Page 37 of Stick Work

“I’m kidding, and…” I pause and tap my chin. “I’ll tell you in good time.” I guess when it comes right down to it, I do want a dance studio, but I want it to hold classes for kids.

He looks over my shoulder. “Looks like those two made up.” I turn, and lean back against Elias, using his big hard body as my wall. I sigh. “I’m so happy for them. I knew they were perfect for each other.”

As they make their way off the stage to say hello to everyone watching my brother’s grand gesture, I turn back to Elias. “Ready?” I’ve planned a get together at the Nook, Gina’s café, to celebrate Kalen and Sahara.

“I am.” He laughs. “I guess it’s a good thing everything went as planned, or you would have had a lot of food, with no one to eat it.”

“I was pretty sure it’d go down this way.”

“Speaking of going down.” I take in the heat in his eyes, the playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he puts his hands on my shoulders and presses down. My entire body heats. God, I love when this man takes control when he loses himself in me.

Has he ever lost himself with any other woman?

Actually, I don’t want to think about that.

Oh, and why is that, Taylor?

None of your damn business, annoying inner voice who knows nothing. Dammit, for a charade, this is starting to feel dangerously real and I really don’t want to admit that to myself. I am not ready to settle down. I’m young and have so much more to do before that. Besides, Elias is still in search of a real partner.

“You go first,” I say to Elias, not wanting anyone to know we were up on stage together. He nods, and hurries back down to the auditorium, and I walk onto the stage and go through the back. I hurry out of my costume and into my yoga pants and sweater. I tug on a jacket and boots and meet the others as they all congratulate Kalen and Sahara.

When Kalen sees me, he pulls me to him and gives me a big hug. “Thanks, sis.”

“Anything for you brother.” Guilt zings through me. If he knew what I was doing with his best friend, he wouldn’t be so happy. “As a surprise for you both, we have a party set up at Gina’s.”

Sahara steps up to me. “Really? That’s so nice of you.” She gives me a hug, and when she sees Elias moving in behind me, yes, I know it’s him by the way my body tingles whenever he’s close, she gives me a knowing wink.

At least my secret is safe with her.

“You ready?” Elias asks me, and lightly touches my back. My brother is so enamored with his new fiancée, he doesn’t notice.

“I traveled with Elias.” I explain to Sahara. “That way we only had one car downtown.” She’s grinning as I try to justify why we’re together. “We’ll meet you there, okay?”

“Take your time,” she whispers with a wink, and I roll my eyes at her.

Outside, we head to Elias’s car and as the wind bites at my face, Elias takes my hood and pulls it up. I chuckle. “Thanks, Grandpa.”

“Jesus,” he groans.

We reach his car and he opens my door for me. It’s those little things that really make me feel special. He circles the vehicle and I don’t take my eyes off him. Honestly, I’m looking forward to having his house to myself. I realize my brother wants me to stay living with him while I’m still in college, but now that he’s with Sahara, I think the two need space.

Elias slides in beside me and he must sense I have something on my mind. “What?” he asks.

I laugh at how well he can read me. “Are you serious about getting a roommate?” Okay, this probably isn’t my wisest move. Let’s face it, when he does finally find someone to love, there’s no way I can stay at his place. Why, you ask? Well, first, he’ll want his privacy. Second, I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to stomach watching him with someone else.

Oh, boy.

“I don’t know, why? Do you know someone?”

“Me?”

Clearly, I’m not thinking straight. This really isn’t a good idea. Even if he doesn’t find someone, once his buddy’s wedding is over, we’re done.

“I just mean, Kalen and Sahara will want their privacy. I don’t like being anyone’s third wheel. We’d obviously have separate rooms.” Ohmigod, stop rambling, already. “When you find?—”

Before I can stop myself, he leans across the seat, cups the back of my neck and brings my mouth to his, shutting me up with a deep, tender kiss. I moan and sink into the kiss, my hand going to his lap.

His mouth lingers for a moment. “Was that to shut me up?” I ask, my voice a low, aroused whisper.

---