Page 39 of I Wanna Dance

I stood, my legs a little unsteady in my heels, and made my way to the stage. The applause grew louder, and as I stepped behind the podium, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

“Wow,” I said, the microphone amplifying my voice. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

A soft laugh rippled through the crowd, and I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders.

“When I started practicing law again after...well, for the second time, aftermydivorce.” I paused as some people laughed. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever find my place in this field again. But I did, and it’s because of the incredible women I’ve had the honor of representing. They remind me every day why this work matters. To the people in my life who stood by me—thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

My eyes landed on Marco. He was smiling at me, his eyes warm and filled with pride. “I thankyou,” I continued, but I was talking tohim,and I could see he knew it, and that was all that mattered, “for reminding me that it’s okay to let people in, even when it feels scary. I’m lucky to have you in my life.”

The applause that followed was almost deafening as the photographer snapped away.

I stepped off the stage with the award in hand in a daze. I never expected this. I’d only started my practice a year ago. This was…amazing and unbelievable.

After the ceremony, Marco and I found a quiet corner of the ballroom where I could catch my breath. He handed me a glass of champagne, his grin still firmly in place.

“Nice speech.”

“I meant every word,” I told him earnestly.

“I think I’m the one who’s lucky to have you,cariño.”

“Maybe we’re both lucky,” I said huskily, not able to look away from his hazel eyes.

“I’m very proud of you.”

I clutched the award hard, feeling the metal dig into the palm of my hand in the best possible way. “You’re one hell of a cheerleader, Marco Cabrera, and you don’t even wear a skirt.”

He laughed, the sound deep and warm. “Now, if that’s your thing, I think we can arrange it.”

I felt so happy that my heart felt like it would burst. “Did I sound okay?”

“Wonderful.”

“Too emotional?”

“Perfect.”

Perfect? Did he really think that, or was he just saying these things because he…what? Did he feel sorry for me? Maybe this was who he was. He threw compliments around. I knew that wasn’t true. I knew Marco even if we’d not known each otherlong. He was a genuinely honest man. And, yet, it was so hard to believe him.

“I didn’t trip, so I’ll call it a win,” I said nonchalantly, taking a sip of champagne.

He took the award from me and read aloud the message on it: “Leah Stahl, Divorce Lawyer of the Year.” He grinned wide. “This is so fucking cool. You are so fucking cool.”

“I…thank you.”

Marco reached out, brushing a stray curl from my face. “I mean it.”

Did he?Why did I doubt myself so much? Here was a beautiful, amazing man who was saying all these lovely things to me, and I was wondering what his agenda was. I was one screwed-up mess.

CHAPTER 20

Marco

Idon’t think I’d ever felt prouder of someone in my life. Watching Leah stand on that stage, her voice steady and sure as she accepted her award, had been a moment I knew I wouldn’t forget. She deserved every second of the applause, every ounce of recognition for the incredible woman she was.

After the ceremony, the room was a whirlwind of congratulations. Everywhere we turned, people were shaking Leah’s hand, complimenting her, and telling her how much they admired her work. Throughout it all, she carried herself with grace and humility, as if she still couldn’t quite believe she belonged here.

I was waiting for her to come back from the ladies’ room so we could head over to her place. I had champagne in the fridge there, which I’d placed early in the evening with the plan of opening it no matter if she won or not.

---