Read Online A Slow-Burning Dance by Ravenna Tate - Free Book Online Page A

thought no one could make them taste as
good, but these are just like hers.”
    “A
grand compliment indeed. Thank you. What do you have planned today?”
    “I
have two lessons this afternoon, but otherwise I don’t have any plans.” That
made her sound pathetic and lonely.
    “Where
do you teach?”
    “I
rent space at the gym.”
    “Won’t
it be nice not to have to do that anymore?”
    “It
will be wonderful.” Soon, she’d have her very own studio in a prime corner
location. At least she had that to look forward to, but leasing the space also
meant she’d run into Damien a lot more than would make her comfortable. Was it
too late to back out of the lease?
    They
ate in silence for a few minutes. The food really was incredible, and she asked
for seconds, as well as another cup of coffee. There was no sense in wasting
it, and she needed to eat if she was going to teach later.
    “What
time are your lessons?”
    “One
o’clock and two-thirty.”
    “Then
I’ll wait until you’re free so we can visit the mall together.”
    She
stared at him for a few seconds. “You don’t mind? I assumed…” What had she assumed?
That he’d kick her out as soon as he’d fed her? Well, yes. That was exactly
what she’d assumed.
    He
paused in the act of bringing his fork to his mouth, placed it down next to his
plate, and turned to face her. She watched confusion and then understanding
fill his face, and was now totally convinced that he was a mind reader.
    “Sela,
did you think I wouldn’t want to spend the day with you?”
    She
nodded because her voice seemed to have disappeared.
    “Nothing
could be further from the truth. Last night was heaven. All of it. The music,
the food, the sex, but most of all simply being with you. I want to keep seeing
you, and I certainly hope you feel the same way, otherwise I’m the biggest fool
in the world.”
    She
had to say something, no matter the consequences. Her pulse raced. “For how
long?” He gave her a blank look. “How long do you want to keep seeing me?”
    “For
as long as you’ll let me.”
    Enough
was enough. She had to know the real truth before she dug herself in any
deeper. “Damien, come on. Let’s get serious. I know your reputation. I’m very
attracted to you, and I had a fabulous time last night, but I told you that I don’t
want to be just another notch on your bedpost.”
    His
gaze turned hard. “Did you see any on there?”
    “What?”
    “Notches.
Did you see any on the bedposts?”
    She
swallowed hard at the coldness in his voice, wishing she’d kept her big mouth
shut. “No.”
    The
expression in his eyes softened. “Sela, I meant what I said to you yesterday. I
used to be that guy. I’m sure Santino has told you many things I wish no one
knew. I was with a different woman every month, sometimes every week. But I’m
not that person anymore. I swear to you.” He took her hands. “Look, I know this
is sudden, but I don’t do anything half-assed. I want you in my life. This
isn’t a fling.”
    She
was stunned. Everything she’d assumed earlier was dead wrong. “How can you know
that? You haven’t seen me for six years and admitted you hardly remember
meeting me.”
    “I
know because your eyes pierced my soul when I looked into them on Wednesday. I
know because last night was the most erotic, sensual, meaningful night I’ve
ever had, with any woman. I know because I’m singing this morning, and the
sight of you in nothing but that robe makes my blood boil. I know because if I
didn’t think you’d run out of here, screaming, thinking I’d gone loco , I’d ask you to move in here with
me today, and beg you to stay for the rest of your life.”
    The
rest of the eggs and coffee were going to get cold, or at least cool. No doubt
about it, because Sela kissed Damien like she might never do it again. When she
slid off her stool and pushed her body closer to his, he undid the tie on her
robe. It fell to the floor, and then his t-shirt was off