“Oh, she does ballet too.” She chuckles. “She does so many classes it’s hard to keep up. Would you mind if I stay and watch?” She looks over my shoulder and into the studio.
“I’m sorry, the studio’s policy doesn’t allow spectators unless you have a child in the class. If you come back with your daughter, and she does a lesson, you’re more than welcome to watch then.”
The smile on her face stiffens.
“I can give you a free one-lesson-per-style pass for your daughter to try, that way she can decide if we’re a good fit,” I offer to soften the situation. I’ve been around enough dance moms to know they can be a prickly bunch, especially when they don’t get what they want for their kids.
“Thank you,” she says through stiff lips.
I’ve pissed this woman off today. Oh well. The safety of my school comes first.My school.It really feels like it is. I’ve grown up here. Most of my best memories are here in this building. It’s a shame Miss Lucia wants to sell. I hope that whoever buys it loves it as much as I do.
“Give me a minute and I’ll get you the pass.” I head to the reception desk and take a card from the drawer.
When I turn back, the woman is gone.
Chapter Twenty-Three
HAYDEN
“It’s such a beautiful night, I could stay like this forever,” Alyssa says, snuggled under my arm. We’re lying on the outdoor lounge, staring at the starry night sky. The sounds of insects and the city come to life. With Lily at Finn and Harper’s house, we have the luxury of lying together and enjoying the moment without worrying about Lily busting us together and the questions I’d have to answer.
I know I wanted to take my time telling Lily about our relationship, but right now I’m wondering why. Having Alyssa in my arms is perfect. I can’t imagine not having her this way. I want her in my life—in Lily’s life.
Trailing my fingers up and down Alyssa’s arm, I kiss the side of her head. “I want to tell Lily about us.”
Alyssa twists in my arms, tilting her head back to look at me. “You do?”
Brushing her hair from her face, my heart swells as I stare at her. “Yes. I don’t want to hide you away or sneak you out of the house before she wakes up anymore. I know you haven’t signed up for a kid in your life, but me and Lily are a package. Are you ready for me to tell her about us?” My heart pounds as I wait for the answer. What if it’s all too much for her?
With a beaming smile, she says, “Yes, I’m ready to tell Lily. I’ve told you the reason I’m hanging around you is because of your beautiful daughter.”
I poke her in the ribs. “Oh really?”
She squeals and twists in my arms. “She’s much cuter than you.”
I tickle harder. She squirms and kicks her legs. “Is that so?” I ask.
“Yep. If it wasn’t for her, you would never see me.Ever!”
Pushing her onto her back, I hover above her. “If you never saw me, you wouldn’t get this.” I nuzzle my face in her neck and swipe my tongue over her quickening pulse.
“I’d be fine with that.” She giggles.
“What about this?” My lips skim down to her collarbone and to her breast. The thin fabric of her oversized t-shirt does nothing to stop her nipples from peeking through. I suck one into my mouth.
“I…can live…without it,” she pants.
“Liar,” I say right before I devour her mouth.
The kiss is long and deep. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she draws me closer. I pour all my feelings into the kiss, hoping she can feel how much I want her. She’s so perfect, she fucking scares me. Yet she’s here. With me. Despite of the shit I put her through. She could see past it. Made me believe we’reperfecttogether.
Pulling away, I say, “I love you.” Words I never thought I’d say to a woman spill from my mouth. It feels amazing to say them.Like something has unlocked in my chest and light is bursting out.
Alyssa’s eyes widen. “You love me?”
Giving her a feather-light kiss, I take a deep breath. “Yes, I love you so much.”
Her bottom lip quivers. “I love you too.”
