Tinsel

by Perry, Devney

  I fell forward, my head collapsing into his chest. His long arms wound around my back, and he held me until I let go of a few more tears and then fought the rest back.

  There were so many emotions swirling, I didn’t know how to deal with them.

  He was here. I’d missed him.

  He was leaving. I’d miss him again.

  I was excited for the studio to open. I was terrified that the studio would fail.

  “What if it does?” I asked quietly into his black shirt.

  “What if what does?”

  I looked up. “What if the studio fails?”

  “It won’t. You won’t let it fail.”

  “But what—”

  He pressed his finger against my lips, cutting me off. “When I bought my first rental, I asked my uncle the same thing. You know what he told me?”

  I shook my head.

  “He told me to ask a different what if. What if I hate being a landlord? What if a tenant asked to buy the place, and I sold it sooner than I’d planned? What if a house got struck by lightning and burned to the ground? Would those things make me a failure?”

  “No.”

  “No. It just means that you live and learn. This might not be the thing you do your entire life. But if you give it your all, you’ll never be a failure.”

  I sagged against his chest again. “Thank you.”

  He had no idea how much I’d needed to hear those words.

  My biggest fear wasn’t just failure but disappointment. If this studio flopped, I had no idea how my family would react. I was so nervous I’d sworn Aubrey to secrecy months ago, making her promise to let me tell the rest of them in my own time. I’d even managed to avoid Dad at Kendrick Enterprises when I’d gone into work.

  But a week and a half ago, with the opening looming, I finally had to confess and tell them about what I’d been up to. Their excitement had just made my anxieties worse.

  “I don’t want to let my family down,” I whispered. “Not again.”

  “You might.”

  “What?” I stood back, making sure I’d heard him right.

  “You might.” He nodded. “You might not do exactly what they want or how they want it. But take it from a guy who has disappointed his family for years. It doesn’t matter. Don’t do this because you want to make them proud. Do this because it’s going to feed your spirit. My guess? They’ll be damn proud, no matter what happens.”

  “I hadn’t thought about it that way.” I let his words sink in then gave him a smile. “You always know the right thing to say.”

  He chuckled. “Glad you think so because I’m just winging it.”

  “Come on.” I took his hand and led him out of the studio and back to the hallway. “I’ll show you the offices. Then we can explore the city. Is there anywhere you’d like to go?”

  “How about you take me to your favorite places? Give me the Sofia Kendrick tour of the city.”

  I smiled. “You don’t want to see the tourist stops?”

  He shrugged. “I can hit them another time.”

  My heart leapt. “You’re coming back?”

  “Maybe someday. It’s a cool city. I’ll have to hit up the landmarks one day.”

  “Oh.” My excitement died. Of course he wouldn’t be back to visit me. He was here as a one-time favor because I’d practically begged him to come.

  The sex was a bonus, though if I’d taken it off the table, he still would have flown over. This was nothing more than a weekend affair. Wasn’t it?

  So why had he gone through a four-month dry spell? Why had I? Was there more here than just occasional, long-distance lovers?

  Maybe there was a future. Maybe this short-lived affair didn’t have to be short-lived. Maybe we had something real.

  For once in my life, I’d found a man who was worth my attention.

  Except when I looked into the future, I couldn’t picture us together. I couldn’t see myself living in Montana. I couldn’t see him here with me in the city. Was there an in-between? A lifestyle that fit for us both?

  My mind came up empty.

  What did that mean?

  I didn’t have time to dream up answers. We reached my office and I gestured for him to walk in first. “Here’s my office. It just got finished the other day.”

  “Nice.” Dakota walked in and ran his fingers over my white desk. Then he turned and perched his ass on a corner.

  “I like it.”

  I stared at him as he took in the bookshelves along one wall and the painting on the other. He’d be the finest man I’d ever have in this room. Dakota was more than just a good guy. He was top-shelf. His moral fiber ran so deep it was ingrained in his very being. With him, there were no games. No tricks. No ulterior motives.

  He was just pure and honest.

  If he wanted more of a relationship, he would have told me so. If he saw a future between us, he’d have clued me in.

  Which meant this was it. This weekend in New York would be our last together.

  And I was going to make it count.

  I walked over to him, fitting myself between his bulky thighs. “Would you mind doing one more thing for me before we go exploring?”

  “Shoot.”

  I ran my hands up his chest, wrapping them around his broad shoulders. Then I leaned in and ran my nose around the shell of his ear. “Let’s break in my desk.”

  Sofia and I spent one of the best weekends of my life in the city.

  We walked through Central Park along a path she said was once her favorite running trail when she’d lived on the Upper East Side years ago. She took me to the Met, her favorite museum, and showed me her favorite paintings, some of which were tucked away in corners I wouldn’t have found myself. We spent hours strolling along the city sidewalks, her arm linked with mine as she pointed out places here and there that held a memory for her.

  It was an adventure, exploring and getting a glimpse into her life. Even though she’d lived outside the city at her family’s estate on Long Island as a child, she’d lived in the city ever since high school. And it was a part of her, like Montana was a part of me. It was where her roots had come from. Her culture and heritage.

  During the day, we went sightseeing, but at night, we were in her bed. I made sure to get my fill of her taste, that sweetness on my tongue I’d forgotten over the last four months.

  After this weekend, I wasn’t sure when I’d get to see her again.

  I sure as hell couldn’t afford a trip to New York, and with her dance studio opening, she’d be tied up here, unable to visit Montana.

  It was for the best. Wasn’t it?

  We were destined for different lives.

  As I stood outside the bathroom in her penthouse, watching from the doorway as she put on her makeup, I couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in my gut. I’d been pushing it away all weekend.

  This trip would be the end.

  But not quite. In an hour, we were going to the studio. Then we’d be heading to dinner with her family. First thing tomorrow morning, a car was picking me up outside her building to take me back to the airport where I’d be flying back to Montana with Logan.

  This was it.

  So I studied her, watching as she leaned in closer to the mirror to swipe some mascara on those eyes. Eyes I’d never forget, no matter how many months or years or decades had passed.

  Those eyes, I’d remember for the rest of my life.

  Sofia was going all-out glam for tonight, though the grand opening, I’d learned, wasn’t going to be all that grand of an affair. Sofia had invited her family to come down and watch the first class. Her business manager and dance instructors had also invited some friends and family.

  In all, it would be a quiet event with some cookies for the kids and refreshments for the rest of us. Sofia had arranged to do a champagne toast before the first class started.

  The big fanfare was to come in three weeks. She’d been organizing a gala to fundraise for the studio. It woul
d be a glamorous event with ball gowns and tuxedos, catering to some of New York’s richest.

  I was glad she hadn’t invited me to that one. Tonight’s simple get-together would serve me just fine.

  “Are you going to just watch me?” Sofia smiled in the mirror, her eyes catching mine.

  “Yep.”

  “Well, I’m about to put on my lipstick. So you’d better come get a kiss while you still can.”

  I strode into the room, stepping up behind her in front of the vanity. She tipped her chin, looking over her shoulder just in time for me to set a soft kiss on her lips.

  When she turned back, she smiled at me in the mirror then dropped her gaze to the lipstick next to the sink. But she didn’t reach for it. Instead, she just stared blankly at the marble underneath her palms.

  “There’s only going to be a few kids tonight. Just so you know.”

  “It’s the first day. I didn’t expect a packed house.”

  “We’re only doing the one class.”

  “I know.” Sofia had already told me that when she’d explained the evening’s plan. “What’s going on in your head, babe?”

  She blew out a long breath. “I just don’t want you to expect this big show. It’s probably going to be small. Nothing major.”

  “Are you worried about me? Or your family?”

  Her shoulders fell. “I’m worried about everything.”

  “Hey. Look at me.” I waited until her dark eyes found mine in the mirror. “You got this.”

  “I don’t,” she whispered.

  “You do. You. Got. This. And I can’t wait to be there tonight when you realize it too.”

  A flicker of confidence sparked in her eyes, chasing away the fear. Her back straightened against my chest as she stood taller. “Thank you.”

  I dropped a kiss to her temple, ran my hands up and down her bare arms and left her in the bathroom to finish getting ready.

  There wasn’t much I could do for a woman who had everything in the world. But for tonight, I could be here. I could boost her up until she felt capable of flying on her own.

  An hour later, we were getting out of her town car in front of the studio. As Sofia stepped onto the sidewalk, a whole crew of women—all dressed similarly to her in fitted cocktail dresses—rushed out of the studio’s front door to greet her.

  I stepped out behind her, grinning as she laughed with her staff. She shot me a look over her shoulder, her eyes bright, as they ushered her inside.

  “Thanks for the ride.” I jerked my chin to Glen, who was standing by the driver’s side door, smiling at Sofia.

  He nodded. “Tell her good luck for me.”

  “Will do.” I waved and walked inside the studio.

  The second the door opened, the hushed whispering inside stopped, and the room went dead silent.

  “Everyone, this is Dakota. We’re—”

  “Coworkers.” I smirked, remembering how she’d introduced herself to my family.

  A slow smile spread across her gorgeous face. “Coworkers.”

  “Are there more of him where you used to work?” one of the women asked Sofia.

  The entire group burst out giggling except for the tall, lean Asian man behind the reception counter who shook his head. “Can we please focus? We have one hour. Let’s make sure everything is ready to go.”

  With a chorus of agreement, the reception area cleared, leaving just me, Sofia and the man.

  “Dakota Magee, meet Daniel Kim,” Sofia said. “Daniel is my operations manager here at the studio.”

  I shook the man’s hand over the reception counter. “Good to meet you.”

  “Same to you.” He nodded. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “That so?”

  Daniel chuckled. “I have you partly to thank for my job. She gives you a lot of credit for this place. Or the motivation to try, at least. I’m glad you could be here today.”

  “So am I, but I get no credit for this. It’s all her.” I held Sofia’s dark eyes, making sure she heard this next part. “You did this. It’s all you. And it’s incredible.”

  “It hasn’t even opened yet,” she mumbled, dismissing the compliment.

  “Doesn’t matter. It’s still true.”

  This studio would be a success, I was sure of it. But Sofia would need time to find that confidence.

  She’d spent too many years sitting idle. Too many years believing that she was nothing more than the woman others told her she was.

  This place would change it all.

  “I’ve been trying to give her compliments for weeks.” Daniel walked around the counter. “She brushes mine off too. Doesn’t mean I won’t keep trying.” He went right up to Sofia’s side and threw his arm around her shoulders.

  With that move, Daniel got my full attention. My eyes narrowed, looking him up and down. He wore a fitted black suit, the dress shirt under his jacket also black, and two buttons from the collar were open.

  Unbuttoned that far down, I should have seen some chest hair. But Daniel must believe in waxing because his skin was smooth. Was that what men did here in the city? Waxed to get the attention of a woman like Sofia Kendrick?

  They worked together. I knew firsthand how easy it could be to fall for Sofia when she was your coworker. If I called her in a few months, would she be with Daniel? Would he be the one watching her get ready in the bathroom mirror? My jaw ticked as jealousy brewed like a thunderstorm inside my chest.

  Daniel must have sensed it, because he grinned and let her go, discreetly flashing me his left hand and the gold band on his ring finger.

  I breathed, glad there was one less man in Manhattan I had to worry about when I left.

  Sofia came over and slid into my side, unaware of the exchange.

  My arm went right to the place where Daniel’s had just been. This weekend, she was mine.

  The door behind us opened, and Sofia’s parents, her sister and Logan came inside the studio. Logan was escorting an older woman who was smiling wide as she took in the room.

  Sofia unhitched herself from my side, dragging in a steadying breath as she turned to greet her family. “Hi, Mom and Dad. Thanks for coming.”

  Her mom came over and kissed Sofia’s cheek. “This is wonderful, sweetheart.”

  “I love everything you’ve done here.” The elderly woman came over and gave Sofia a firm hug.

  “Thank you, Granny. I’m glad you could be here.”

  “Me too. Pop would be so proud of you.”

  Sofia nodded, blinking a couple of extra times. No doubt she was on the verge of tears, but she was holding strong, keeping them back. Later tonight I’d probably find her in her closet, shedding the emotion from the evening.

  “Congratulations!” Aubrey came over next, giving Sofia a quick hug before waving at me.

  I nodded my silent greeting. It never failed to surprise me how much Aubrey looked like Logan and Thea’s oldest daughter, Charlie.

  “The place looks fantastic.” Sofia’s father was still inspecting the place as he spoke and walked toward the counter. He picked up one of the flyers, the same one I’d read when I’d first come here. “Smart. This entire setup is so smart.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” She swallowed hard, her eyes glistening. “I’m glad you could make it.”

  “I missed a lot of stuff when you were a kid. I’m trying to do better. I wasn’t going to miss this.”

  I took a step toward Sofia, ready to give her a reassuring hug, but her brother beat me to it.

  “I wouldn’t miss it either.” Logan let his sister go then shook my hand. “How was the weekend?”

  “Good. This is quite the city.” And spending it with Sofia had been the experience of a lifetime.

  “Mom, Dad, Granny,” Sofia swung her arm out to me, “I’d like you to meet Dakota Magee. He works with Thea in Lark Cove. He flew out with Logan for the opening. These are my parents, Thomas and Lillian Kendrick. And my grandmother, Joan.”

  I shook Thomas�
�s hand first, hoping he couldn’t feel my own tremble. “Sir.”

  “Dakota, welcome.”

  Thomas was an older version of Logan. He wore an expensive suit that was tailored around his broad shoulders. The man had probably worn suits every day for the last forty years. His gray hair was styled and combed, and the smell of his aftershave wafted between us like he’d been freshly shaved.

  “Thank you for coming.” Lillian came over next. After a slight embrace, she stayed close and offered me her cheek.

  I hesitated, every second getting more awkward as she waited, then it dawned on me what she was after. I dropped a kiss on her cheek, she smiled and walked away. It was the strangest greeting I’d ever had, since I’d never kissed a stranger’s cheek before. It was just as strange to repeat it with Sofia’s grandmother.

  “You’ll be joining us for dinner, won’t you?” Lillian asked.

  “Yes, ma’am.” And thanks to Logan, who was wearing jeans, I wouldn’t feel completely out of place.

  The door opened again and other people shuffled inside. Sofia went to greet them as I stood back and watched her family. They were in awe of her accomplishment, unable to soak it all in. They wandered around the reception area, touching chairs and walls and counters to make sure it was real.

  Sofia had confessed the other night she’d kept this place a secret from everyone but Aubrey. They’d only learned about it a week before she’d called me. And none of them, not even her sister, had gotten to see the place.

  I’d been the first.

  “Excuse me, Ms. Kendrick?” A woman with long red hair tied into a twist came into the reception area. “We’re all set up with the champagne and appetizers in the common room.”

  “Thank you, Carrie.” Sofia nodded then addressed the room. “We’re having a small toast for the opening before the first students get here. You are all welcome to some champagne as you meet the staff. Then please feel free to wander through the studio.”

  The room emptied as people migrated down the hallway, leaving just me and Sofia in the reception area.

  Her smile stayed in place until she was sure we were alone. Then her guard fell and underneath, she looked ready to puke.

  “You okay?”

  She nodded yes but her face said no.