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Chapter Six
The Lamborghini Coupe pulled into a parking spot, and Jaden cut the growl of the engine. Claudia glanced to the sign that introduced the building.
“Let’s Move Dance Studio?” Claudia asked, puzzled.
Jaden’s smile curved into a devilish grin. “Have you ever taken lessons before?”
Claudia gave off a genuine laugh. “No, I haven’t. We couldn’t afford that sort of thing growing up.”
“But you wanted to?”
Claudia poked her lip out in thought, her shoulders bouncing as she mused. “It probably would’ve kept me out of a lot of trouble,” she chuckled.
Jaden opened his door and jumped out circling the Lamborghini to open Claudia’s door. She slid out gliding into his embrace. They were face to face, she looking into his honey glazed irises.
“I don’t have on the right clothes for this.”
Jaden ran an appreciative eye over her thin sequin dress, to the four-inch stiletto’s that boosted her poise. “I’d say, you’re dressed perfectly for this occasion.”
Claudia blushed and dropped her head. Jaden lifted her chin with a finger. “I love it when you look at me head on. I could get used to staring into the glow of your amber eyes.” He laser gaze traced an outline around her face, “so beautiful.” His hand fell over her ear giving it a gentle caress and tug.
Claudia blushed again and bit the corner of her lip. “You sure know how to make a woman feel good.”
“It’s the truth, chérie.” Jaden took a step back and interlaced his fingers with hers. “Come, let’s dance.”
They strolled to the entrance and entered. The door chimed as they moved through. “I’m surprised they’re still open.”
“It isn’t that late.”
Claudia glanced at the time. “It 8:17.”
“Okay, you got me, I called in a favor.”
“Un huh, I knew it.”
“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
They continued to move down the hallway flanked with photographs of famous dancers and ballet stars.
“No, I’m good. I wanna see what you got.”
Jaden paused. “What I got? Who said I could dance?”
Claudia giggled. “Well it was your idea to come here in the first place, so I guess I should’ve asked. Can you dance, Mr. Rose?”
They stepped into a dance hall surrounded with mirrors on the walls and hardwood floors.
“Good evening, Jaden, how are you? It’s been a long time.”
Jaden held a bright smile as the tall, thin Caucasian woman skated to his side to throw her arms around him. Claudia hadn’t missed the informal tone of her greeting, and she wondered just how well the two knew each other.
Being a gentleman, Jaden threw a lone arm around the woman then slowly pulled away. “Cassie, I’d like you to meet, Claudia Stevens. Claudia this is Cassie Singapore. She’s donated to my mom’s foundation every year since her passing.”
“How are you?” Claudia asked.
“I’m good, how are you?”
“In good hands,” Claudia peeked at Jaden. “For now,” she said repeating what Jaden said earlier.