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When she was young, she would often take advantage of that, using the space as a stage to show off her skills and get noticed. Now though, she danced primarily for herself. The energy that fluttered beneath her skin needed a way to escape.

Tonight she leaned into people’s assumptions a little more. She wanted Jo to have space enough to not be touched.

If she had known Jo a little longer, she might not have worried about it so much. Despite how well they clicked instantly, she was well aware that not everyone was as comfortable as she was at touching when they danced.

Flicking a look up at the band, Piper nodded in appreciation for the three figures moving to their own music. They were androgynous and synchronized, and Piper’s chest swelled with the recognition of her community, of being part of the family.

She had always understood Bunny’s reasons for staying in the closet, and she had agreed with them just as readily. But the world was changing, and sometimes she wished they could as well.

Pushing away the maudlin thoughts, Piper focused on the music the band played. They were good. The music was always good at Julianna’s. You didn’t get to play there if you weren’t.

“Show me what you got,” Jo spoke loud enough for Piper to hear her over the thrum that poured from the stage.

“Excuse me?” Piper turned from the band and focused her gaze on Jo. She raised her eyebrows and stretched her lips into a cheeky grin. She had used that smile on enough men and women to know it worked in wonderful ways. Right now, she had no idea what turn the conversation had just taken, but she buzzed with excitement at the energy that flowed from Jo. It had been rare to find anyone who could come near to matching her own level.

Jo laughed, a full-bodied sound that tinkled imaginary wind chimes in Piper’s mind.

“Bunny said you’re the dancer.” Jo spread her long fingers wide and palms up, moving them out from each other, encompassing the floor between and around them. “Show me what you’ve got.”

“Care to join me?” Piper held out her hand, and Jo took it eagerly.

Before Jo could even think about taking the lead, Piper pulled her in. Her smile widened even more as Jo stepped into the move, twirling her body along Piper’s arm until her back rested snugly into Piper’s front. Her movements were graceful, with the ease of practice.

“How long did you dance for?” Piper asked.

“Oh, I see.” Jo laughed and shook her head. Her blonde curls brushing Piper’s chin. “A little tit for tat is it?”

Piper’s hips moved, and Jo swayed along.

“Just wondering how you moved from trained dancer into a punk rock band?” Piper asked as she turned Jo around in her arms with the lightest touch.

“Have you looked me up, Piper?” Jo’s eyes twinkled with excitement.

“Sorry to burst your bubble,” Piper spoke as she curled her fingers around Jo’s hips. She didn’t need to put any pressure into her touch, though. Jo followed with ease, as though the two of them had been dancing together for years.

“Then how did you figure it out?” Jo’s eyes furrowed, but she didn’t miss a step.

“The way you stand. The way you move.” Piper laughed as Jo took the opportunity and grabbed hold of the lead.

Jo pushed Piper back lightly with both palms against her chest, just over her breasts.

Piper’s breath caught.

Oh yes, dancing had so often led her to seduction and many a near-stranger’s bed. Some would even say it was the best thing that could happen when you’re dancing. That flirt and innuendo of touch. The desire of bodies moving in new ways. That brush of fingers just right. Right now, Piper couldn’t imagine disagreeing.

The tempo increased, and without a hitch, Jo increased the movement of their steps to match. Her fingers dug into Piper’s hips as she stepped closer. It wasn’t that they had been far away from each other, but now Piper could feel the softest brush of Jo’s dress against the top of her thighs. The speed wasn’t all that different. The movements became less traditional and taut.

“All right.” Piper laughed in reply, wondering when was the last time she had enjoyed herself this much on the dance floor. “I’ll go first.”

“First? With what exactly?” Jo winked, and damn it all if Piper didn’t feel that heat rush through her body. But she wasn’t here to get laid. She was here to find out if Siena should take on Jo and Bea as clients.

“I took every dance lesson my mom could enroll me in from the age of three,” Piper said

“Three?” Jo’s eyes widened, and Piper saw what others must. The sweet innocence of the girl next door. But in those deep brown eyes, Piper sensed the mischief hidden behind the innocence. She knew how easily people assumed things based on her appearance. When she danced for the first time around people, the shock and awe were written across their faces. How could such a lanky-looking girl dance with such ease and grace? She had heard it a million times before, and seen it even more often.

But she hadn’t seen it on Jo’s face.

“I had too much enthusiasm for my mom to handle.” Piper laughed, a little surprised at the open honesty that came willingly to her lips. She had been in the business long enough to know keeping her life private for herself was vital. But she didn’t want to keep it from Jo. Even in the few moments since they had met, Piper sensed that Jo would understand.