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Harper clutches a spot near her heart. “Aww, my students are the bestest. You make my job very rewarding.”
The children release a synchronized sigh under their instructor’s praise.
She holds her arms out. “Well, that’s all I’m going to teach you tonight. Before we go, does anyone want to show off what they’ve learned?”
“My daddy will!” Syd shoves me from behind.
I hang my head at my daughter’s exuberance to immediately volunteer at my expense. “Is that really necessary, Boop?”
“Uh-huh. Do you wanna borrow my tutu?” She tugs at the rainbow tulle around her waist.
“No, you keep that on. There will be enough eyes on me already.” My stride is painfully slow as I shuffle to where Harper stands.
She steps to the side, giving me the floor. “You don’t have to do this.”
One look at my daughter strongly suggests otherwise. Both of her little thumbs are pointed straight up in giddy support. Besides, denying her simple wishes isn’t my style.
“I’ll survive.” This stunt might improve my reputation around town.
But it’s the approval gleaming in Harper’s gaze that makes me want to put my best barefoot forward. “Then let’s see what you’ve got, stud.”
Iclasp my palms flat together against my chest and prepare to try again. “Please, Garrett? You haven’t let us since I started working here. This is my first Friday off the clock. I think you owe me.”
“Sure,” my boss mumbles.
My lips part on a disbelieving breath. “Sure?”
“Do whatever you want, Wilson.” The free rein is extremely out of character for him, along with his averted gaze.
That doesn’t stop my excitement from bubbling to the surface, though. “Really?”
“Uh-huh, it’s fine.” His distracted focus is zeroed in on something over my shoulder.
I swivel on my stool to search for what’s captured his attention. It takes less than two seconds to spot the culprit.
A curvaceous beauty is seated alone at a table across the bar. Her presence is magnetic, as if we’re being pulled into her orbit. The unsuspecting saps in her direct vicinity are about to be locked in a trance.By the look on Garrett’s face, it’s already too late for him. I’d be willing to wager that he’d agree to do just about anything with her in his sights.
Confidence oozes from her relaxed pose. She scans the evening crowd with a lazy perusal that reminds me of a fierce lioness about to play with her food. As if to confirm my comparison, black polished nails pluck a cherry from her glass. Then she sucks the dangling fruit into her mouth while a coy smile grows at the taste of victory. Yep, this is a woman in her element.
And I’m totally taking advantage. Consider it an employee bonus.
“Thanks, boss. You’re the best!” My voice fights the music pumping from the speakers. “I’d kiss you, but you’re like a brother to me.”
Garrett recoils, suddenly very alert. “Gross, Harper. I don’t wanna make out with you.”
“Umm,” I pop my lips. “That’s not what I said, but good to know we’re on the same page.”
“Huh?”
A chastising groan announces my disappointment. “Head in the game,Foster.”
His shoulders straighten into an imposing image of authority. “Not sure what you mean.”
“You’re not listening to me, which has really worked out in my favor.”
He grumbles something under his breath about having an off day or something along those lines.“Might need some fresh air.”
“Go right ahead. It doesn’t matter if the fog clears, though. You already agreed to let us have a dance party.”
