He chuckles and steps closer to me, gliding his fingers along my jaw, and closing my mouth. “It’s a popular spot.”
“Yeah. Holly cow, I’ll never be able to look Piper in the eyes again.” But watching them has made me want to do my own kind of groping. “We could go sit in the Range Rover?”
Ford tips his head back, groaning and muttering something about 27 days. I step closer to him, placing my hand on his chest and sliding it around his back. “Are you okay?”
He wraps his arms around me and lets his forehead rest against mine. “Yes, because I’m with you.”
His sweet words melt my heart. I lean in to kiss him when his stomach grumbles. “Uh, maybe we should feed that thing before it tries to escape.”
“Food is a great idea.”
14. My Girl
I text Hannah on Monday night to see how her first class went. She texts back.So, tired. Five- and six-year-old girls are divas on caffeine.Before I can text back, Hannah’s number pops up on my screen with a video call. I answer, and Hannah is lying on her bed, still dressed in her dance attire. “How’s my favorite dance teacher?” I ask, giving her my best smile.
“Ugh—this so-called teacher is rethinking the whole teaching thing. I’m not sure I’m cut out for it. I’m exhausted. My thumbs were too tired to type, and I don’t even have the energy to take off my jacket.” Hannah pulls at the dance jacket she got for teaching.
“So, you’re giving up? I guess you kind of gave it a try. I’m sure you put insomeeffort. But little diva devils on caffeine? That would be impossible for even a seasoned dance instructor. You better hang up with me and call Micah right now and tell him you quit. I’m sure he has a dozen teachers waiting to take your place.”
“Stop! Okay, I get it,” Hannah says, exasperated.
“You do?” I try to keep the laughter out of my voice, but I can’t resist. “Tell me three good things that happened tonight during your dance class.”
“I don’t know, let me think. All the girls hugged me when class was over.”
“That was nice of them. What else?”
“The girls clapped and screamed when I shared the music for our dance routine.”
“They were excited. That’s good.”
Hannah’s eyebrows disappear into her hairline. “Yeah, excited is putting it mildly.”
“Give me one more good thing.” I encourage.
Hannah gets a cute, wispy smile on her face. “There was a note of encouragement with six pink roses waiting for me tonight when I got to the dance studio.”
“Oh, yeah, who gave you those?”
She raises her shoulder in a little shrug. “Some guy.”
“Do I need to find this guy and beat him up?” I ask, trying to sound serious.
“Maybe. He’s mega hot and super sweet. He’s the best kisser, and he’s always doing the nicest things for me.” Hannah giggles. Her eyes get wide, and she covers her hand over her mouth. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. “Thank you for the flowers. It made my night.”
“I’m sorry your first class was so trying, but it will get better. You just have to keep trying.”
“Thank you for saying that,” Hannah says.
“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t think it was true.” We’re quiet for a minute, and Hannah bites her lip nervously. “What’s wrong?” I ask.
She sighs, then answers, “I looked at my schedule when I got home, and it’s my turn to cheer at the volleyball games tomorrow. It’s a tournament, and it’s supposed to go until nine tomorrow night. I’m so sorry, I want—”
I cut her off. “I know you do, and that makes all the difference. I do get a great consolation prize.”
“You do?”
“I get to watch you cheer.” I smile, excited about the chance to sit and watch her perform.
