Page 88

And he’s not asking me to leave, sending me home, telling me we can’t do this.

But he’s asking me what this is going to be.

Still, he’s not pushing me out the door, saying I need to get home before Beckett wakes up.

A thrill shoots through me.

“Well, I guess I was kind of hoping this would be like the barn that way.”

He narrows his eyes. “What does that mean?”

“You seem to be very good at knowing what I need before I even really know. I thought maybe you could take the lead here.”

Understanding dawns on his face, and his brows arch. “I see.”

Then he drops his hands and steps back.

Wait, he can’t possibly think that what I need is more space between us.

“No, I don’t think that’s how this is going to go,” he says before I can protest.

“No?” I say. “Why not?”

“Because bold looks good on you. And I am guessing it’s starting to feel pretty good. I got the barn, maybe nudged you a little, but you’ve taken it from there. The party is growing, you’re having an amazing time teaching everyone, you’re absolutely blossoming.”

My stomach feels warm, and I realize he’s right.

Nora, in her usual way, has certainly helped with the brainstorming. But my mind has been spinning about the barn party and beyond. Different dance classes I can offer. Classes that various groups of people in Rebel will enjoy. Different kinds of dance parties I can offer in the future. Decor for the barn. And it does feel good.

I wouldn’t say I’m ready to stand on a stage with a bullhorn and order hundreds of people around, but tonight, teaching the Reel to everyone felt really good. They listened, laughed, took my instructions, and had an amazing time.

I could do that over and over and over again.

“Okay, the dance stuff is going great,” I tell him.

He nods as if he isn’t a bit surprised. “All you need is an opportunity and someone who wants to make you the star of the show.”

I feel a swoop in my belly. “And that’s you?”

He chuckles low, the sound rolling over me and causing goosebumps to break out all over my body, as if he just trailed his fingertips down my spine. “Oh yes, Pumpkin, that is abso-fucking-lutely me.”

“So… that means…?”

“You tell me what you want and I make it happen.”

My eyes go wide. That sounds amazing.

And I have no idea where to even start.

“Lawson, I don’t even know everything I might want. I definitely need some help. What if there’s something amazing we could do but I don’t even know what it is so I don’t tell you?” I take a deep breath, feeling the threat of tears sting at the back of my eyes. “I’m a virgin, Lawson.”

“I know,” he says gruffly.

“I got close with one guy. A couple of guys have had their hands…down there. But it’s never been very great. And I’m definitely not a dirty talker.”

“Sut—”

I shake my head. “I just know that I want to see you naked and I want your hands on me. And I think I want to be naked too. And I definitely want to kiss you some more. And⁠—”