Page 3 of Beyond The Barre

An absolute no-brainer.

Lincoln Buchanan wasn’t the sort of guy to daydream about a woman he barely knew. He was decisive and strong-willed. When he saw something he wanted, he went for it and, more often than not, he would succeed.

He knew it wasn’t luck that made him that way. It was sheer determination and confidence that made for a thriving new business with orders he was hard-pressed to keep up with. It was also his charm and experience that kept a new, warm female in his bed most nights.

So, what was it about the new dance teacher? Why couldn’t he get her out of his mind?

She wasn’t even his type. Curvy, carefree tourists looking for a fun night out were more his style. Certainly not a local, as new to town as she might be. Don’t shit where you eat was a rule he had tried to hold fast to. As a business owner, he didn’t need the town gossips causing any trouble or speculating over a future Mrs Buchanan.

Like he would ever get married. What a joke!

Besides, Scarlett was too small and dainty for him. She was like a porcelain doll he would too easily crush in his large hands. And didn’t ballerinas have a reputation for being snobs? She certainly had appeared to look down her nose at him with those silvery-grey eyes of hers.

Eyes he would like to lose himself in. Cheeks he would like to stroke, and those full red lips. Oh, he wanted to know how they tasted so badly!

And that was how he came to find himself strolling up to the Hinterland Dance Academy the following Tuesday afternoon.

During their weekly family lunch on Sunday, Linc had mentioned meeting Aimee’s ballet teacher. The little girl had been so excited she had launched into great depth about when her lessons were and how often she practised, and had even demonstrated some moves she had been learning.

Linc had listened intently, storing away all the offered information about Scarlett, then casually tossed out the offer to pick her up one day if her parents were pressed for time. The space he was renting for his new bar was, conveniently, just a few doors away and it wouldn’t be a problem at all. His brother Brad had exchanged a brief look with his wife, Mandy, before jumping at the opportunity.

Linc checked his watch. He was a good ten minutes early and the studio waiting room was empty as he entered. Soft piano music played, and he followed the noise, hoping to hear that pretty voice again.

Luck appeared to be on his side as he spotted an internal window and peeked through to see a class in session. Eight girls in pink leotards, tights, and ballet shoes skipped around in a circle before splitting into two groups and twirling on their toes.

“That’s it, girls.” Scarlett’s voice rang from the front of the room and he moved to better see her.

Dressed in a black leotard, tights, and pink ballet shoes, she looked every bit the professional ballerina. The simplicity of her pulled back hair showcased the high curve of her cheekbones.

Then she was moving across the floor, rising on her toes, and leaping gracefully.

“She’s amazing to watch, isn’t she?”

What the—oh. Audrey stood behind him, studying him. When had she arrived?

He cleared his throat before answering. “I don’t know much about ballet, but she seems to know what she’s doing.”

“Scarlett was one of the best at the Queensland Ballet. We’re very lucky to have her. She could have danced professionally for a few more years instead of accepting this job.”

He glanced back through the window as the class wrapped up and the students curtsied to her. “Can they see us?” He waved at the window.

“No, it’s one-way glass. So parents can watch without being a distraction.” Audrey turned to open the classroom door and the little ballerinas streamed out, noisily chatting about their class and all they had learned.

Aimee spotted him and flung her arms around his waist. “Uncle Linc, did you watch me?”

He patted her gently on the back. “I saw a little bit. You did great.”

“Who’s bottle is this?” Scarlett appeared in the doorframe, holding up a pink water bottle. Her eyes found him and she stilled. “Oh, it’s you.”

“It’s mine,” Aimee said, releasing him and skipping to Scarlett, who handed it over. “Look, my Uncle Linc is here.”

“I see that.” Scarlett smiled at the girl before turning back to him. “Hi again.”

He smiled, hoping he looked sexy but scared it appeared goofy. Shit, he was really off his game with this woman. “That seemed to be a good lesson.”

Scarlett looked at the window in front of him, her eyes widening. “You watched?”

“I got here early. I hope you don’t mind.”

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