Waiting for You (RightMatch.com Trilogy) by Kathryn Shay Read Free Book Online Page B

She hadn’t expected to hear from him so soon, but her heart didn’t seem to understand her brain’s thinking. His silence was just as well. He needed to give a relationship with her some thought. The worst thing he could do was jump in rashly. She could only imagine the pain she’d feel if he gave it a try with her and then dumped her because of her disability. If being together didn’t work out on its own, because they weren’t suited to each other personality-wise and in their values, so be it. She just didn’t want him to say, yes, he could handle her circumstances, then not be able to do it.
    Still, she couldn’t help thinking about what he looked like in person, how he moved, how bright his smile spread across his rugged face. And she kept remembering how he’d smelled when he’d pulled her close, the mind-blowing kiss and her body’s total response. It had been so long since Dana had experienced acute desire, like the feelings that had zipped through her when she’d been in his arms. He’d felt it as much as she had when they’d embraced. She knew he had. So because of all that, she was going to be optimistic. Cautiously optimistic.
    Tugging her thoughts away from Joe, Dana emailed her summer dance demonstrator—a beautiful girl who’d graduated from the studio and was majoring in dance at Butler College. Afterward, she swiveled around and scanned the office she shared with Ruth, noticing again it needed painting. The classrooms and waiting area were immaculate, but this space, including a private bathroom, was the last to get attention. They never seemed to find a time to schedule the facelift.
    Across from her, Ruth was busy at her own computer, billing for the fall classes. Her head bent, her gray hair curving into a flattering bob, she wore her glasses while she entered data into a spreadsheet. Ruth took care of all the financials for the studio. And a million other details.
    “Ruth, I think we should hire painters for back here. A group of workers could do it on a Sunday.”
    Removing her glasses, Ruth also surveyed the room with a sweeping glance. “Yes, I guess so. I’ll book it.” She glanced at Dana’s computer. “No word from JoeyD?”
    “No, I didn’t expect any. I hope he takes some time to decide.”
    “That’s probably best. To make sure. But I was hoping maybe he’d sweep you off your feet.”
    Dana paused. Then she said dryly, “I’m always off my feet, Ruth.”
    Ruth’s face blanked. Then reddened. “Oh, my God, I can’t believe I said that.”
    “You rarely do that anymore.”
    Though a lot of people did misspeak about her condition. At first she took offense, but now she understood they were seeing her as able-bodied, not always seeing her disability. For Dana, to be treated like everyone else was a blessing. She hated when her disability was thrust in her face all the time.
    “Joe would find it funny.” Mentioning his name brought a smile to her lips. “He has that type of sense of humor, too.”
    “A commonality you share.”
    “I hope there’s more, Ruth.” She hated the longing in her voice but couldn’t control her feelings.
    “I know you do. So do I. And I have a good feeling about the guy.”
    “Send positive vibes his way.”
    “Already have, sweetie.”
    The bell on the door in the entryway sounded. Ruth stood and headed out to see who the visitor was. Dana heard the low male voice, then Ruth came back with a nice-looking man carrying a briefcase. “This is John Edmonds, Dana, from the National Board of Dance Schools.”
    Of which Devlin Dance was a member. Some of their staff had visited the studio this year. When Dana remembered why, her pulse beat a little faster. “Hello, Mr. Edmonds. What can we do for you?”
    “It’s what I can do for you.” He held out the briefcase. “May I?”
    Dana nodded and he set it on the desk. From it, he drew several papers and a big plaque. She glanced at Ruth, who got it now, too. Pure joy bubbled inside of