Page 34 of I Wanna Dance

He stood his ground, crossing his arms, blocking my path. “He has a lot of money. Runs a successful IT firm. Very successful. Owns a house in Buckhead, drives an eighty-thousand-dollar Audi, and has investments in half the tech startups in the Southeast.”

I knew Marco was comfortable, but I’d never thought much about his financial situation. I’d been too busy enjoying his company, getting to know the man who made me laugh and who held my hand when I felt unsteady.

“How does any of this concern you?” I lifted my chin.

Don’t engage him, Leah. Walk away.There is no profit in having this conversation with him.

But I couldn’t. I wanted to strike him where it hurt.

“Ever wonder what he sees in you?”

But I should’ve known that he was better at hitting the target than I ever could be. His question landed precisely where he intended. Kevin knew how to push my buttons—he had years of experience doing it. And I had years of experience hiding my emotions, so I did just that. I put on the old mask, though it didn’t fit as well as it used to. I wasn’t as practiced at wearing it anymore. With Marco, I didn’t need it. With him, I could always be myself. It was a gift. A luxury.

But why was Marco with me? A handsome, successful man like Marco could have anyone he wanted. Why would he choose barely-making-it, saggy Leah?

I shook my head, turned on my heel, and walked away from Kevin.

“Come on, Leah.” His malicious voice reached me and, unfortunately, a few others who were walking by. “You and I both know you’re not exactly...prime material anymore. Mid-forties, struggling to rebuild your career, a woman with baggage.”

I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tighten.

He walked with me, despite my silence.

“Men like Marco,” Kevin continued casually, “don’t settle for women like you. Not for long, anyway. I hope you’re prepared for that.”

I wanted to say something, to throw his words back in his face, but years of hearing this kind of poison had left scars. No matter how far I’d come, no matter how much I’d built myself up, Kevin had a way of making me feel small.

I ignored him because my throat was closed.

“When he dumps your ass as he will, come and see me, alright?”

I hurried my steps and thankfully, this time, he didn’t follow me.

By the time I reached my car, my hands were shaking. I sat behind the wheel for a few minutes, staring at the dashboard, willing the tears to stay put.

It’s not true! What Kevin said is not true, Leah. Marco is not going to dump your ass. He likes you.So, why do I believe Kevin? Why do his words cling to me like crude oil, sinking into every crack of my self-doubt?

I thought about Marco, about the way he looked at me, the way he listened when I talked, the way he treated me like I was worth something. And yet, the voice in the back of my mind whispered,why would someone like him want you?

CHAPTER 16

Marco

“What’s wrong?” I asked as soon as she opened her door. I could feel it. When I called her to tell her that I’d pick up groceries, she sounded distant.

Now, I could see she was upset. I’d learned enough about Leah by now to know that when she withdrew, it wasn’t because she wanted to be alone, it was because she thought she was.

I stepped inside and set the bag on her kitchen counter. Her place was small, with an open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas, one bedroom, and a bath. She’d made it hers, but I knew that she didn’t feel at home here. It was a place to lay her head. No more.

“Thanks for getting that.” She jutted her chin toward the groceries as she stood, her arms crossed, as if she were protecting herself.

She looked beautiful as she always did, but there was sadness in her eyes.

I walked up to her, put my hands on her arms, and rubbed gently. “What’s wrong?” I asked again.

“Nothing.” She turned away, walked to the living room, and sat on the couch. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”

I followed her, sat down beside her, picked her up, and hauled her onto my lap. She squealed.

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