A feeling of gratitude toward her would be understandable. After all, she’d been kind to Isabel, had attempted to calm his daughter’s jitters.
But the warmth he felt went beyond gratitude.
It was more like ... attraction.
Which also didn’t make sense. He wasn’t looking for a relationship withanyone, let alone someone like Devyn Lee, who was only passing through. Romance was too complicated and fraught with risk.
In any case, a woman who lived in the refined, rarified world of ballet would never have any interest in a blue-collar lumberman with two left feet—even if that lumberman had a college degree.
“All right, everyone, let’s try it now with music.” Devyn picked up her phone from a chair, called up a song, and led the motley group of hopeful thespians behind her through the simple movements she’d taught them, keeping tabs on them over her shoulder.
He leaned back in his seat, giving up all pretense of working as he watched her.
Man, she was fluid. Supple. And the way she moved her arms was beyond elegant and graceful. It was like she was part of the music. Even the best dancers behind her seemed awkward in comparison.
No surprise, given her background—and mesmerizing to watch.
“You guys did great.” Devyn smiled at the eclectic assemblage. “Now let’s break into groups of five, and this time I’ll watchyou.”
Father Murphy ended up in the first group, along with Gramp and Isabel.
The two Steeles didn’t do too bad, considering they had no training, and Father Murphy put everyone at ease by hamming it up big-time.
Devyn applauded when they finished the combination. “Youall did terrific. If you want to read for a part, go on over to the conference room.”
Gramp leaned down and spoke to Isabel, then they both headed his direction.
“Don’t you want to pitch your hat in the ring for a speaking role?” Aaron closed his laptop as they joined him, raising an eyebrow at Gramp.
“Nope. It will be fun just to be on stage with my favorite great-granddaughter.” He hip-checked Isabel.
“I’m youronlygreat-granddaughter.”
“That’s a fact. And aren’t I lucky to have you? Plus, you’re also going to be my theater buddy, right?”
“If we get in the show.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and scuffed the toe of her sport shoe. “I didn’t sing very loud, and I don’t know how to dance.”
“You sang louder than a lot of people.” Aaron laid his hand on her shoulder. “And you did all the dance steps fine.”
“No, I didn’t. I made mistakes.”
“Not as many as Father Murphy.” Gramp chortled and gave her a nudge. “I was so busy laughing at his antics I messed up half the steps myself.”
“Yeah. He was kind of funny.” Isabel cast a quick glance toward the cleric. “But I wish I could dance like Miss Devyn.” She angled toward the front, using the name the dancer had suggested to the younger set, watching as the choreographer put the next group through its paces.
“Maybe you could. Ballet lessons may not be a bad idea, come fall.” Gramp gave him a subtle nudge.
Aaron took the cue. “We could consider that.”
“Really?” Isabel’s face brightened. “Do you think Miss Devyn will teach a class?”
“No, honey. She’s only here for the summer. She lives in New York.”
Her face fell. “I wish she lived here.”
“You’ll get to see her all summer, though.”
“If they let me be in the show.” She continued to watch the woman. “She doesn’t look sad tonight, does she?”
