“I know, buddy,” I encourage him, petting his head.
The new group of students heads inside, their pace slower than the time it takes to wait for the train at the railroadcrossing. Nerves are hitting my system by the time Emmy rushes forward, wrapping herself around Ivy’s tights-clad legs. I’ll never get tired of seeing her in dance wear. I swallow, awaiting my turn. Emmy rushes ahead to the studio after her hug, and Resin flops his tail, greeting his mom happily.
“Hello, love bucket,” Ivy says to him, leaning down to pet the dog. I’ve learned by now that she likes to wait until last to greet me because she can give me her full attention and a smile that I’ve learned is just for me. “Hi, Bear,” her smoky voice rings out, and I want to kiss her so much it’s painful.
“Starlight,” I nearly sigh, knowing I’m so fully gone on this woman that I can’t imagine ever thinking of life or love without her.
“What are your plans this evening?” she asks.
“Oh, they involve you,” I reply with a wink, and the blush on her cheeks is enough for me to think: Worth it.
Ivy looks me up and down appreciatively, the way she always does, but even more so today because I’m wearing a fitted long-sleeved t-shirt, which seems to be another of those things that just does it for her.
“You’d better keep moving, or I’m not going to have the strength to teach my next class.”
The thought of her being too distracted to teach makes me clear my throat. Yes, I definitely need to get out of here before we make a scene. “I’ve got Resin. You teach your class. And I’ll cook us dinner. Sound good?”
Ivy’s shoulders relax, and her eyes close sweetly. “That sounds like a dream.”
She leans in to kiss me. I hear snickers and giggles before I look over to see her entire class crowding in the doorway, Emmy included.
“They always do this,” Emmy says with a smile.
Ivy lets out a defeated sigh and mouths, “Later.”
It’s a promise I’m greatly looking forward to.
∞∞∞
“Honey, I’m home!” Ivy yells as she walks into my house with Emmy.
I’m sure my daughter has already kicked off her shoes and is running toward Resin, who gave a playful bark at their arrival. Classical music plays throughout my home, featuring one of my favorite composers to calm my nerves.
“Daddy, can I take Resin upstairs to play?” Emmy’s excitement is contagious.
“Yes, of course. Don’t try to put makeup on him this time.”
“Okay!” Their footsteps echo up the stairs, and I let out a contented sigh at the sight of Ivy appearing in the doorway of my kitchen.
She’s still in her dance wear but has added a wrap sweater and joggers, the waistband rolled down in a maddening way, revealing a hint of her light-blue leotard. “It got chillier out there.”
I stir the stew on the stove just for something to do with my hands, but I can’t resist her words. “Come here and let me warm you up.”
Ivy’s blush is my answer as she glides over to me, letting me wrap her in my arms. It’s my favorite moment of any day.
“I have a surprise for you,” I mumble against her hair.
“You do?” Ivy says into my chest, not moving at all. I’ve learned enough about her to know that she’s most content with her nose pressed into my collarbone. And from experience, I’ve learned that she’ll fall asleep standing up if I hold her like this for too long.
“Yes. But we’ll wait until after dinner. So, I need you to stay awake.” I pull back and wink down at her.
She whimpers, her hair adorably mussed on one side. “But you’re so comfy.”
I laugh. “I want to be more than comfy.” Standing a little taller, I give her my best stance.
Ivy shakes her head sweetly. “You’re trouble, is what you are.”
“The good kind?” I say with a wink.
