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"What’s this?"

"Could you sign up for an alternate phone nuood idea to be able to contact each other during the week if we need to For logistical reasons" In case he wanted to cancel things "I spoke to custoested they develop soram, but in the meantime"

A funny s screen "You gaveht?" Because it was definitely better for her

Once lessons ended, neither of the hi up on her She couldn’t see herself acting so desperate But she’d never been obsessed with a person before, either

Not that she was Yet

His facial expression was difficult to read as he said, "It is better for me Thank you"

He fished his phone out froh a series of screens on both gadgets After a fewsound emanated from her purse

"Done," he said with a smile

"Perfect Thanks" She forced her lips into an answering smile

He took a step toward the door before he paused "We should do so new next Friday I could take you out"

Her heart squeezed "Out?"

"Maybe dancing? Drinking? At a club? I hear there’s this new place in San Francisco"

"I don’t dance" And she didn’t drink And even though she’d never been clubbing, she was certain she didn’t do that, either

"I can teach you It’ll help with lessons e get to the Trust me"

Trust

This was the second time he’d told her to trust him What would he think if she told hi and drinking? Going out was supposed to be fun For her, it ork--hard work She could interact with people if she wanted to, but it cost her Some times more than others

In this case, was the reorth the price?

"Hoill it help with lessons?" she asked

"You think too et you out of yourWe’d have fun Are you up to it?"

She told herself it was the idea of getting out of herboxes on the lesson plans that decided for her But that was only a ser sparkle in Michael’s eyes He wanted to go, and he wanted her to go with him It was like a date But not, of course She kneasn’t a date

"I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to dance"

"Does that o?" he asked with a tilt of his head

She lifted her chin and nodded

White teeth flashed as he s forward to it" He leaned down and pressed a fast kiss to her cheek before he left the room

Stella bolted the door and sank onto the bed in a daze These were supposed to be si so complicated? Why had her body betrayed her? And why did she want to please Michael so badly she’d go clubbing for him? Who was she? She didn’t know herself anymore