Page 48 of Dancing Struggles


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Leland curls his lip and jerks his chin toward where the festivities are happening. “For fuck’s sake, let them. Tomorrow, there will be something else for them to gossip about. Like us going for a walk.”

I turn and that face is a punch to my solar plexus. “I don’t want to go for a walk.”

“Fine. We’ll have the conversation here.”

“Damn it.” I glare at him, grab my hoodie from where I stashed it behind the reception desk, and stalk out the front door, ignoring the stares being cast our way.

Outside in the cool air, we walk down past the cars parked in front of the resort to a small path that leads out farther on the property. “We’ve been thinking of having this as a nature walk and a space for picnics if people want them, you know, for those who need something that’s more in tune with nature.”

“Sounds great.” He walks close, next to me, into the low light of the early evening. I can hear the sounds from the main building, laughter, music, and I’m glad to be away. “But that’s not why I wanted to talk to you.”

I stop. He does too. “I’ve already thanked you.”

Leland pushes one hand through his hair, expression serious. “That’s . . . look, Lawson and I went to see your soon-to-be-ex.”

“I don’t want to talk about him.” I shake my head and wrap my arms around myself in a protective manner. “God knows, I’msure he was a delight. I don’t even know if I want to know what you both think of me now that you’re aware of my past.”

“Only that you’re incredible, and you got out. I know what he does, I told you that’s why I hit him. There’s zero blame on you. Only him.”

From somewhere deep inside, I find a smile. “Why did you see him?”

“Well, I let him know you and Dakota are clients, and that no one is interested in selling. It was what you call an impasse.”

“And the charges?”

Leland grins slowly, and my heart wobbles. “Not going to happen. We came to an . . . understanding. And he knows I’m representing you.” The smile fades. “I just don’t want you to worry about any of that. It won’t be getting out. It’s no one’s business but yours.”

Some of that sparking nervous energy leaves me. “Okay.” I bite my lip and say, “He told me he’d give me to his friends. But he doesn’t want me.”

“He shares his girls?” His gaze catches mine.

“He had his friends watch, but they didn’t touch. And I just couldn’t anymore and . . .” I try and look away, but he slips a hand along my cheek, holding me there.

“Your past is yours, no one else’s, and it’s not going to help him by announcing it, so you’re safe.”

“I feel . . .” This time, I shut my eyes. “Like the worst person.”

His arms come around me and I let him hold me. Just this once, I’ll take that comfort, that lick of flame. “You’re not. I should have beaten him senseless.”

“He’s rich.”

“I don’t give a fuck about that. Knowledge is worth more.”

I sigh against his jacket and breathe him in deeply. “He wins and loses in the money game, but he’s clearly on the up. Be careful.”

“Where’s the fun in that? He’s a coward, and he’s lacking. I’m just wondering if he thinks staying married will get him the land.”

I pull back. “Because he thinks I own it? We could use that, really make him think that, make Alpine think that. Take the pressure off Dakota.”

“There isn’t any.”

“Yet. Come on. Alpine Energy is in town. Who knows what weird and wild stories her family told these companies. Those assholes have backed off because they don’t have a leg to stand on, but maybe they think big corporations can do what they can’t.”

“Sarah.” There’s an expression that’s both dark and light on his face. “Don’t go and do something stupid. And you’re smart as hell. What you just said is damn good.”

He slides his hands on both sides of my face and comes in slowly.

I’m caught in him, because I want what’s coming, just a taste. His lips brush mine and it’s like tiny sparks of electricity zooming through me.

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