Page 7 of Forbidden Dance
“This is a really special class,” he says.
“Of course it is,” I say, maybe a little more haughtily than I intend, and head toward Gabriella.
He rushes to catch up. “Is this one your sister?”
That panic rushes through me again. Behind us, the music restarts and Janel begins talking the girls through their movements. I take this as my cue to ignore his question.
When we get to Gabriella, Blitz says, “Show me the arm movements, and I’ll stop you when I see something we can work on.”
“Okay,” Gabriella says shyly. She maneuvers her chair so she can see Janel and picks up the dance in the middle. I’m proud of how she can just pop in and still fall into the flow of the dance. She’s smart.
Her arms sway left and right, and she reaches down to turn her chair at the right moment, then lifts her arm again.
Blitz watches, his hand on his chin, rubbing his cheek with his fingers. I find myself staring, wondering about the feel of that stubble, when he stops Gabriella.
“Okay, I see a couple places where you can choose a slightly different moment to reach for your chair in the turn, and get a little more arm movement in.”
I step away, realizing I can be better used with the main group. But I feel a little in awe of him. He’s actually saying things that make sense, and the dance will be better with his close attention, whether he really knows ballet or not.
Even as I walk toward the other girls, I watch the two of them in the mirror. Seeing my daughter with this man does something to my heart that makes it feel like it’s only just now started to beat again.
Chapter 4
As the mothers enter the studio to fetch their daughters, I hang back in the corner near the sound system. Some of them know Blitz and stop to talk with him and indulge their curiosity. His star power is striking. Almost all of them get flirty, tucking their hair behind their ears and giggling like girls half their age.
I have to turn away, although I do glance surreptitiously in the mirror to see if Gwen is like that. She’s actually single, unlike the others. It’s been well over a year since the accident, and she hasn’t dated anyone, at least not as far as I can see from stalking her Facebook page. She’s still deeply mourning her husband.
But she is the most straightforward of the mothers, thanking Blitz for spending time with her daughter and following a glowing Gabriella out of the room.
Janel sets up for the next class, and Danika heads to the foyer to greet the parents, as is her custom during the transition. Blitz stands at the door, watching the girls wheel out.
I linger in the corner, not feeling brave enough to pass by him. I’m done for today, and Blitz has already been too observant, asking if Gabriella is my sister. Hopefully seeing her with Gwen will end those questions. I have the poker face of a dandelion, and there is no doubt in my mind that he’ll guess all my secrets in five minutes if he asks me anything directly.
A few dancers file in, part of Janel’s beginner ballet for preschool-aged girls. They are adorable and look up at Blitz with giggles and smiles. Even if they don’t recognize him as a famous person, his charisma tugs on their young hearts.
Janel motions them inside. “Warm up at the barre, girls.” She notices Blitz is still there. “Are you working with this class too?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so. Danika only gave me one per day.” His eyes meet mine and I quickly look away, tugging self-consciously at my skirt. It’s sheer and has a mend in it that I always try to hide.
“We meet again,” he says, his voice as silky as melted chocolate.
I risk a tiny glance and regret it, as his earnest attention is like a powerful potion. I want more of it, all of it. “Yes,” I say, my own voice soft and nervous.
He holds out his elbow in another old-fashioned gesture, as if I would ever have the courage to take it. “Can I interest you in a tour? I need to know my way around.”
When I don’t move, he lowers his arm. “Unless you’re assisting in this class too.”
I shake my head no.
Janel looks between us. “That shark will definitely bite, Livia,” she says. “I don’t blame you for staying out of the water.”
Blitz places both hands over his heart. His fingers are long, and I’m shocked at the places I imagine them going. My face flames red. But I’m not an innocent girl, not like everyone here thinks. I’ve felt what fingers can do.
“I’m injured,” he says to Janel. “My intentions are strictly honorable.”
Janel snorts, sending the ballerina girls to giggling. “Livia, can you at least get him out of here?”
I nod and head toward the door. It’s easier to follow the command of an instructor than to say yes to Blitz. There’s no guilt involved, no worry.
