As we practice the steps a few more times, I can’t help but have a huge smile on my face. This feels good. It feels right.
When was the last time I had this feeling?
I shake off the question because I’m scared of the answer.
As we wrap up with some stretches and more water, Rian turns her gaze toward me and the peace in her eyes is one I understand. It’s because of the movement, the feeling that flows through you while dancing, and the way you can feel free while moving across the floor.
“Will you come to my birthday party, Brielle?” When my mouth opens and closes a few times, words completely failing me, she clasps her hands together tightly in front of her chest. She holds out the word, her tone pleading, “Please?”
“If you want me there, I’ll be there,” the words are thick.
I’m not sure it’s a good idea, but there’s no way I can say no to her. I can only hope this doesn’t blow up in my face.
CHAPTER 5
COWBOY
The last place I should be right now is standing in front of Brielle’s door while shifting from foot to foot. But I can’t stop thinking about her and like hell can I stay away. Fuck, I’ve been barely hanging on to my sanity for the last few days since she bumped into me.
When Rian was gushing yesterday, telling me all about how Brielle gave her a dance lesson, something clicked inside of me.
I was worried about Brielle finding out about my daughter the moment I ran into her. And didn’t that make me a shit dad? When I saw the pain on Brielle’s face, it was like a punch to the gut. Then she got out of the room as quickly as possible.
Then she danced with my girl. Since then, I’ve had this burning need to see her.
To find out if the whispers of what once was and what could be are real. To find out if she still tastes the way she did years ago. To find out if kissing her feels like coming home.
Before I can second guess it, I knock on Brielle’s door. Loudly and with too much force.
My breathing becomes shallow as my focus becomes the door in front of me and nothing else. There’s a buzzing in my ears,which competes only with the sound of blood pumping through my veins which might as well be a roar.
When the door swings open, I’m met with Brielle’s big brown eyes filled with concern and worry. The moment she sees me, really sees me, uncertainty flashes across her face.
“Cowboy?” Her eyebrows pull together and she clears her throat as she shifts between her feet. “What are you doing here?” Panic flashes in her eyes as she tries to look around me. “Is Rian okay? Did something happen?”
I thought I loved this woman years ago when we were too young to hold onto it. And I was. But this?
Her showing concern for my girl without even really knowing her? That does it for me.
I’m in. All the way in and there’s no way my woman will be able to get rid of me this time. No fucking way.
“Everton,” my voice is a rough demand.
She blinks up at me and one side of her mouth twitches, but the worry is still stronger. “Everton,” she breathes out while her eyes flutter closed for a moment.
“Rian is fine.” I clear my throat, my voice dropping into something softer, something that has only happened when talking about my daughter…or her.
Brielle’s shoulders slump and she huffs out a small laugh. “Good, good. I was worried for a moment. I don’t know why.”
The way her eyebrows furrow in sincere confusion, as if she hasn’t allowed herself to realize how deeply my little girl has already burrowed her way into her heart, has my hands itching to reach for her. It’s nearly impossible to hold myself back.
“Maybe because she’s your first student.”
My words land between us and I barely get them past my lips before she’s shaking her head. She can deny it all she wants, but I know the truth.
“Tiny Dancer,” my words are thick as so many emotions slam into me. I still can’t believe she’s standing in front of me.
In Las Vegas.
