Page 75 of Straightened Out

“You were supposed to be out of here an hour ago,” I point out, lifting my gaze back to hers. “I was concerned.” Her features soften at the admission and she drops her hands to her sides. Taking a step closer to me, she sighs and runs a hand down the front of my suit.

“I was off my game today, and Ms. Beechers asked me to stay later to work on my form. With auditions right around the corner, I was really in no position to turn her down.” She pauses, cocking her head to the side. “I didn’t think to call you and I completely forgot about Bruno.” She frowns slightly. “I guess I got so wrapped up in my work I forgot I have someone in my life that cares.”

She may have forgotten, but I didn’t.

Not when I was staring down those bikers.

Not when I was facing off with her mother.

Not when that asshole took pictures of me.

Not when Rienzi called a meeting.

I kept reminding myself I had someone waiting for me.

Someone who cared.

I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close. Bending my head slightly, I touch my lips to hers and steal a kiss. After a moment, I lean back and cup her cheeks.

“It’s new territory for both of us.”

All of it.

My position.

Her career.

Us.

It’s all new and instead of giving us time to get acclimated to the changes, I’m steamrolling ahead without pause. Any sane man will tell you it’s a recipe for disaster.

But I don’t know that I can stop either.

The train has left the station.

The question now—will we keep it on the tracks.

Chapter 24

Violet Cabrera

Ishould be rehearsing my routine especially after Mrs. Beechers embarrassed me in front of my entire class. The tension was high with the auditions approaching and I was starting to doubt I’d be casted in the production. But instead, I let Rocco escort me out of the academy. As soon as I heard his voice and saw his face, I knew I was done with dancing for the day. I didn’t even bother changing into my street clothes. The fact that he had somehow made his way inside the Academy after I didn’t answer my phone, just sealed the deal. I didn’t care about Mrs. Beechers or the look of disdain she gave me when I told her I was leaving. I didn’t even care about the auditions. All I wanted was him.

We walked out of the Academy hand in hand and once we were situated in the back seat of the Maserati, he pulled me into his arms and ordered Bruno to drive us to my mom’s house. That wasn’t exactly the direction I saw this night going, but before I could question him on it, he turned to me and said, “Pack a bag, you’re coming home with me for a couple of days and while you’re in there, change into something nice.” He paused, letting his eyes rake over me for a moment. “A dress,” he continued. “Something like you wore on your birthday.”

“Where are we going?”

“On an overdue date,” he replied, bringing my hand to his lips. I stared at him as he peppered my knuckles with kisses and that’s when it hit me. For years I crushed on this man and while I loved him for being part of my life, I wasn’tinlove with him. But that was changing, and it was happening at the speed of lightning. When something strikes that hard and fast it paralyzes you and all you can do is remain still as it takes over. That’s probably why I didn’t respond.

It’s also very likely the reason I felt the onset of tears when he draped his arm around me, and I laid my head on his chest. There were no words spoken until the Maserati pulled up in front of my mom’s house. Then, he took my face in the palm of his hands and told me to be quick.

That was forty minutes ago.

I know, I know…but cut me some slack. This is the first time Rocco and I are going out together on a real date and after dancing all day, I want to look and feel pretty. I took a quick shower, but instead of blow drying my hair, I let it air dry while I did my make up. When I was done applying my mascara, I wasted another ten minutes pulling every dress from my closet. I finally decided on a red, satin dress that falls to my knees and hugs all my curves.

Giving myself one last glance in the mirror behind my door, I move to grab a pair of heels, but the thought of squeezing my battered feet into a pair of stilettos is a hell I’m not sure I can withstand. I’m about to swap my beautiful heels for a pair of practical flats when my bedroom door opens.

My eyes lock with my moms and the heels fall from my hand. When we arrived at the house, I actually breathed a sigh of relief because there was no sign of her car. I’m not in the mood for another fight.

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