Page 77 of Dance with Me
To his side, Natasha snickered. “You’re so corny,” she muttered. But then she slipped her hand around his arm, like she was staking a claim, and he loved that.
“Damaris is the one who got me the interview,” Natasha explained. “And Jeff hired me. Even though I didn’t have boobs.”
Jeff tapped the clipboard against his thigh. “I would have been stupid not to hire you. Your dance audition blew us away, and you picked up the pole technique faster than most. I only wish you’d stayed longer.”
Natasha turned a grateful smile on Jeff and Renee. “I always said it would be temporary.”
Dimitri stiffened. There was that word again.Temporary.Just like living with him.
Jeff nodded and sounded wistful. “I know. And I get that this place isn’t anyone’s dream job. But you were such a pro.”
Renee leaned in. “We always vote for you onThe Dance Off.Any hints as to who you’re paired with next season?”
Natasha pressed a finger to her lips. “You know I can’t tell. Besides, I haven’t met him yet. We’re still a few weeks away from filming.”
Renee heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Fine.” Then she sent Dimitri a wink. “Nice meeting you, Mr. Judge.”
They said their goodbyes and left, getting in the car to head toKrasavitsa.
The wordtemporarystill rattled around in Dimitri’s thoughts as he drove. Was that how she felt about his place in her life? Something here now, gone tomorrow?
Chert,that had been the nature of their relationship all these years. But he didn’t think of her that way. Even when he’d kept his distance, she’d been a constant—in his thoughts, in his heart. An eventuality. What if he’d waited too long?
“Have you ever been toKrasavitsa?” he asked, just to break the silence.
She shook her head. “What does it mean?”
“Beauty. My mother named it.”
This restaurant was where he spent most of his time. How was it possible she’d never been here?
Because until a few weeks ago, he’d never been close enough to a woman to show her this place. Maybe Babe Planet was the same for Natasha. A secret she kept close, because she didn’t trust other people with it.
Now that he’d been there, he couldn’t remember why it had been so important that she tell him. He’d wanted to know everything about her, sure, but why?
When he dug deep, the answer was rooted in security, not trust. If he knew everything there was to know, if he could shine a light in all the dark recesses, maybe then he’d feel comfortable enough to take the next step with her. To risk putting his heart on the line.
But this secret hadn’t done that. Yes, he was grateful she’d trusted him with it, especially since she hadn’t told anyone else, not even her best friend. She’d trusted him not to judge her, or make her feel ashamed. He valued that trust and didn’t take it for granted.
But it hadn’t made him feel any more or less secure. She’d lived a life before she met him. She’d made decisions, and while he was curious about her motives so he could learn more about what made her tick, knowing every piece of her past didn’t change how he felt about her. He loved her for who she was now, and all those decisions had led her to this point. He wouldn’t judge her for them, although he did want to be part of her decisions going forward.
He thought of the contract burning a hole in his desk drawer. Of the Idea Book. Of Alex’s voicemails. He had his own things he was holding close.
Still, she’d shared part of her life with him, and it was only right he do the same.
Besides, he loved her. Whether she accepted it, returned it, or . . . some other outcome, he wanted to show her the restaurant. And he wanted the restaurant to see her. She was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman, in a partner. Everything he ever would want. The restaurant was like family. They should meet her.
Although he still wasn’t ready for his mother to get involved yet.
Besides, it was ridiculous to be nervous. He’d dated tons of women. Well, not tons. Lots. Dozens? Anyway, he’d gone on dates. Taken women to dinner, movie premieres, live shows, and fancy parties. It was part of the lifestyle. You got a plus one, and there was no shortage of women desperate to fill that role.
Not because of him. He wasn’t quitethategotistical. But for the fame. The chance to brush elbows and maybe get a leg up. He knew people and, thanks to the diversification of his interests, he got invited to a lot of places.
But he’d never taken Natasha to any of those events, and he’d never broughtanywomen toKrasavitsa.It was the equivalent of introducing her to his family. He’d never hear the end of it.
He cleared his throat. “Remember that time I ran into you at the perfume launch party?”
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “Yeah . . .”
