Page 11 of Desired By you (Always & Forever #3)

Chapter Nine

Gabriella

“… tuck that pelvis in ladies… good… hold for three,” I call out as I walk round the studio.

It’s my last class of the day, and I am ready to collapse in a heap when I get home.

I’ve been so busy since we got back from Vegas last week, and honestly, I’m grateful I have.

It’s kept my brain busy and given me no time to think about Brad and the weird shift in our friendship.

I’ve always found him attractive, but there are so many reasons I’d never even try to entertain the idea.

He's older than me, more experienced than me, why would he want me?

But the way his eyes danced over my body at me in the gym, the way his hands brushed my bare skin, and the way he made me feel safe in a way that only he seems to be able to do, gives me hope that maybe I could have someone like him fall for me.

“Okay, ladies, get comfortable, and we will do five minutes of meditation before we finish.” I change the track on my iPod, and the calm music hums through the speakers. I settle on my mat at the front of the glass and look on at the fifteen women.

It’s 6.55 pm and my heels class starts at 8pm across town.

I need it. My mom has been messaging me all day, asking if I will be at dinner on Sunday.

I haven’t seen her since before Vegas, and I know she’s getting twitchy to see me, or rather, quiz me about my date with Patrick.

I haven’t heard from him, so it’s clear the feeling was mutual. Thank God.

After the class ends, I rush past reception and make my way to my car.

A Beyonce track starts pumping through the speakers as I pull into traffic, and I relax into the seat, knowing I am done with my classes for the week and I have the weekend free before I fully devote myself to my friends’ wedding.

I pull into the dance studio’s car park, and as I gather my things, my phone chimes with a text message. I swipe the screen and my brows furrow when Patrick’s name flashes up.

Patrick

Hey Gabby, your mom tells me you are back from Vegas. I’d love to take you out on another date. I think we were both a little nervous, and I’d really like to try again. Call me. Patrick x

Not having the time to even consider his offer, I toss my phone in my bag and head into the studio. As soon as I walk in, Luna waves me over to where she sits, putting on her heels. I drop my bag and settle beside her. ‘Hey,” I say, a little breathless.

‘You look tired,” she says. “Long day?”

“Try long week.” I huff, taking my heels and knee pads out of my bag and taking off my tennis shoes.

“Well, make sure you get some rest because Saturday’s my birthday. You’re coming, right? We’re going to go to that new club, Havanas.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.” I smile as I lace up my heels and slide the pads on.

“Yes, can’t wait. Come on, Kaz wants us up front in class.”

I take my spot in line with Luna, a few steps behind Kaz.

When the R`n`B track begins playing my heart begins to thrum erratically.

It’s the same track that played at the pool party in Vegas.

I almost miss my cue, my mind too busy drifting back to our weekend there.

The song stirs up memories of Brad's front pressed to back, a protective hand resting on my hip as we all gathered in the water listening to the celebrity DJ.

I spin on the balls of my feet, raising my arms above my head.

The memory of holding the pull up bar, my legs wrapped around Brad's waist flickers through my mind, and how good it felt to have him between my legs.

I twirl and his toned, tattooed chest, glistening with sweat, hits me.

I try to ignore it, but when I squat down rotating my hips, an image of him beneath me as I grind down on him flickers through my mind, causing tingles to work their way up my spine at the thought.

My steps falter slightly, but I recover quickly, ready to take three steps forward and repeat the sequence.

Beads of sweat roll between my breasts and I suck in a greedy breath as I shake my head to clear the images and prepare to go again.

Holy crap, where did that come from and why did I like it so much?