He stares at me waiting for my reply. It’s then I notice the dark circles under his eyes. Today, Clara was telling me just how much extra work they’re putting in to get the club ready for their take over.
“A nap sounds really good.” I lay back next to him as his arms wrap around me, holding me tight.
“I don’t want to mess this up, Emma.”
I don’t say anything, instead I just lay on his chest, listening to his breaths become steady as he drifts off to sleep. I don’t want to mess anything up either.
Over the next two weeks, we fall into a pleasant routine. Axel comes over and plays with Felicity, building onto her play structure to her delight. I go over two times a week and lead everyone through a yoga class.
Sindy and Lacey come over too, and we finally ask the Trifecta to help us with a routine. Clara’s the one who made our logo for us and the Triplets were born. We became an overnight sensation.
Axel and I have to steal moments alone, which doesn’t happen as much as we want it to. He’s busy with the club. And with the Triplets in such high demand, I’m dancing more than ever. I’m also making more money than I ever have in my dancing career. I haven’t told the girls that when I save enough, I’m dropping out to start my own business. I don’t want to ruin all the excitement they’re having of us being so popular.
Axel knows my plans. He listens when I talk about what I want to do and his interest in it makes me feel special. I want to keep him from getting into my heart, but it’s too late. I should have known I was a goner from the first moment I laid eyes on him.
I text him goodnight after I crawl into bed, wishing he’s home so I can sneak over to his place, but he’s doing another late night working on the club. I’m about to fall asleep when there’s a knock on the door.
My wish just came true.
I jump out of bed and throw on my robe, running down the hallway. When I open the door, my smile fades when I realize it’s not Axel.
“What are you doing here?”
13
Axel
“I’m calling it a night,” I say, stretching my back out when I stand up. “This area looks good.” We’ve been working overtime trying to get this place in the best possible shape before we take over.
We’ve been working all night renovating the backstage area.
Clara’s sitting on one of the couches we pushed in the corner talking to Ben as he paints a wall. Damien’s in the bathroom tiling the shower, and I was installing the baseboards until I couldn’t focus anymore. I haven’t seen Emma nearly enough in the past three days. And I’m willing to admit how much I miss her.
She understood when I explained we were going to get busy the closer the take over of the club got, but I’d gotten used to our routine, and like I said, I miss her.
“Going to get your neighbor fix?” Damien says from inside the bathroom area.
“Stop it,” Ben and Clara say at the same time.
“Go, tell Emma we said hi. We want to do a yoga class tomorrow if she’s in.” Clara gives a little wave, not wanting to get up with all the open paint around her.
“See you tomorrow,” Damien says, as Ben humps the air with his paint roller.
I jog to my Range Rover, excited to see Emma after all these days. When I turn on the car I notice the time, disappointed Felicity will already be in bed. I’m startled when I realize just how much I miss Felicity, too.
I jump out of my car going straight toward Emma’s house when I get a whiff of myself. Annoyed, I go home to shower in record time, throwing on a hoodie, and gray sweats before finally heading over to Emma’s house.
I knock on the door, and when she opens it I pull her to me, kissing her deeply. Emma doesn’t resist, and she melts into me.
Have I mentioned how much I miss her?
I grab onto her ass ready to carry her to her room when I hear whistles. Emma pulls away and her eyes are glassy. Has she been crying? I glance over her shoulder and spot Lacey and Sindy smiling back at me.
Emma clears her throat and steps away from me, “So, Sindy and Lacey are here,” she says, grabbing my hand and leading me into the living room.
“Hello,” I say, clearing my throat, not from embarrassment but from the disappointment Emma wasn’t alone.
“Good, maybe you can talk some sense into her,” Sindy says, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Yes, please tell Emma it’s a bad idea. We’re making so much money,” Lacey interjects.