Page 82 of A Whole New Trick

I pick out a pair of black slacks and a baby blue blouse. I walk back into my bedroom and see Dane standing in front of my dresser, looking like a Calvin Klein model in a pair of black boxer briefs.

“Is this your mom?”

I lift my eyes from his ass. He smirks when I meet his gaze. I smile back and then look at the framed photo he’s pointing at. It’s me and Mom in front of the Dallas Ballet’s poster for The Nutcracker when I was sixteen.

Aside from losing my baby face, I looked the same. I’d already reached my full height, and I’d been training as a volleyball player for years, which gave me an athletic build I still have.

“Yeah, that’s her.” I walk over to stand next to him.

“You two look alike.”

My smile is weak. “Yeah, we get that a lot.”

Mom and I have the same wavy brown hair and wide eyes. I inherited her delicate nose, smooth jawline, and height.

The main difference between us is that while my physique is toned and firm, hers is lithe and slender. She’s maintained her dancer’s body even after all these years, but she would disagree.

“What’s that face for?”

I blink and wince when I realize Dane’s watching me. “Nothing.”

“It doesn’t look like nothing.”

I sigh. “My mom is a victim of her generation’s diet culture. We look alike, but our bodies are so different. Growing up, she couldn’t help but make comparisons.” I shrug. “It took me a long time to accept that I’d never be as skinny or graceful as her.”

“Are you crazy? Your body is incredible.”

I huff a weak chuckle. “Of course you’d say that.”

Dane turns and wraps an arm around my waist. I squeal as he lifts me with one arm, pressing me into his chest. I grip his shoulders and laugh. “What are you doing?”

He guides one of my legs over his hips. His arousal presses against my center. I bite back my moan. “You’re an absolute smoke show, Morgan. I don’t like hearing you talk bad about yourself. I won’t allow it.”

My heart melts.

“Trust me, I love my body.” My body is strong and healthy, and it allowed me to play the game I loved throughout college. My entire career path is based on the desire to help others love their bodies, too. I want to show people how to provide their bodies with the proper fuel and nutrition for peak performance.

“Then what is it?” He lifts me higher. I wrap my legs around his waist and lean back to meet his gaze as he holds my weight effortlessly.

I contemplate how honest I should be. It’s a little early for a deep conversation like this. Dane’s open expression prompts me to trust his words. He cares about me. He wants to know this part of me.

I let him in. “I wish my mom loved her body, too. I wish a lot of women and girls loved their bodies. Men are much more likely to hire nutritionists because they aim to increase their muscledensity or athletic performance, even if they aren’t professional athletes.”

I shake my head and continue, “Most women aren’t wired the same way. It’s hard to see toxic health trends on social media that promote being skinny over healthy. I witnessed the same with my mom growing up, and I’m so lucky I had sports to teach me that way of thinking wasn’t good. But so many women don’t have that positive influence. And I hate it.”

“Hm,” Dane hums thoughtfully. “Have you ever thought of being that influence?”

I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”

He lifts a shoulder and adjusts his grip on my thighs. “You’re a registered dietician and an athlete. You’re also young. Have you ever considered creating a business that serves women in their health and fitness journey?”

“You mean become an influencer?” I snort.

“Maybe. Or maybe just a professional specializing in creating nutritional plans for women, both athletes and non-athletes. I’m not a business-minded guy, but I’m sure there’s a need for someone like that. And with your knowledge and credentials, you could fill that need.”

My lips part in surprise. I don’t think I’ve ever had someone believe in me so much. Sure, my family is supportive and encouraging, but the way Dane speaks with such confidence makes me feel incredible. He makes me feel like anything is possible.

His forehead furrows. “What’s that look for?”

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