Page 29 of Secret Love

I smirk. “Yes, Mr. Ward, you may call me Tru.”

He sighs, but he’s smirking back and it’s hot as hell. “But you’re still going to call me Mr. Ward?”

I lift a shoulder. “Youaremy student’s father. It’s the professional thing to do.”

He leans forward, and the way his eyes take me in feels so far removed from professional, it’s not funny.

“But when we met, we didn’t know that I was your student’s father and I’m having a hard time forgettingthatlittle interaction…”

Damn. I’m having a hard time forgetting it too. Especially with his raspy voice and those eyes drinking me in like he’s been in the desert for years and years.

He frowns suddenly. “Do you mind if I ask how old you are?”

I straighten. “I don’t see how it’s relevant, but I’m twenty-four.”

He leans back against his seat, and I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or relieved. “And that’s also why you’re calling me Mr. Ward…” He clears his throat. “I apologize if I’ve been out of line. You’re right. And I respect you for keeping this professional.”

My head tilts as I study him. What just happened?

“So tell me, Miss Seymour, what can I do to make this process easier for both you and Cassidy?”

One second, I thought he was flirting with me and the next, he’s backtracking faster than a woman who doesn’t want to get her hair wet in the rain.

“Uh, well…I’m happy to keep going with these afternoons with Cassidy, Monday through Wednesday. I’ll be teaching dance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I start a little earlier on Thursdays.” I give him an apologetic look.

“That’s okay. We’re grateful for any time you have.”

“There’s only one complication…” I hesitate to tell him.

“What is it? I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“Well, a kitten showed up at my place and now I’m in love.” I can’t help but smile talking about Earl. “He’s tiny and it was too soon for him to be weaned, so I’ve been running to the house during my lunches and as soon as school is over to check on him. Today, I felt really bad leaving him, but he’s not allowed on the school premises. If Cassidy would be okay waiting just an extra ten minutes or so before we get started…”

“We could do that. Or…and this might not work for you, but…you’d be more than welcome to bring your kitten to our house and work with Cassidy there. The girls would love to play with him and maybe it would stave off their requests for pets.” He smiles and that crinkle-eyed smile gets me every time. “Bree will be neck-deep in wedding plans during the afternoons for the next couple of months. She’s a wedding planner,” he adds. “So I’ll have the girls at my place for a few hours in the afternoons…”

I swallow, pausing to quiet the rush of adrenaline at the thought of seeing Henley Ward in his element.

“You really wouldn’t mind? I’d like to work with her for about an hour on those days. That’s a lot of time to have a guest and pet in your home.”

His smile widens and my whole body sings like it’s on high alert.

“It’s no trouble.”

I pick up a flyer and fan my face. This man is doing crazy things to my temperature regulation.

“Okay, if you’re sure. That would be great. And then on the days I’m not with her, if you could still work with her for ten or twenty minutes each day. You’ll see a huge improvement, I promise.”

“You’ve got it,” he says. “I’ll follow your lead, Miss Seymour.”

His tone is slightly teasing, but his eyes are serious and genuine.

I stand and his gaze slides down my body, making me feverish, but then he gives his head a slight shake and his eyes squint, focused on mine. I cannot read this man.

“I hate to cut this short, but I should go check on Earl and then get to dance.”

“Earl, huh. Cute.” He stands and it’s my turn to get a better view of him.

His broad shoulders and tapered waist should’ve been a clear indicator that he’s an athlete. It’s obvious hours have been spent honing this body. My mouth goes dry.

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