Page 3 of The Sweetheart Dance
I graduated at the top of my class for neonatal nursing. I have a job at one of the most prestigious neonatal hospitals in the Midwest. Families all over the country come to the hospital to get the necessary and life-changing care needed for their loved ones.
My mind swims with thoughts of insecurities and trying to figure out what could have brought this on. Am I not smart enough? Am I not pretty enough? I don’t understand.
Tears start to fall from my eyes as I look around the room to make sure no one is witnessing the single most embarrassing night of my life.
“Raina, I’m sorry we have to end this way,” he whispers.
I’m standing up out of my seat. My feet are wobbly in the shoes I’m wearing but I’m determined to get out of here before I make a scene.
With my head tucked down, I about run through the restaurant trying to get to the front door. I hear the hostess bid her farewell to me and I know I’m about to be free of this place.
I must have got cocky because before I know it, I’m running into a stealy man coming through the door.
I lose my balance in my shoes falling backward.
If today could get worse, I would be surprised.
Chapter Two
Luke
There is something about going back to my roots that humble me this time of year.
It has been a whole four years since I last stepped foot in the small town my grandparents would bring me to every Christmas. I loved coming here as a kid and especially loved skiing down the mountains. The snow bunnies helped, too.
I adjust my jacket around my shoulders pulling the middle tighter around my chest. This is something I need to get used to again. It has been a whole year since I have experienced winter.
I got drafted to the NFL about four years ago straight out of my freshman year of college. I’ve enjoyed the sun, surf, heat, and fun of being a celebrity in my own right.
“Are you on your way?” Karl asks from the other end of the phone.
I smile as I look at my fans waiting for me outside of my car. This is something I haven’t been able to get used to. The fans and the autographs.
“I’ll be in there soon,” I reply while hanging up the phone.
“Luke! Luke! We love you!”
I’m giving every one of the ladies in front of me my signature grin.
“Are we gonna win this next season?”
I take my time signing whatever is thrown in my face and then pose for a couple of pictures with my fans. I didn’t think a lot of them would recognize me without my jersey on.
After the last couple of pictures are shot, I head into the restaurant my grandparents used to take me to all of the time. I used to love the owners of the restaurant so much since they always treated me like family. There is something about being here that makes me remember how simple my life used to be.
My hand is on the door when I feel a soft woman running into me. I’m reaching out to hold onto her to stop her from falling, but she falls out of my hands.
“Oh, crap!”
I squat down to help her up and her eyes heat up under my gaze. They widen with something I have never seen in a woman.
I feel like I have met this woman before.
“Are you okay?” I ask her while sticking my hand out for her to grab.
Her little hand wraps around my fingers for me to help pull her up. With us standing in front of each other, she stands to about my chest level.
She looks me up and down but when she gets to my eyes, she takes a step back.
