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“I know. Thanks, Cam.”
With that, she hung up with her friend and took her time climbing down the wooden ladder. She wrapped her arms around herself as she made her way back to the party, only to stop in her tracks when she spotted Javier. He smiled and jogged to meet her. Then he embraced her in a bear hug, and for a moment Chantelle closed her eyes.
She clung to him tight, but it only made her wish he was someone else. Chantelle buried her face in his neck. Javier didn’t rush her but stroked her back. Why couldn’t she feel for him the way he did for her?
“Everything okay?” He broke their embrace. “I guess you needed that.”
“I did. Thank you.”
His eyes sparkled. “Anytime.” Then he touched her cheek.
Chantelle swallowed as he inched closer to her face. Her heart hammered inside her chest. Javier’s other hand embraced her waist. His fresh cologne tickled her nose. He’
d been the perfect gentleman since they reconnected. She tilted her head, but only turned to face the other direction. Javier sighed and kissed her cheek instead.
“Too soon?” He asked.
She couldn’t tell him about Lance. Not now. All she wanted to do was forget it. Chantelle nodded.
“I understand. No pressure,” he said.
“Thank you.”
“I’m a patient man, Chantelle. You let me know when you’re ready. Or... if you’re not.”
Her lips parted. Could he tell her heart was somewhere else? She forced a smile. “I appreciate that and...” She touched a hand to his chest. “I’ll let you know. I promise.”
Javier kissed her palm. Chantelle smiled easier and stared behind him at the crowd on the street. “Are they serving dessert yet?”
“Follow me.” He took her hand and led her to the dessert table. Though mint chip ice cream couldn’t solve her problems, she still indulged in one of her favorite treats.
Chapter 21
The dance studio had high walls with crown molding. Lance paced the glossy hardwood floors, as classical music played in the background. Students chattered, waiting for the instructor.
Dance lessons. Why did he agree to this? He sighed. To make Andrea happy. Wringing his hands together, it would be worth it to see her smile.
Then Chantelle appeared in the arched entryway. Leaving her jacket behind, her eyes scanned the room. Why did the tier chandeliers glitter in soft light around her? She only wore leggings with a short-sleeved dress, but the coral colors accentuated her skin tone.
She pulled her hair into a side ponytail, and she wore heels. They looked lower than her typical ones. He chuckled to himself. At least, she took precautions.
Then their eyes met. Like a distant star glimmering steadily in the darkness, she out shined the lights. How long did he stare as she approached him? He turned away and diverted his gaze to the wall.
Things were going too far. After leaving her in the tree house, he went home immediately and called Andrea. Her agent answered the phone stating that he would have Andrea call him back. She didn’t.
Lance tugged at his collar. He shouldn’t have invited Chantelle to come with him. Correction. She invited herself. Why did he let her? Then again, she offered to help, knowing his reservations about dancing. He breathed deep despite the tightness inside his chest.
“Hey.” Chantelle greeted.
He pivoted to face her. Did she notice his tense shoulders? “Glad you could come.”
Chantelle patted her stomach. “I’m still full from all that food last night.”
He gave half a smile. His shoulders loosened, and he relaxed his body. “I had fun.”
“Me too.”
“Look… I wanted to ask you something.”
