Page 3 of Her Grumpy Cowboy

“Mr. Clayton?” My voice comes out a bit shakier than I intend. “Could I speak with you for a moment?”

Luke straightens up, his eyes meeting mine. “Sure, Ms. Martin. What’s on your mind?”

I fidget with the hem of my leotard, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his piercing gaze. “Well, I just wanted to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed having Maisey in my class. She’s an incredible little girl with a real passion for dance.”

Pride shines in his eyes. “She sure does love it. Been talking about nothing else for weeks now.”

I smile. “I’m so glad to hear that. Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I know today is my last day at the studio, but I made a promise to Maisey that I would always be here for her, even if I’m not her teacher anymore.”

“That’s very generous of you.”

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. “Yes. I was wondering if... if it would be okay with you if I gave you my personal cell phone number. That way, if Maisey ever needs any extra support or someone to talk to, she can always reach me.”

His jaw tightens. “Extra support?” His voice is laced with an undercurrent of something that sounds suspiciously like anger. “You trying to say that my daughter doesn’t have enough support at home?”

My eyes widen, panic rising in my throat. “No, no, that’s not what I meant at all,” I say quickly, my hand instinctively reaching out to touch his arm. “I would never imply that Maisey doesn’t have a loving, supportive home.”

Luke stiffens under my touch, his muscles tensing beneath the soft fabric of his shirt. I snatch my hand back as if burned.

“You know what, nevermind,” I say quickly, my face burning with embarrassment. “Forget I said anything.”

I turn to walk away, desperate to escape this mortifying situation before I can humiliate myself any further.

Chapter Two

LUKE

I watch Jasmyn turn away,her shoulders stiffening like she’s been slapped.

Shit.

My gut twists with regret. But my boots might as well be nailed to the floor. Pride and stubbornness keep me rooted in place, even as every instinct screams at me to go after her.

“Alright, girls! Break time is over!” Jasmyn calls out. Her voice is bright despite the tension I can see in her spine. “Let’s get into first position!”

The little girls scurry back onto the dance floor and Maisey sets her water bottle down and runs to join her friends, her pink tutu bouncing with each step.

She flashes me a grin over her shoulder before taking her place at the barre. “Don’t forget to watch me, Daddy!”

I force a smile, pushing aside the tension with Jasmyn. “I’m watching, baby girl. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Jasmyn takes her place at the front of the class. She scrolls through her phone, queuing up the music, and I can’t tear my eyes away from her.

My gaze traces the lush curves of her body, lingering on the swell of her breasts, the dip of her waist, the enticing roundnessof her ass. The leotard clings to her like a second skin, and I feel my jeans growing tighter by the second.

What I wouldn’t give to run my hands over those curves, to feel her softness yield to my touch, to hear her gasp my name as I...

Fuck.

I drag a hand over my face, trying to banish the images flooding my mind.

But it’s no use.

I’ve been obsessed with Jasmyn from the moment I laid eyes on her at Maisey’s first dance class. The second she walked into the studio with her delicious curves and bright smile, my pulse kicked into overdrive.

Then I saw the sweet bond she formed with Maisey, and I was a goner.

Jasmyn has this way with the students, this gentle but firm guidance that brings out the best in them. She’s sweet, patient, and always ready with an encouraging word or a comforting hug. Maisey adores her, and seeing their connection makes my heart ache in the best way.

---