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″Sorry, I was working in the back and lost track of time,” I lie as my first student walks in. Switching mindsets, I go into teacher mode and get to work.
My students were already gossiping about Hudson and me at Thanksgiving. No need to fuel them and their parents’ ideas by daydreaming. Small-town charm equals small-town gossip.
15
Hudson
I’ve been waiting three weeks to see Lex again. I plan to spend the next few weeks making up for lost time and showing her I’m serious about us. I stayed away for a long time because I thought it was for the best. After seeing her again and reconnecting, I realized how foolish it was.
“Are you going to see her tonight?” Tristan asks when we get to the inn. The drive up here felt eternal, but I’m glad my brother kept me company.
“Yeah.” I carry my bag up the stairs beside him.
“I thought you were having dinner tomorrow.” He smirks knowingly.
“We are, but I want to see her today.” I’ve never been one to hide my feelings, always opting to express myself than care what others will think.
“Good luck,” he chuckles.
“I don’t need luck.” I shake my head.
“Cocky much?”
“Nah, just confident enough. I know she feels this.” I unlock my room door and look at my brother before walking in.
“Are you going to see Mom and Dad tonight?” He’s avoided my questions about them.
“Nope. I’ll wait until tomorrow. I’ll walk around town tonight and grab a bite to eat. It feels good to be home.”
I lift my brows, surprised by his words. Tristan prefers to travel the world than spend time in Hartville. He chuckles and shrugs.
“What? It’s nice to come home every once in a while. It grounds me to my roots.”
“It does.” I nod. “If you need anything, call me. Not sure I’ll eat with Lex, so maybe we can grab dinner if not.”
“Sounds good.” He opens his door. “Good luck, bro.” He winks and walks into his room.
Luck. I don’t think I need luck. If Lex knows me like I think she does, she wouldn’t be surprised to see me at the studio tonight. I hinted as much in our messages. I may have asked her to dinner tomorrow, but I won’t pass up a chance to see her sooner.
I set my bag on the bed and unpack to kill some time before heading over to the studio. As I walk, the cold air slices through my cheeks, and my breath puffs like smoke. I’d walk in freezing temperatures without the proper clothing if it meant I’d see Lex at the end.
I stop outside of the studio. Moms sit inside the waiting area looking through the glass where the last class is finishing up. I smile as I see glimpses of Lex through the window. She’s talking to the girls with a wide smile. To think that I wanted her to give this up so she could live with me in New York. It would’ve been a terrible mistake.
My eyes scan down the length of her body. Her leotard and leggings show off her curves, and I want to run my hands down them, re-memorizing every inch. She’s stunning.
Her eyes collide with mine, and I’m taken aback. The chocolate brown orbs stare into me as if they could see my soul. I smile and wink, watching her attempt to refocus on her students.
Thankfully, she finishes soon after because my patience is wearing. As people start to walk out of the studio, I watch Lex’s movements through the window. People look at me with raised eyebrows. I guess the rumors are still turning.
I sneak in after the last person has left and smile as I walk past the waiting room into the dance room. Lex looks over at me with an arched eyebrow.
“What are you doing here?” She cocks her hip and tilts her head.
“What?” I ask with innocence. “Didn’t we make plans to see each other today?”
“Nope.” Lex shakes her head, her attempt to hide her smile futile.
“Darn, I must’ve gotten confused.” I scratch the side of my head where my hat ends.
