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“I’m impressed,” he mused, his fingers skimming along the side of her head to chuck her under the chin. “Do they teach that in dance school?”
Lara laughed, thinking of the hours of grueling, sweat-inducing, body-twisting dance classes she’d attended over the years.
“Oddly enough, no. How to wear a heavy costume isn’t covered in most dance curriculums. But thanks to my most excellent upper-body strength, I’m a natural.” Showing off a little, and desperate to get his hands onto her body where they belonged, Lara flexed. “Wanna feel?”
“Impressive,” he agreed, his fingers sliding over her bicep.
“And now that we’ve settled that, why don’t we see if we can get you that hard,” she challenged before reaching down to stroke his impressive muscle.
As they slid into a nice wave of lust, something Lara could easily understand and handle, she tucked away that feeling of acceptance. If a girl got used to that kind of thing, who knew what she might start wanting.
Scary things.
Like love.
9
LARA HAD SPENT most of her life on stage. She’d been stared at, had her movements dissected and her body critiqued. Her childhood had been a training ground for high-society head games. She’d dined with senators and in soup kitchens.
But nothing had prepared her for this.
She looked around the dining room with wide eyes. Someone had butted two long and narrow tables together to accommodate the masses of food. And the crowd.
It was a toss-up which of the two was more impressive.
Roast, potatoes, enchiladas, a delicious soup called posole and an array of vegetables to make any growing kid sprout up healthy. As colorful and tempting as all of that was, Lara had only managed a couple of bites because she was too distracted.
These people were loud.
Loud, and incredible-looking.
Life had clearly blessed the Castillo clan with a whole lot of gorgeous. The men were dark and big, a few towering over Dominic’s impressive height. The women were stunning, from Nana Rosa to the baby beating her spoon on the other end of the table.
“So, Lara, right?” The exotic brunette with Castillo’s eyes leaned around her brother to gesture with her fork. “Dom’s never brought a girl home for Sunday dinner before. Where did you two meet?”
Thankfully, Lara had finally lifted the forkful of food to her mouth, so she had the excuse of chewing to gather her thoughts.
Dominic had told her to feel comfortable, be at home and enjoy his family. He’d also reminded her that she was his mission, and that meant top secret.
Fine by her.
“Dominic saw me dance,” she said instead. Then she slanted the man next to her a teasing look and added, “As soon as he did, he was smitten. He practically begged me to get coffee with him.”
“And did you get coffee with him?” Celia asked, her eyes narrowed. Lara didn’t understand why she seemed so suspicious.
“Lara played hard to get,” Dominic interjected, laying his arm over the back of Lara’s chair and giving her an indulgent look. “But I convinced her. Eventually.”
“Eventually,” Celia repeated, her tone delighted. “Good for you, Lara. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard him having to beg for anything. Girls have always made things too easy for this one. It’s about time he had to work a little.”
“Hey, you’re supposed to be on my side,” Dominic protested.
“Yeah, Celia. You’re supposed to regale Lara with stories about how great Dominic is,” a man said from across the table. “Isn’t that right, little brother?”
“I’d rather hear Lara’s stories.” Celia’s smile was all friendly curiosity. “So you dance? Where?”
Lara glanced at her plate, debating for a brief second. She liked Dominic’s family. They had all offered a friendly welcome and, despite their obvious curiosity, had made her feel comfortable and appreciated.
Dominic was clearly the golden boy, the pride of the family. How would they feel knowing the woman he’d brought home was one step up from a stripper?
She waited for Dominic to interrupt, to tell his version of their meeting. Because she wouldn’t lie.
But he didn’t say anything.
Okay, fine. Deep breath, big smile and showtime.
“I’m a showgirl,” Lara said, meeting Celia’s eyes with a direct look. “I dance at the Silver Dust Casino in Reno.”
“Really? Do you train for that kind of dancing?” Celia asked, not even blinking.
Lara frowned.
Where was the judgment?
“Um, not really. I mean, I had extensive training before I got to Reno, but I never trained as a showgirl.”
