Epilogue
Natalie
One year later
Icouldn’t believe this day had finally come. A year ago, Heart & Sole Dance Studio had just been a dream, and now I was standing in my own studio. How was it possible that this was my life?
Ash had coordinated all the work on the studio.
He and Caleb had drawn up blueprints, and we’d gone over them, of course.
I’d sent him pictures and a dream board, but honestly, over the past few months in New York I’d barely had time to sleep, let alone anything else.
I never dreamed he’d be able to do all this.
He’d taken every dream and throwaway comment I’d made over the past year and somehow managed to implement them all.
The result was more than I’d ever dreamed.
Anticipation bubbled in my stomach as I took in the space for the umpteenth time.
The gleaming hardwood floors practically begged to be danced upon.
My toes itched to do a couple of pirouettes just to test it out one more time, but before I could take flight, Ash’s muscular arms wrapped around my waist.
“You happy?” he asked.
“Happy doesn’t even scratch the surface.” I twined my arms over his so I could clasp his arms tightly. None of this would even be possible if it weren’t for him. I tilted my head back so that I could look up at him. “Thank you.”
“Happy to help.” Ash leaned down and kissed my lips. “Besides, I was hugely motivated. I wanted you here faster.”
“I was coming no matter what.” I smiled at him. “This was a ton of work for you, and I hope you know how much I appreciate it.”
“I do.” His beard dragged against the side of my neck, sending shivers down my body.
“Don’t get any ideas, mister. We have an open house starting any minute.”
“I know, but I still say we need to christen every surface in here for good luck.” Ash nibbled at my neck.
I couldn’t help but drop my head to the side just a little. “And I told you to be happy with the sex you got in my office.”
“Oh, I was happy about that all right.” The way he said it made it obvious he was picturing exactly what he did to me on my new desk. My head dropped back against his chest as my nipples tightened and his hand glided down my hip.
My eyes snapped open, and I grabbed his hand. “Stop it,” I ordered, hoping my tone counteracted the visible signs that my body was into it.
And the frustrating man just chuckled. I narrowed my eyes, meeting his stare in the floor-to-ceiling mirror across from us. “You’re bad.”
He smirked. “Yep, and you like it.”
It was true. I didn’t just like it. I loved it.
“Now is not the time,” I said.
“I’m just saying all these mirrors. You all sweaty from dancing. It could be hot.” Ash raised his eyebrow as he looked at me in the mirror. “Would definitely be hot.”
God, this man knew how to work me. That did sound hot.
But no. Not the time. I wrinkled my nose at him. Getting interrupted by families with small children would NOT be hot.
Needing a distraction, I focused on the mural along the back wall. “I still can’t believe what an amazing job River did with that mural.”
Ash smirked at the change of subject. “Yep, she’s one talented lady.”
“I had no idea she could do this kind of thing. Most of what I’ve seen in the gallery has been landscapes with mountains, but this…
” I pointed at the mural of a dancer soaring across the forest. It was the most beautiful design I’d ever seen.
I couldn’t believe a non-dancer had captured that feeling of power, strength, and femininity that I felt every time I took the stage, but she did.
When I danced, I felt invincible, and this mural embodied that.
I could just imagine how inspiring it would be for my students.
Every time I walked into the studio it instantly made me feel alive.
My legs twitched, and Ash chuckled. “You need to take a couple of spins before we head outside?”
He knew me so well. “Yeah. Do you mind?”
“I’m never going to mind watching you move, babe.”
I smiled up at him and winked. “Is that right?” I moved to the middle of the floor and dropped my head back as I imagined the music playing.
I began to move. I absently noticed Ash step back against the wall to give me space as I covered the floor.
My body moved of its own volition, taking over the way it always did when I danced.
Everything else slipped away. I’d missed this.
Dancing for enjoyment. Simply because I loved it.
When the song in my head died, I executed one final leap, pulling up to a stop directly in front of Ash.
“Jesus,” he muttered. “You take my breath away.”
I threw my arms around his neck. “I love you.”
His arms wrapped around my waist. “I love you too.” He pressed a kiss against my lips, then tapped my ass. “All right, let’s get this open house on the road. You’ve got a couple of slots still to fill in those classes.”
“Thank you for supporting me with this.”
He cupped the side of my face. His rough, calloused thumb traced against my jawline. “We’re in this together.”
Ash took my hand and led me outside. It was a gorgeous day. We’d set up tables outside with snacks and treats to enjoy. I figured people would spill inside and out as they chatted with friends and neighbors.
But I never expected anything like this.
The lawn was crowded with people. “Oh my God,” I gasped.
The entire town had shown up for my open house.
I knew Ash had recruited local people to do all the work, so it stood to reason that they might be here, but I never pictured anything like this. Tears burned my eyes.
Ash rubbed my back. “Breathe, babe.”
I blinked rapidly. “This is unreal.”
“Welcome to small-town life.” He chuckled.
I turned and wrapped my arms around his waist. “This is exactly what I wanted. Thank you for making it happen.”
“Nope, wasn’t me. You’re one of us now. We stick together.” He draped his arms over my shoulders. “The townspeople will know every detail about your life whether you want them to or not. Why do you think I live so far outside of town?”
Most of the people were just curiously looking around, which was one of the things I really liked about small-town life. I loved how everyone knew each other and everyone was welcome.
I rolled my eyes at him. “You might sleep outside town, but you’ve pretty much lived at the studio the past few months to get everything done.”
He shrugged. “Worth it when I saw the look on your face.”
Ash had flown out to New York for my final performance. The moment the season was over, we’d hopped in the car and drove to Hollow Peak. The following morning, he surprised me with a completed studio. Needless to say that’s when the desk christening happened.
“Oh my God, why is the fire truck here?” I scanned the area, looking for a problem.
Ash chuckled. “Mason did the built-ins, so he probably wants to show off.”
I watched as the men piled off the truck and began milling around. The men wandered over to the food table where Beth was standing. Even from across the lawn, I could see the blush on her face as she was surrounded by firefighters. Good for her. She deserved a little fun.
“I’m just gonna go say hi,” Ash said, pointing to the men surrounding his sister.
“No, you’re not.” I placed my hand on his arm to keep him in place. “Stop being all big brother and leave her alone.”
“But…” he stammered. The look on his face was priceless. Confusion and helplessness warred with his Papa Bear energy.
“No, you didn’t want her involved in our relationship, so stay out of her private life.”
“Fine,” he grumbled. “But I want brownie points for this.” He pointed his finger at me.
“You got it.” I giggled, then scanned the yard again. “What do you say you introduce me to a few more people so I can get my adult class filled up too?”
“How about a firefighter?” he said through gritted teeth.
“Asher.” I shook my head.
“Fine. Come on, I haven’t met Bennett’s new girlfriend yet. Maybe she wants to dance.” He scanned the lawn. “And there’s Hale, so Mia’s probably around somewhere. I can probably talk her into signing up.”
I threaded my fingers through his and followed him across the lawn. With all the work Ash and the community had put into this studio there was no doubt in my mind that this was what I was meant to do.
This was where I belonged.
***