Page 57 of Secret Love

“Would it make you feel better if I high-five you at dance on Saturday too?”

“It might help a little, yes.”

I laugh again. “I’ll see what I can do.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

SIMPLE THINGS

HENLEY

It's been a lot of fun talking to Tru over the past week. I'm getting to know her, and even though I’d love nothing more than to spend one-on-one time with her, I'm enjoying this process too. I haven't actually done a lot of dating in my life besides Bree all those years ago. And I have to say, even though we’re not technically going out, this feels more exciting than I could have imagined. The simple things, looking forward to hearing Tru’svoice, waiting to get texts from her, and the conversations we have…I’ve never had more fun.

It’s Thursday night, and like I told Tru last night, these days when I don’t see her drag. I feel deprived of her sunshine.

It’s been a busy day though. I drop the girls off and head to the grocery store. I need to pick up a few things before tomorrow. After I'm done at the store, I notice Tru's car parked outside Wiggles & Whimsy. On a whim, I stop and park around the back and walk around to the sidewalk, pausing to say hi to a few people in front of Serendipity. I don't see Tru when I reach the studio window, but when I try the door, it's unlocked, and I walk in.

“Hello?” I call.

I hear music in the other room and follow it, going through the main studio and to the back. I didn't even realize there was another studio back here.

She's dancing.

At first, I’m concerned that I was able to just walk in without her noticing. I don't want to alarm her and I want to remind her to lock the door.

Butfuck me, what a sight to behold.

She's in a black sports bra and leggings, her body perfection as she leaps through the air and twirls with precision.

I don't know how this woman ever thought she wasn't athletic because I’ve never seen anything more controlled or more powerful than the way she dances. It's breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

I watch for a few minutes, and when the song is over and she seems to come back to earth, both feet on the ground, I clear my throat.

“Hello?”

Her eyes meet mine in the mirror and then she turns to face me. I hold up my hand.

“I’m so sorry if I startled you. I felt terrible about interrupting, and yet I couldn’t stop watching. I didn't want to scare you.”

She smiles. “Hey, you. What are you doing here?”

“I saw your car out front and I wanted to say hi. It was unlocked. You should really keep that door up front locked, even though Silver Hills is completely safe…you just never know.”

She smirks. “Why? So hot, sexy football players can't sneak in and watch me dance?”

I put my hands in my pockets and grin. “Hotandsexy, huh? I guess you can keep it unlocked as much as you want if that’s the praise I’ll get.”

Her lips pucker out as she looks me over with approval. “I did mean to lock it, but this is a nice surprise.”

My adrenaline is pumping. “I’m really glad I got to see you dance. You are something else, Tru. I don't think you can get more athletic than ballet. And you make it look so easy.”

“Really? I mean,Ithink it takes a lot, but I'm surprised to hear you say that, with these muscles and all.” She reaches out to squeeze my bicep.

“Dang, do it again. I wasn't even flexing. Give me another second.”

She cracks up. “You don't need to flex for me to feel that definition.”

I reach out and put my hands around her waist, drawing her close.

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