Follow Her Lead by Aurora Rey

Author:Aurora Rey [Rey, Aurora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635557855
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2021-06-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

The final week of lessons flew by. By the last one, Jude allowed herself to think she’d actually pull it off. She also allowed herself to think that her time with Gabby—the teasing during lessons, another friendly dinner—might be the start of something more. But before she could entertain that possibility, she had to get through Mardi Gras. That included tonight’s fund-raiser dinner and the question of whether they were in real date territory.

She pulled up to the address Gabby had given her. The house was cute, a traditional shotgun style that had either been lovingly maintained or thoughtfully restored. She cut the engine and headed up the tidy walk to the porch steps. Before she even reached the top step, the door opened.

Gabby stepped out and quickly closed the door behind her. “Hey.”

She stopped short, tripping over her own feet. She’d like to say Gabby startled her, but that would be a lie. It was lust, pure and simple. Gabby wore a form-fitting cocktail dress in a color that reminded her of burnished bronze and heels that made the ones she danced in seem downright utilitarian. She was, in a word, stunning. Jude swallowed. “Hi.”

Fortunately, Gabby didn’t seem to notice her almost face-plant. Either that or she covered her reaction well. “Can I just say I love that you’re always on time? It’s such an underrated thing.”

Gabby tucked a lock of hair behind her ear in that way she did, and Jude almost drooled. She lifted the bouquet of peonies, suddenly feeling silly for bringing them. “These are for you.”

Gabby’s eyes lit up before going wary. “Thank you. I…”

She remembered Gabby’s comment about having roommates, and it hit her that maybe Gabby didn’t want her to meet them. Or, perhaps more likely, the other way around. “Sorry. They’re a bit presumptuous. I didn’t mean to—”

“They’re lovely. I’m being weird because my roommate is babysitting her six-month-old niece, and she just got her to fall asleep after literally hours of crying. I don’t want to be the one who wakes her up,” Gabby angled her head, “and then leaves.”

Jude laughed. Of all the reasons for Gabby not to invite her in, that one hadn’t crossed her mind. “I have heard it’s best to let sleeping babies lie.”

Gabby took the flowers. “Funny. You’re funny. Do you mind if I just tiptoe in to put these in water?”

Even if part of her wanted to see Gabby’s space, get a feel for her life outside the studio, she wasn’t about to chance waking a baby—or seem overly curious. “Of course. Take your time.”

Gabby disappeared but returned in what felt like a matter of seconds. “Thanks.”

“You look fantastic, by the way. I meant to say that before. Assuming, of course, it’s okay to mention it.” She lifted her shoulder in what she hoped was a lighthearted, good-natured sort of shrug.

Gabby smiled. “Compliments among friends are always welcome. And while we’re at it, you’re looking even sharper than usual.”

She was probably just being playful, but Jude’s shoulders straightened, and a flush warmed her cheeks.

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