Page 136 of Just a Little White Lie

“Okay. Okay. Let me say it like it is.”

I hold my breath, my head bobbing as if it should be on his dashboard.

“The truth is… I’m in love with you.”

My heart starts to sing.

He winks at me, and I savor his delicious smile. “And you’re in love with me, so when I’m imagining the future, we’re in it together.”

“Like all the way to old and gray?”

“Don’t mind the sound of that.”

“Me neither.”

He glances at me, and we share a smile that makes my insides all gooey.

“Don’t want to be living with Luke forever, though. I say we eventually get a place of our own. Maybe I’ll put a ring on it, you know?”

I laugh at his reference to Beyonce’s hit “Single Ladies.”

“Maybe I’ll say yes.”

“And maybe you’ll be the most stunning bride the world has ever seen.”

We share another grin, and I whisper, “I love you.”

And because I say it and because I mean it, I venture into the next part of the conversation.

“You need to start dancing again.”

“I know.” He nods. “I’ve already started working on my proposal. I thought running some after school and weekend hip-hop classes might be cool. And then some evening classes for the adults. Swing or Latin American, maybe. We’ll see what the interest is.”

“That’s so cool. I wonder if you should get Mav or some of the kids involved.”

Jack nods. “Could be good for them.”

“It’s just another boost, you know? Another person showing their belief in them.”

“I’ll have a think about logistics and how it’s going to work. I need to sit down and figure out all the finances too. I’ll be contracting my services to the gym.”

“Luke will be more than willing to help you with that.”

Jack laughs. “Oh, I know it.”

“It’s gonna be great, Jack. I can see it already.”

“Yeah.” He nods. “I kind of like picturing the future. I didn’t used to, but now that I’ve got all these things on my horizon…” He grabs my hand and pulls it to his lips. “Now that I’ve got you… the future’s exciting.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too, Tinker Bell.”

I snicker and shake my head. “Out of all your nicknames for me, that one’s gotta go.”

“Why?” He looks disappointed and I snort with laughter at the little pout on him face. “Your cute little nose. It’s perfect for you.”

I touch the tip of my nose and throw him ayou’re weirdlook.

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