by Kait Nolan
She sucked him into the story, and even though the flocked trees had been decorated with another show in mind, they might as well have been a fairy wood made just for her. She barely touched the stage, her arms extended as if they held her aloft. And through it all, her face radiated joy.
The music shifted, sped up, and she launched into a series of those impossible spins, circling the stage, faster and faster, balancing on the points of her toes, until she snapped out in a regal bow as the music crescendoed to its finale.
Jace was on his feet in an instant, clapping hard enough for a dozen people. The rest of their tiny audience cheered and applauded. Austin even managed a two-fingered whistle.
Tara’s smile was bright enough to light the auditorium all the way to the back row. He’d been right. It was killer. She stepped to center stage and took her graceful bow.
“Well done, Miss Honeycutt.” From the row behind him, Jace’s guest rose and edged out into the aisle.
Tara straightened at the unfamiliar voice, squinting against the stage lights to see who’d spoken.
Jace hurried from his seat to help her up the steps to the stage. The tap of her cane echoed in the silence.
Tara’s cheeks were flushed as she waited, hands folded neatly at her waist. Her gaze flicked to his in question, but she said nothing.
“How long has it been since you danced that role?” the older woman demanded.
“I was cast for it nearly two years ago. I never had the chance to perform it until now.”
“Yet you remember all the choreography.”
Tara inclined her head. “I’ve stayed in practice as best I can.”
The older woman nodded, seeming to make a decision. “Young lady, do you know who I am?”
“No ma’am, I’m afraid I don’t.”
“My name is Jeanette Farrar. I own Focal Pointe Dance Academy.”
Tara’s gaze sharpened. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen a talent like yours.”
Jace half expected her to take another of those fluid bows, but she only nodded politely. “Thank you.”
Jeanette shifted, both hands wrapped around the head of her cane. “I understand you gave up study at SMU to come here as guardian to your siblings.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And you’re working as a barista at the coffee shop.”
“I am.”
“Ridiculous,” Jeanette snapped. “You should be dancing. Such talent shouldn’t be wasted.”
Temper flared in Tara’s eyes. “That’s not—”
Jeanette rolled over her objections. “I have a dance studio. I’ve been unable to teach myself because of this blasted knee. You should take my place as primary instructor.”
Anger shifted to surprise. “I’m sorry?”
“You’ll start after the first of the year,” Jeanette said. She tapped at Jace’s arm. “Help me down, young man. I’ve got family waiting on me and a Christmas dinner to get started.”
“Wait,” Tara called out. “I haven’t even said yes.”
The older woman turned back, one brow arched. “Are you really going to say no to doing the thing you love for a living?”
Exasperation stole a little of Tara’s easy grace. “Well, no, but I’d appreciate the chance to actually give my answer instead of having it shoved down my throat.”
Jeanette smiled. “You have spirit. I like that. Well then, give your answer. Do you want the job as instructor at my dance studio?”
“I do, thank you.”
“Very well. As I said, you’ll start after the first of the year. Long enough to give Cassie notice. Have a merry Christmas.”
Tara dropped into a low curtsy. “Thank you Madam Farrar.”
The gesture clearly pleased her. “Oh, I will like having a protégée again. Linda, Evan.” Jeanette nodded to them both. “See you at church on Sunday.”
Tara was still staring from the stage when Jace came back to her. “I think I’m in shock. Did that actually happen?”
“It did,” Jace confirmed.
“So let me get this straight, you not only wangled someone to open the theater and run the lights and sound so that I could dance on Christmas Day, but you also managed to land me a job?”
“You landed the job. I just made the introduction.”
“Has anyone ever told you you’re too good to be true? Because I’m pretty sure I’m dreaming.”
Jace snagged her around the waist pulling her to him. “You danced your own dream. And pulled me right on into it. Can’t say I mind at all.”
Tara braced her hands on his shoulders. “You realize the problem here, don’t you?”
“Problem?” What hadn’t he thought of?
“There’s no possible way you can ever top this Christmas. Never, ever. It was beyond perfect.”
Jace grinned. “Does that mean you’ll be around for me to try?”
Her arms twined around his shoulder. “As long as you’ll let me.”
“Good. I do love a challenge. Merry Christmas, Tara.”
“Merry Christmas, Jace.”
What’s Next In Wishful?
I hope by now you’ve fallen as much in love with my little town as I have. I’ve got many many stories planned.
Next up in the pipeline is a second chance romance for our billionaire philanthropist, Gerald Peyton, III. It’s been thirty years, but Trey’s finally going to get a shot at the woman he’s always loved. Want to know when it’s out? Sign up for my newsletter: http://kaitnolan.com/free-copy-be-careful-its-my-heart/ (and you can get a free copy of Be Careful, It’s My Heart, while you’re at it!).
If you want to keep up with all the action in Wishful (and get to see snips of works in progress) and hang out with like-minded readers, come join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wishfulseries/
You can also like my page on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/kaitnolanwriter
Anyway, thanks for reading! And if you loved the book, please consider leaving a review or telling a friend. These days, it's harder than ever to get a new book noticed. Many of the promotional opportunities out there require a minimum number of reviews—10 at the low end, 50+ at the high. If you enjoyed this book, taking just a minute of your time to click the star rating and write a few words would help me tremendously, and allow me to continue to bring you the stories you enjoy.
Other Books By Kait Nolan
Contemporary Romance
Wishful Series
Once Upon A Coffee (Avery and Dillon): Available for FREE!
To Get Me To You (Cam and Norah): Available for FREE!
Be Careful, It’s My Heart (Brody and Tyler)
Know Me Well (Liam and Riley)
Once Upon A Setup (A Meet Cute Romance with Piper and Myles!)
Just For This Moment (Myles and Piper)
Wish I Might (Reed and Cecily)
Turn My World Around (Tucker and Corinne)
Dance Me A Dream (Jace and Tara)
Wishing For a Hero Series (A Wishful Spinoff Series)
If I Didn’t Care (Judd and Autumn)
Meet Cute Romance
Once Upon A Snow Day
Once Upon A New Year’s Eve
Once Upon An Heirloom
Once Upon A Coffee: Available for FREE!
Once Upon A Setup
Meet Cute Romance: Volume 1 (Meet Cutes 1-5)
Paranormal Romance
Mirus Series:
Genesis (an omnibus including, Forsaken By Shadow (Mirus 1.1), Devil’s Eye (Mirus 1.2), and Blindsight )
Riven
Whisper of Shadow(Also available in the Magical Mayhem anthology)
YA:
Red
Whisper of Shadow
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