Page 64 of No Rhyme or Roughing
We followed her silently. I didn’t need a guide. This studio was imprinted on my memory. I thought of Savannah and her teachings every time I worked with a new client.
Mira left us outside the room, and I pushed open the door to reveal a large studio with a wooden floor. One entire wall was covered in mirrors. That part of dancing, I’d always hated. Staring at myself, wondering why I couldn’t look like the other dancers.
Ryder walked in without hesitation, and I followed.
“All right, Coach.” He turned to face me. “Teach me.”
One side of my mouth ticked up, and I walked to the stereo, queuing up an old-school playlist. “First, let’s loosen you up.”
“Wasn’t that what you did last night?”
I rolled my eyes to the ceiling, planting my hands onmy hips. “Lord, help me. Ryder Cassidy makes a joke for once in his life, and it’s at exactly the wrong time.”
I didn’t realize he’d closed the distance between us until I brought my gaze back down and he was right there, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.
“I make jokes.”
Shoving him away, I laughed. “Hardly. You’re so serious, Ry. But so is dance. It requires loosening up, but that doesn’t mean taking it lightly.”
He went quiet for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. “I can see why you’re so good at this.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because you care about it.” He rubbed his neck, looking away.
I reached for him, taking his hand between both of mine. “Which is exactly why you’ll be great. You care about the team. Have I told you how amazing I think you are?” I cleared my throat quickly. “I mean… for trying to save the team.”
His face softened. “Okay, I’m serious now. Let’s get to work.”
But he lied.
Every time I neared him to move his body and teach him, he stole a kiss. When I gripped his hips, showing him how to move them seductively, he licked the inside of my mouth.
I tried to get away, but he caught me around the waist, picking me up and spinning me twice. I kicked at him, but I didn’t really want him to let go.
And that was a problem.
When my feet were on solid ground once again, Iwatched him let loose and have fun. There were so many sides to this man it made my head swim.
“Ryder,” I stomped my foot, pretending to be angry as he goofed off again. “Are you even listening to me?”
He sauntered toward me, lifting the bottom of his shirt to wipe his face, abs on full display.
“You’re not playing fair.” I backed up, swirling a hand in the air. “Put those away.”
“Put what away?” he asked, his voice tinged with innocence.
“You know what.”
“I think I’m going to need you to explain. Better yet, come show me.”
“You are an insufferable man.” I reached for his shirt, but instead of using it to cover his abs, I yanked him toward me, stealing my kind of kiss. This one wasn’t light or quick. It was a kiss I could get lost in if I let myself.
“My brother,” I breathed against his mouth, “canneverknow about us.”
“I agree.”
He held me to him, his hands exploring my back, my ribs, my ass.
