Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Mik scoffs, still pacing angrily.
My Russian friend has a hot temper.
“You go then,” he says, flailing his arm dramatically my way, yet still looking so graceful as he does. “You go teach and leave me here to pick up the pieces.”
“I have an understudy,” I remind him. “And she’s been filling in for me for three months.”
Three brutal, agonizing months.
“She’s not you.”
Mik frames my face in his big hands, and as usual, I feel so loved. These incredible men have my back, and I know I’m lucky to have these guys in my corner.
“I’ll miss you too, a stór.”
His lips tremble. “I cannot leave as often as Connor can, but I will come visit.”
“Good.” I grin at him. “Bring Benji with you.”
“Like he would let me go without him.” Mik shakes his head. I know what he’s thinking. We’ve always been able to read each other’s minds.
This is the end of an era.
But if I’m going to live—and have a chance to live a good life—I have to do this.
“Connor will fly you there?” Mik asks us.
“Of course,” my brother replies.
“No.”
“You won’t fecking argue with me on this,” Connor insists.
I sigh. “Fine. You’ll fly me.”
To my new start. To my safe place.
Please, God, let it be safe.
Chapter One
SKYLA
“What are you doing right now?”
I pinch my phone between my ear and shoulder and open my car door, ushering Riley into the back seat. I had to buy a huge car for my huge dog.
“I’m on my way to an appointment,” I inform my brother. “What are you doing right now?”
“I’m between meetings.” I can hear the exhaustion in Connor’s voice. “Thought I’d check in with you. Any news?”
“No.” I start the engine and wait for my phone to connect to the car. “I haven’t heard anything in months, so that’s encouraging. You know, you don’t have to call me every day to ask me if my stalker has found me.”
“That’s not the only reason I call, and you know it.”
“But it’s the first thing you ask me. Don’t worry, I haven’t dropped my guard, but it’s been nice to have some peace and quiet.”
“It’s relieved I am that you feel safe there. That’s what you wanted, that’s what you got, and that’s all that matters. I’ll be in town next week.”
I frown out the windscreen. “Really? Why’s that?”
“A potential investment opportunity. And to check in on my favorite sister.”
“Only sister,” I remind him with a smile even though he can’t see me. “Good, you’ll be here for our spring recital. I’ll save you a seat.”
“Sky—”
“Ah, ah, ah. If you’re coming to town, you’ll watch my recital. No amount of money you have will get you out of it.”
“Fine.” He sighs heavily. “I’ll watch the bleeding recital. But you’ll owe me some meat pies in exchange.”
“I can handle that. What day will you be here?”
“I’ll know for sure in a day or so. I’ll keep you posted.”
“See that you do. I’d better go, but I’ll talk to you later.”
We end the call, and I drive Riley and me from our adorable house to the doctor’s office on the edge of town.
When we walk inside, Riley is at my side in his handsome red service-dog harness, and we’re greeted with a smile.
“Hello, Skyla. I have you all checked in. You can have a seat, and someone will be out for you shortly.”
“Thank you.” With a nod, I lead Riley to the end of a row so he can lie down next to me.
I’m obsessed with Bitterroot Valley, which has mountains and a quaint downtown full of shops and restaurants I love. So many sweet people have welcomed me here. It couldn’t be more different from New York City, which I also loved, but this small town has quickly become home in the eight months I’ve lived here. I have friends and a feeling of belonging that I was afraid I wouldn’t find outside my ballet family in New York.
But I’ve found it here, and I’m so grateful.
“Skyla.”
The nurse grins and gestures for me to follow her. Riley is at my side, walking with me.
“How are you today?” she asks.
“I’m doing well. And how are you?”
“It’s been a good day around here so far.” She winks. “Let’s get some vitals on you.”
After I’ve been weighed and my temperature and blood pressure are logged, the nurse hustles out, assuring me that Dr. Blackwell will be here shortly.
Riley lets out a huff from his spot on the floor.
“I hear you.”
Not long after, Dr. Blackwell bustles into the room, holding his laptop. He smiles at me and then at my dog. He’s a handsome man, that’s for certain. He’s a mountain next to me, but then, most men are. At five foot five and lean from years of dancing, I’m used to feeling petite. Some take advantage of that. The doctor is broad and muscular, with dark hair and dark, kind eyes. I’m sure most of his female patients flirt with him endlessly. There’s no spark, but he’s certainly nice to look at while I’m here.