where the items were on display. The silent auction—one of many such charity events of the season—
was to benefit a local hospital, and he looked forward to supporting it. Unlike most in the upper
echelons of Boston society, he wanted to support the charity for more than the tax write-off. There
was to be a new physical therapy department at the hospital where he had spent much of his recovery
once he’d come home to Boston after being injured overseas.
Sabrina sat on the floor of her dressing room, legs spread, and leaning forward on her elbows to
stretch her inner thighs. Music from The Nutcracker played softly in the background. She closed her
eyes, envisioning her pas de deux with Jayson at the end of Act I. She could feel each movement of
her body, feel him supporting her as she turned in his arms. He caught her as she leaped, and he spun
her around. The music swelled and softened and she was lost.
A knock at the door yanked her back to reality. Her eyes snapped open as Ethan jumped to his
feet, hand on the gun in his shoulder holster beneath his tuxedo jacket. Slowly, he opened the door and
then relaxed and stepped back, allowing Sabrina to see Martin standing inside the doorway, a warm
smile on his face.
“Hello, Sabrina. Ready for opening night?”
Ethan returned to the couch as Martin stepped inside.
“I think so,” she said, standing. “A little nervous.”
Martin nodded. “I understand, but you’ll be wonderful. You’ve worked very hard these last few
months and I can’t wait to share your talent with the public.”
She hugged the artistic director. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me this chance.”
“Bah.” Martin shook his head and waved his hand in the air. “I’m thrilled you found your way
back here after all these years.”
“It was the only place I could imagine going.”
“I know better than to think I was the reason you came.”
“You’re a big part of it. I couldn’t imagine Chase still wanting me after all that happened, but I
thought I might have a chance to dance here. For you.”
Martin smiled, his eyes warm with affection. “Well, I’m glad everything worked out. Your
dancing . . . Ever since you and Chase got together, Sabrina,” he shook his head, “your dancing has
become enchanting.”
Sabrina’s cheeks grew warm. “Thanks.” She did feel lighter since she and Chase became a