Page 51 of Dancing in the Rain

She laughed. “No. I don’t know what I expected.”

“I’ve done stuff like that a million times. PR events and autograph signings, visits to hospitals and schools and nonprofit organizations. It’s part of the deal.”

Itwaspart of the deal.

“I guess it is,” she acknowledged. “Thank you.”

He opened the passenger door of his Porsche for her and she slid in. When he was also in the car he said, “I feel bad that this caused problems for Chloe.”

Peyton sank her teeth into her plump lower lip, drawing his attention to her mouth. Her lush, lickable mouth. He swallowed.

“Yeah, that wasn’t fun when she came home crying. I know how awful that feels when you think people are making fun of you. But she’s definitely been more moody lately, so things get to her more easily.”

“Because of Sara?”

“Yeah, I think that’s part of it, but it could also be hormones.”

“Oh.” That shut him up. Girl stuff.

“It all worked out.”

He drove to the Watt home not far from the school.

“I went to that school,” Peyton commented. “Sara and I both did. Some of the same teachers are still there.”

“Wow. That’s crazy.”

“It kind of is. But it feels nice that Chloe goes there, too.”

“It will suck for her to have to change schools.”

Peyton’s lips drooped. “Yeah.”

He hesitated. “Do you have a plan for that?”

“Nope.” She turned her face away to look out the side window.

“You seem like someone who likes to plan.”

She huffed a laugh. “You figured that out about me, huh? Yeah, I like to plan. But for some reason, I can’t bring myself to think about that. I know I need to, but…”

“You’re still hoping it’s not going to happen.”

“Yes.” Her voice was small. “Yes, there’s still a part of me that doesn’t believe this is really happening.”

He reached out and slid his hand over hers. “I get it.”

Her hand felt good. Small. Delicate, but strong. Warm.

When she curled her fingers around his, his heart gave a bump.

“Thanks,” she said quietly. “Thanks for letting me have my false hope.”

“Hope is never false,” he said. “Hope is hope. There’salwayshope.”

Her fingers squeezed his. She said nothing, though, because they both knew the reality.

Her phone chimed and she slowly pulled her hand from his to dig it out of her purse. She frowned as she read the screen.

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