Page 24 of Breakaway (Nashville Knights Hockey #3)
Chapter Twenty-Four
CHLOE
“ I ’m really glad you guys wanted to do this with me tonight.”
Harper and Stevie look excited as I hold the door open.
“Are you kidding me? A night out and getting to try something new?” Harper asks. “I’m glad you suggested it.”
“I never thought I’d want to try pole dancing, but it sounds fun,” Stevie says.
“It was on my list of things to try, and I don’t think Dax could do it with me.”
“Your list of things?” Harper questions. “What’s this list of things?”
“Things I wanted to do that Duncan didn’t want me to try,” I say. “A way to break out of my bubble and do everything I want to do.”
“He sounds like my ex,” Stevie says. “He wasn’t the best guy.”
“Yeah. I’m kind of over it. So I’m taking back control from him and doing everything I want to do.”
“What else is on the list? ”
“Break a world record, bungee jumping, go hot-air ballooning. A bunch of things.”
“Okay, I love this idea, and I love that we get to help with pole dancing.” Delight rings in Harper’s voice.
After the gala, the three of us became fast friends. With the guys on their way home to Nashville after an early afternoon game in Vegas, the girls and I are spending a few hours together before they get home.
Checking in at the front desk of the dance studio, we’re shown into a mirrored room with several poles extending from floor to ceiling. The lights are dim, but blue and pink bulbs color the room.
A few people are mingling about as the three of us find poles together. I unzip my jacket and adjust my sports bra that I paired with bike shorts. I have no idea what to expect, but did some research into best outfits to wear for beginners. Based on what Harper and Stevie are wearing, they did too.
“Welcome, everyone. I’m Jennifer, and this is our beginners class.
” A woman with short brown hair calls our attention to her.
“We have some repeats tonight and some newbies in here, so I’m going to walk you through what we’ll be doing.
” In high-waisted shorts and a sports bra, she looks the part of professional dancer.
I tighten my ponytail and hold on to my pole as I listen to her.
“We’re going to start with a few basic spins to make sure you have your form right before progressing. After that, we’ll go from there and you’ll be a pro in no time.”
She leaps onto the pole, climbing up it before holding on—with just her thighs—and spinning down it.
“Ow. How does that not hurt?” Harper whispers to us.
“Wow,” someone else says .
“Don’t worry.” Jennifer laughs. “That’s our advanced class. I’ve been training in the art of pole for years.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be that good.” A nervous laugh slips out.
“We’re going to start by holding on to the pole.” Jennifer grasps the bar overhead and grabs on in a kneeling position with her thighs. “Let’s see if you can do this. I’ll walk around to check your form and help adjust if you need it.”
“I am definitely not strong enough for this.” Harper tries to jump up and grab the bar, but slides off.
“Maybe don’t try jumping?” Stevie asks, holding on for a few seconds before slipping off.
Reaching overhead, I grab the bar and pull my legs up and—oh damn, this is not easy. I do everything I can to squeeze my legs together around the bar but my arms can’t hold me up.
“Why does this make my arms feel like they’re noodles?” I shake them out as the instructor comes around.
“It’s not as easy as it looks. You have to build up a lot of arm strength, but if you’re committed, you’ll get there.” She helps each of us onto the pole and we hold it a bit longer this time, but nothing like her as she demonstrates it for us so we can try again.
“Did you see her shoulders?” I ask as she walks away.
“They are insane. No wonder she can do all these complicated moves,” Stevie says.
“We have to come back. If only to get built like her.” Harper points at each one of us. “I’m already having a blast and we’ve only been here for a few minutes.”
I smile at the two of them. “Same. I’m so wrapped up in my jewelry that I forget I need to see actual people.”
“Are you forgetting about Dax?” Stevie asks, a knowing look on her face .
“I couldn’t if I tried. I hate that they’ve been on such a long road trip,” I sigh.
“I’d say you get used to them,” Harper starts, “but it’s more that you fall into a rhythm. Video chats when you can, and lots of phone calls. It’s harder on the kids.”
“At least your kids can understand it. Poor Caleb just cries and cries when he wants Bode and he’s not there. It breaks my heart.” A sad look washes over Stevie’s face. “But Caleb was happy as a bug when I left him with our grandmas, so tonight is about us.”
“Yes. Thanks for coming with me to check this place out.”
“Of course,” Stevie says. “I’m with Harper. We have to come back.”
Jennifer calls our attention back to her. “Okay. I’m going to show you two more moves and then I’m going to have you alternate on those. It will help build your strength so you can get more comfortable on the bar.”
She walks us through the strong-hold grip—holding on to the bar with one leg in the air and tapping the other foot down, alternating them—and the pelvic tuck, moving both legs up and down.
None of the moves are easy as each of us work on them. I try to hold on to the bar as I lift my legs, but I’m bad. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to hold on and move my legs.
“I think we’re going to call it a night there.” Jennifer claps her hands. “I know this isn’t easy, but if you stick with it, I promise it will be worth it.”
“My arms are gassed.” I flop down onto the ground, not sure if I can move.
“I don’t know if I’m going to be able to move tomorrow,” Harper groans. “For real. Everything hurts.”
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to lift Caleb into his crib tonight,” Stevie laments. “But I definitely want to come back.”
“Me too.” I grab my jacket and zip it up. “As much as it helped to take my mind off Dax, is it bad that I’m still anxious to see him when they get home?”
“No.” Harper smiles at me as we walk out. “It means you picked one of the good ones.”
“I think I did,” I confess. “Sometimes I still worry because of what Duncan did, but?—”
“I would not worry about Dax,” Stevie says. “He looks at you like you are his moon. I’ve never seen two people so perfect and so sweet together.”
I blush at her words. “He does not.”
“I agree. It’s the look of love.” Harper nods. “And as someone who is told they are disgustingly in love, by my kids, I can confirm you two have the same kind of love.”
I shake my head. “It’s too early for love.”
We haven’t been together long at all; we couldn’t possibly be in love, could we? I’ve known Dax my entire life. Could this be the next natural progression for the two of us?
I don’t know what happens next, but I know I want to take it on with Dax.
Because with Dax by my side, everything will be okay.