Page 49 of Just a Little White Lie

I shouldn’t be throwing my dreams away after one little slipup.

But it wasn’t little. It was freaking huge.

And it hurt like hell.

I turn the pages of my magazine without reading them. Luke’s still in my doorway, waiting for an answer. He won’t let up… because he loves his sister.

And he’s probably right.

I should help her.

My stomach clenches as I hold in my sigh.

“Yeah, uh…” I shrug. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, man.” Luke’s whole demeanor changes, a smile stretching across his face. “I really appreciate it.”

“Yep.” I nod, watching him until he closes my door.

Crap.

He appreciates it?

He probably wouldn’t if he knew what I’d been thinking only moments before!

Closing my eyes with a sick sigh, I tip my head back and let out a frustrated grunt.

I’m trying my best to behave myself around his little sister, and he’s basically asking me to step right into the fire.

Teach her how to dance, Jack.

Show her some of those moves.

Watch her body move to the rhythm but try not to touch.

Try not to fall.

And definitely don’t give in to the burning temptation that hits you every time she walks into a room!

LAUREN

Iwake early and toss and turn in bed until I can’t stand it. Eventually I give in and pump myself full of coffee before heading into school. I’ve rehearsed so many sales pitches on this dance competition that they’ve all become a muddle. My brain is fried, and the day has barely started. Great!

I pace the studio, flicking through Spotify and trying to find musical inspiration.

Crap, what if Jack’s right?

My stress levels continue to skyrocket as I watch spadesful of my grave being dug that much deeper. This is going to be one huge swan dive.

When the bell rings, I startle and nearly drop my phone. I manage to fumble it against my stomach and hold fast while the group of reluctant teenagers trails into the dance studio.

At least they showed up, I guess.

That’s something, right?

Slapping my phone down on the desk, I clear my throat and try to sound confident, enthusiastic, fired up. Fake it ’til you make it. That’s Teaching 101.

“Good morning!” I punch out the words, and they stare at me like I’m a total loser. “Take a seat. We have lots to get through today.” I pull in a breath and decide to do something a little different with the roll call. You know, keep them on their toes and all that. “So, this morning when I call your name, tell me what… your favorite movie is.”

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