Page 119 of The Dance

Brandon and Jason loved the location and had given the green light to get the ball rolling. Things were really looking up.

“Hope so,” she said.

“If anything, I’m going to rack up a lot of frequent flyer miles.”

“What if …”

“What if what?” I prompted after she didn’t continue.

Stacey took a deep breath. “You know how we are always sleeping together and then going months without seeing or speaking to each other?”

“This time was only a few weeks,” I reminded her. “And we talked every day.”

“I know, but I just mean like …”

She trailed off again, and I grinned. “Are you saying you want to be my girlfriend?”

“Yeah.”

I didn’t need to think about it. Having Stacey back in my life felt right. “All right. Let’s do it.”

* * *

Six MonthsLater

A lot had happenedin the past several months.

The Houston location Ronnie had found for us worked out perfectly. We were able to get it up and running in only four months, holding a grand opening for the gym on New Year’s Day and for the nightclub the night before on New Year’s Eve. During the months it took to open, I spent my time in Houston and had all but officially moved in with Stacey.

Everything was perfect.

The club in San Francisco was in the black, Houston was booming, and I was in love. Granted, I hadn’t told Stacey, but what better time than on Valentine’s Day?

I was also going to propose.

I’d decided it was time to shit or get off the pot when I held my nephew for the first time a few days ago. Spencer and Brandon welcomed Kyle into the world, and instantly, I fell in love.

“You want one of those?”I asked Stacey as we watched my mom hold Kyle at Brandon and Spencer’s house.

“Eventually, but I want to be married first.”

I’d smiled.“Didn’t you tell me once that you never wanted to get married?”

“I’m pretty sure that was you who uttered those words.”She’d chuckled.

“Yeah, well, I never thought I’d be living with a chick either.”

“So, you’re saying you want to get married?”

I’d lifted a shoulder.“Maybe one day.

As soon as we’d returned to Houston, I went ring shopping. I’d dropped a pretty penny on a round two-carat solitaire diamond on a white gold engagement band, and the damn thing was burning a hole in my pocket as we drove out toward Lake Houston.

“Are you sure you want to go to the lake tonight?” Stacey asked in the passenger seat of my truck.

“Didn’t you tell me to plan something for tonight?” I reminded her.

“Yeah, but I didn’t think we’d freeze our asses off.”