“Yes.”
“So we’re in the right place.” A woman with long red hair smiled. “We’re here to sign our daughters up for ballet lessons.”
Grace’s mouth dropped open. “You are?”
“Sloan told us your studio would be ready today so we could come by and sign up, while you still had available spots.” The young blonde smiled.
“She has some available spots.” Sloan walked up next to her. Tenderness swelled her heart at Sloan’s thoughtfulness. He’d gone beyond her expectations to help her. No wonder she loved him so much.
She cleared her throat. “We just finished the room. Would you like to come in and see it?”
“We’d love to.” The mothers walked in with their three little girls. One little girl with long blonde hair and a large flower barrette in her hair stopped in front of Grace.
Grace knelt. “Hi, I’m Grace. What’s your name?”
“Mary Catherine.” She twisted a piece of hair on her finger. “I want to be a dancer.”
“Then you’re in the right place. I can help make that happen.” Grace stood as the little girl scampered away to see the new dance studio.
Sloan wrapped his hands around her from behind and whispered in her ear. “See, Grace. The town loves you. You just have to let us in.”
She blinked away the tears and composed herself.
After signing up her three new students, four more mothers called and asked for dance lessons as well.
“I can’t believe it.” She shook her head.
“I had faith in you.” Sloan touched the tip of her nose.
She shook her head and let out a laugh. “You seemed to know I was stronger than I thought.”
“I don’t know about that. You seemed to find your strength and stand up to Chris.” His eyes hardened.
“How’s he doing?”
“He’s out of the hospital and out on bail with a broken nose and a bruised ego. Mitch said Chris is going around town telling everyone I beat him up for no reason.”
Her head jerked up. “That lying asshole.”
Sloan grinned and pulled her into his chest. “Can’t argue with you there.”
She looked up into his gaze. “Aren’t you worried about his father pressing charges? I mean, you could lose your job over this.”
He snorted. “He’s full of shit. The charges won’t stick.”
“What if they do, Sloan?” She knew from experience that evil always won. Surely he couldn’t be this na?ve.
He cupped her face. “If I get fired over a lie, then that’s not the place I want to work.” He kissed her.
“Aren’t you worried?”
“No. You’re worrying enough for the two of us.” He kissed her until she couldn’t think straight. “Come on. I know what you need.” He took her hand and led her into the bedroom.
She grinned. “And what exactly do you think I need?”
He turned her around, pressing her back against this chest. “You need to relax.”
His fingers lifted her shirt up over her head. Her heart thumped in her chest as he caressed her breasts through her lacy bra. His hands slipped lower to the waistband of her jeans. He unzipped and slid her jeans down to her ankles. She kicked them off to the side and tried to turn around to face him, but he held her prisoner in his arms.
He moved her hair off her shoulder and kissed her in that sensitive spot on her neck. Shivers raced across her skin and she moaned softly.
“I love you like this, soft, pliable in my hands.” His hand cupped her breast, while he rolled her nipple between his skilled fingers.
Her hand went behind her back to his crotch. She caressed him through his jeans.
“Easy, Grace.” He pulled her hand away.
“I want to touch you.” She moaned as his free hand slid down her stomach.
“Not yet. This is just for you.”
His fingers dipped beneath the lace panties and into her wetness. “Yes.” She held his hand in place while he caressed her.
“Sloan.”
“Let go, Grace. I want to feel you tightened around me.” He kept up his torturous caresses until she was exploding into a million pieces.
He turned her around and slammed his mouth down across her. Still breathless from her orgasm, her body came alive under his demanding tongue. Her fingers found the edge of his T-shirt and lifted. He pulled away long enough to lose the shirt and pants. He quickly divested her of the panties and bra.
He held her close, kissing her with such love it brought tears to her eyes. He nudged her closer to the bed and they lay back together. He pulled her over on top of him.
“I need you now.” Breathless, she guided him into her heat. With one thrust he was deep inside her, filling her completely.
He moved slowly at first, dragging out her want and need until she was digging her nails into his back. He picked up his thrusting faster until they were both tumbling over the edge of their orgasm.
Afterwards, she lay across his chest while he held her close.
“I love you,” she whispered across his skin.