Page 39 of Always Earned, Never Given

Sabrina:If everyone knew, it wouldn’t be a secret.

Nattie:It was last Saturday!

Annabelle:IT WAS ONE TIME!!!

Nattie:We’ll see about that.

My black swan is back on my shoulder doing a little bootie shakin’ dance and telling me, “You could work on the secret part of secret nookie tomorrow night. Hell, just work on the nookie part. Figure out the rest after a few orgasms.”

My white swan flicks her off, pirouettes, then tells me, “Forget secret nookie. Stay strong. That man may be perfection wrapped in Greek god tissue paper, but he is more than you can handle right now. Stay focused. No distractions.”

Okay. I think I’m losing my mind.

Before giving any of this nonsense more thought, I sink under the water and try to drown both of them.

Friday morning, I step into Sweet Temptations for what’s become my new morning routine. Coffee, sweets, and a quick chat with Amelia if she isn’t too crowded. I typically catch her after she’s done with the morning rush and starting to restock for the day. However, when I walk in, a tall brunette is there, looking at the cupcakes in the cases while Amelia makes her a cappuccino. Her shiny hair is hanging loose down her back, and a beige raincoat is tied around her waist. She’s wearing pretty patent leather black pumps that give her a few extra inches, making her about my height.

Both of them look up when the bells chime over the front door. “Hey, Annabelle. I’ll be with you in just a minute,” Amelia throws over her shoulder as she finishes up. Today’s bandana is hot pink and holding her black curls out of her face. And her ever-present flour-covered minty green apron covers her clothes.

“No rush. My first class isn’t for another hour or so.” I peruse the muffins and feel eyes watching me. When I look over, it’s to catch the brunette looking at me curiously. Years of being on stage and in the public eye have me plastering a smile on my face. “Good morning,” I say as I hoist my bag up higher on my shoulder.

She looks at me for a long moment before smiling a little too big and offering me her hand. “I’m sorry. You look so familiar.” She drags the words out as if she’s trying to place me.

“Well, you’re looking at a local. I’ve lived here on and off my whole life. Maybe we’ve crossed paths.” I shake her hand. “Annabelle Hart. Nice to meet you.”

“Leah,” she offers. “Nice to meet you, Annabelle Hart.” She holds my hand for a second too long before dropping it. “Hart. Like the dance studio on the corner? Hart & Soul?”

“Yup. That’s me. Are you looking for classes? We have a class for every age and skill level.”

Amelia hands Leah her cappuccino then looks at me. “The usual, Belle?”

I feel the blush climb up my cheeks. I guess I really have made this part of my new morning routine if the owner knows my usual. “Yes, please.”

Amelia rings up Leah, who turns to me before leaving. “You know, I was thinking about taking some kind of class at the gym, but if you offer adult dance classes, maybe I’ll take you up on that.”

I reach into my bag, pull out a business card, and offer it to Leah. “We’d love to have you. Check out my website when you get a chance. All the classes are listed there with the times and the number of the studio. Feel free to give me a call with any questions.”

She flips my card over in her fingers. “I’ll make sure to do that. Thanks.”

Amelia and I both watch her leave before Amelia whistles. “I’ve got a pretty good whacko radar, and that girl seemed off.”

I turn back to look out the window, but Leah’s already gone. “She seemed okay to me.”

“Maybe...” She hands me my cup of coffee then leans in with her elbows on the counter. “So, tonight’s the night, right?”

“Oh, please stop. He’s coming over to watch a movie with my brother. Nothing else.” At least, this is what I keep telling myself.

Maybe if I say it enough, I’ll believe it.

Amelia nods her head slowly. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that.” She grabs the rag hanging off the back of her apron and starts wiping down the counter. “We’ll see what tune you’re singing Monday morning.”

“Yeah, yeah. I hear ya.” I start to cross to the door before turning back to Amelia. “You sure you don’t want to come with Tommy and me to the Kroydon University football game tomorrow? My friends are all going. You’re more than welcome to join us if you don’t mind listening to my friends ogle their hot boyfriends the whole time.”

Her laughter echoes throughout the empty bakery. “As much fun as that sounds, I’ll pass this time. I can’t close the shop early tomorrow.”

I nod and open the door, just before hearing, “But maybe next time?” asked softly. I don’t think Amelia is comfortable with having friends. I get it. I don’t know her story yet, but there’s unquestionably a story under the surface.

“Definitely next time.” I wave and head over to my studio, hoping that spending my day teaching will help me forget I’m supposed to spend a few hours tonight acting unaffected by Declan Sinclair.

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