AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good. Now, what’re you going to do about it?” he laughs, his eyes twinkling with the same mischief Nattie’s eyes get when she’s up to something.
Thoughts of Saturday night play out in my mind like an old home movie. “I think I’m going to stop by the dance studio.”
When I pull my Bronco over to park in front of Annabelle’s studio, I take a minute to study the building. The old, whitewashed brick building has arching white windows covering the front of the studio. They must be one-way windows because I can’t see inside, and I only see “Hart & Soul Academy of Dance” scrolled across the glass in rose gold. Little girls bundled up in coats and hats are exiting the front door with their parents, chatting excitedly. The door swings open a little wider, and I spot Belle standing there, wearing a pair of tiny navy blue shorts, white leg warmers, and a white fuzzy sweater. She’s there one second and gone the next as the rest of the girls filter out.
I texted my partner in crime, Nattie, a little while ago to see if Belle has any free time today. According to Nat, she’s free for the next hour and a half. I wait for what feels like forever until the last little girl clears the door before walking up to the front of the building to find Belle has flipped the sign to “Closed.” I give the door a push, and it opens easily. Stepping in, I flick the lock behind me.
She’s not at the front desk.
Christ, anyone could walk in, and she wouldn’t know.
“Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman is playing through the speakers. Nattie used to listen to this song on repeat back in the day. I walk further into the studio, past the front desk, but don’t find her until I get to the dance room. It’s off to the right. It’s the room with all the windows, and I was right. You can see out, but anyone outside can’t see in. There’s also a big window between the waiting area where I’m standing and the dance room, so I can see her perfectly. She’s breathtaking. I’ve never seen anyone or anything in my life as beautiful as Annabelle Hart dancing.
This isn’t ballet. My sister grew up dancing ballet. I know what it looks like. This is different. This is grittier. She’s gotten rid of her sweater, leaving her in those short shorts and a sports bra. She’s dancing barefoot. Her caramel-colored hair is down and whipping around her as she effortlessly flies through the air.
I’m not sure when I stepped through the door into the room where she’s dancing, but I catch myself standing there in amazement. As the last few beats of the song play out and she brings her foot down to stop spinning, I let go of the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
Annabelle lifts her head in shock when she hears the noise in the otherwise now silent room.
“Declan?” Her voice is raspy and strained. God, she sounds sexy. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Well, that’s not exactly the welcome I was hoping for.
