he mirrored each move, only a beat behind her.
She grinned over at him, and he smiled back. He twirled her toward him, and she laughed as they collided.
Drew dipped his head so their eyes connected as they moved, the intensity amplifying.
Dancing with Drew felt like lighting a match to everything she’d thought she wanted and watching it burn. It changed something fundamental inside her, shaking her foundation.
It was exciting and so dang hot she worried she’d combust.
When Drew touched her, she didn’t want it to end.
But that was the thing. She’d spent so long in love with the Stone brother who wanted everyone but her. If she did this, if she went on tour with Drew and spent her nights dancing with him on stage, she’d fall in love with him.
Irreconcilably in love.
Because love was in the dance steps. Connection was why she craved it. Connection with the earth, with herself.
And now… with Drew.
She couldn’t let herself spend another ten years pining after someone else.
And that was why, even though she wanted this with all her heart, she still had to tell Drew no.
* * *
As soon as the music ended, Lola wanted to leave. Scratch that, she knew she needed to. Yet, something held her in place. Drew’s eyes didn’t leave her face as his chest heaved. He kept his arm around her, pulling her against him so their ragged breathing moved in sync.
