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So, I kept myself busy with some of the props we’d used throughout and waited. Jake was off to the side, having a conversation with the original group of women who’d walked into class first this morning.
It felt like it was by some miracle that there was movement out of my peripheral. I tensed slightly, knowing it was Ellery and waiting for her to close the distance between us.
Only when she came to a stop right beside me did I finally twist my neck and look in her direction.
“Hey,” I said with a smile, hoping I’d successfully hid my relief that she had made her approach.
“Hey, Kane.”
“What did you think this time?” I asked.
“I feel only slightly more confident, but I’m not sure it has anything to do with my execution of the moves,” she answered. “I think the confidence is about understanding how things work here, more than anything else.”
I turned my body fully toward hers and offered, “I watched you throughout class, and I’ve got to say that you’re doing really well. Not everything is perfect just yet, but I have no doubt you’re going to get there.”
Hearing those words seemed to have lifted Ellery’s spirits. “Really?”
“Absolutely. Plus, you’ve got a level of dedication to this that I don’t see very often,” I revealed. “There are people who come to class, one a week each week, and that’s all. There’s nothing wrong with that, obviously. But with your commitment to this, it’s only going to help you in the long run.”
Ellery took in my words and considered them for a moment. Then she wondered, “So, maybe I should wait until the next class to ask questions then, right? I mean, I don’t want to monopolize your time or anything like that.”
I didn’t know what it was, but I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out for her wrist and leading her back out onto the mat. “No way. If you’ve got questions or concerns, I want to help you now.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, her voice sounding slightly strained.
“Yes,” I promised, ignoring that strained sound and what it might have meant. “Now, tell me what you’re having trouble with.”
Following a beat of silence that she used to assess me, Ellery shared what she was struggling with. I didn’t hesitate to give her all of the additional instruction she needed.
By the time we finished up, I couldn’t say that I wasn’t hoping she’d had more questions. Unfortunately, she didn’t and believed she had plenty to practice that would keep her busy until the next class.
“Thank you again for your help, Kane. I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime, Ellery. I’m just glad I could help,” I replied.
“I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah. See you later.”
The next thing I knew, she was walking out of the room, and my eyes were watching her as she went. They stayed on her as she walked through the door and past the picture window on the opposite wall.
“Looks like you should be taking your own advice.”
At the sound of Jake’s voice, I tore my eyes away from the window and glanced in his direction.
“What?” I asked.
He cocked an eyebrow before he noted, “Looks like I’m not the only one who has some pent-up frustration.”
“I feel no desire to beat the shit out of someone right now,” I assured him. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Maybe you aren’t looking to spar, but there’s clearly a battle happening inside your head. What’s going on with you and the new girl?”
I narrowed my eyes on him. “Her name is Ellery, Jake. And there’s nothing going on.”
His lips twitched, indicating he didn’t believe a word that had just come out of my mouth. “Are you sure about that?”
Knowing it probably wasn’t the best idea but seemingly not caring, I fired back, “Are you suggesting that I’m attempting to take advantage of her?”
