Page 34 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

He finished chewing and wiped his face with a linen napkin. “That’s the best chicken alfredo I’ve ever had!” She blushed, biting her lower lip. “Seriously, where did you learn to make this?”

Forking a bite, Gia replied, “It’s my Aunt Caroline’s recipe. It was my favorite meal she made for me on special occasions.”

He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “What’s the occasion tonight?”

She looked at him square in the face. “I’m happy.”

Hart inhaled sharply. “Well, sweet thing, happy looks good on you.”

The woman sitting across from him made him feel things he had never felt before. Knowing she was waiting for him back at the condo while stuck in atrocious Atlanta traffic made the commute almost bearable. He was happy too.

Gia had finished her classes by 5:30 p.m. and had texted him shortly after, telling him not to worry about dinner. She had even suggested he take his time getting home so she could serve him something special, as a thank you for taking her in. When he walked through the door, aromatic smells of garlic bread and pasta baking in the oven greeted him. A bottle of his favorite wine accompanied the special meal, which touched him deeply. As they conversed and ate at the romantic table filled with small candles, Hart couldn’t help but feel a deep satisfaction when she was in his presence and knowing she was safe was very gratifying. He was excited about looking at property with her over the weekend. This was the start of a new life—for both of them.

“I talked with Ed Smith today. Told him this would be the last month for Dance Atlanta. He seemed to take it pretty well.”

Hart set his fork to the side of his plate. “Are you okay? That’s a big decision.”

“It’s the right decision. I’ve been putting it off for a long time. Your real estate information kind of sealed the deal. You were right. That whole area is gonna get worse before it gets any better. It’s time to pull out.”

He nodded in agreement. “You’ll find your way. Have you thought about what you might want to do? Maybe teach at a bigger studio in the trendier areas? God, any studio would be thrilled to have a talented teacher like you, especially with your background and your time on So You Think You Can Dance. We could also look at securing another lease so you could move your entire business. It might be expensive, but if it’s something you want to continue to do, I’m behind you 100 per cent. I’d be happy to be an investor.”

She smiled warmly and took a sip of wine. “I think I need a break from being a business owner. I appreciate your offer, though. I called Ethan to give him a heads up, and he immediately told me about the upcoming show at the City Springs Theatre he needs some help with. Choreography, rehearsals… it could be something right up my alley while I think about what’s next.”

Hart beamed. “That’s fantastic! What a great friend!”

Gia agreed. “He wants me to come by tomorrow night after my gig—introduce me to the dancers in the chorus at the tail end of rehearsal. I know you don’t want me playing Marilyn anymore, but I need to honor the last few contracts I still have for gigs. It’s only a couple more weekends. Are you okay with that?”

She was asking him if he was okay with it. Honestly, he wasn’t. But he would handle a couple of more weekends if that’s what she needed to do. He couldn’t believe how quickly she had already started making plans. She was a go-getter. “You do whatever you think is right, sweetheart. I’m proud of you for coming up with a plan. And don’t forget, I’ll be right here waiting for you.” She offered him a smile that made his manhood stir, her blue eyes breathtakingly beautiful in the candlelight.

“Did you get enough to eat?” she asked huskily.

“Mmm, yes. I’m stuffed.”

“I hope you made room for dessert.”

He watched as she slowly unbuttoned her shirt, a grin spreading across his face.

“What are you doing?” he asked, knowing exactly what she was up to.

“I’m getting ready.”

“For dessert?”

“Yes.”

She took the blouse off and stood, pulling down her pants. When she was in nothing but a lacy bra and panties, she walked around the table and stood in front of him with one hand on his shoulder. Her hips started to swing slowly back and forth, making Hart chuckle. “Are you dancing for me?”

“Mmmhumm,” she smiled demurely, allowing the straps of her bra to fall to the side. “Can you unhook me please?” She turned around and sat on his lap, arching her back, making him gasp. He ran his fingertips lightly down her porcelain skin before unhooking the garment. She turned around, holding it against her chest while stifling a smile by biting her lower lip.

“God almighty, you’re gorgeous.” He drank in her playful image as she tossed the bra across the room, her breasts bouncing in front of his face. Pulling her forward, his mouth landed on her nipples and he began sucking and tugging them with his lips and tongue, making her moan. He kissed her neck up to her cheeks before his mouth consumed hers, their passion igniting a wildfire. She gyrated against him, and he used his free hand to slide down her belly to under the waistband of her panties, dipping his fingers into her hot seam. She pulled back and gripped his shoulders, locking eyes with him, the wetness between her legs suggesting he continue and bring her to a climax.

“Don’t stop,” she requested, her nostrils flaring with each puff of air she took in as she moved faster against his hand.

“I’ll never stop,” he promised, watching her come undone in his lap. He beheld her beauty at that moment and felt her tense for a quick second before shuddering in release.

***

That night was a turning point for Gia. She did everything in her power to show Hart how she honestly felt about him minus the vocalized words, “I love you.” It was a test of sorts, to see if he might say it first. No one had ever said those words to her, not even her own selfish mother or her caring aunt. Sure, she felt loved by her Aunt Caroline, but for some reason, her own family wasn’t conditioned to say it. Love was a serious game changer for her, and she knew once she said those words out loud, there would be no turning back. Love was something she had coveted her entire life. Forget being raised by a stripper-drug-addict of a mother, or navigating financial ruin on her own. Being on the cusp of falling in love was the scariest thing she had ever been through.

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