Chapter 80 Worth Wanting
“I haven’t danced in 5 years,” she whispered back.And the tears in her eyes hurt me. I knew exactly why she hadn't been on stage. And I wanted to apologize. But I didn't. She's still my little dancer regardless of how long she's kept herself hidden from the world.
Then I came in for an order for my mother... But it was all a ruse to get her to see James.
“Grab a cup of coffee with me.” I wanted more than anything for it to be a real date, but I'd settle for 'work related' coffee in order to lay my trap.
“Oh, I have a boyfriend,” she rushed. Of course I knew this already, and I hated it. How dare that snake try to take what was always meant to be mine?
“That’s okay. We will keep it professional. I need an order and I’d like you help... Come with me little dancer. It might be good for you."
I'm not sure if it was good for her or not, but it sure as hell felt good to me!
I've been following Josie around a lot since then. But I always kept my distance. She didn't need it know how much she affected me. I saw the bruise on her cheek, and my stomach turned. I saw James pussy foot around taking a stand.
I've watched as Beth and Jay abused my girl and it took everything in me not to march in there and rain hell on all of them. I wanted to call the cops, but I didn't know if I'd help or hinder. I wanted to find out what was really going on between my Dad and the Taylor's.
I deepen my kiss and run my fingers through her thick honey hair and breathe her in. My little dancer. Josie is finally in my arms where she belongs and I can finally have her the way I want.
I was pissed to learn Olivia never grew up and is still treating her older sister like a fucking slave. She's not as grown up as she thinks she is.
And the way Josie was willing to give James a second chance... I'm not going to say she's stupid. But she was hurting herself. She didn't deserve it. I'm sure she feels so much freer now that she chopped off the dead weight.
I watched as Josie used all her savings just to take Charlotte to the doctor because Beth was cheap and couldn't bring herself to let the girls have the money that belonged to them. It would've eased her burden so much, but Josie didn't even think twice.
This is who my Josie is. She's selfless and generous. She's forgiving even when she shouldn't be. She's courageous and strong. She's too damn trusting for her own good. But she has the biggest capacity to love, and I'm going to return it to her.
When I finally pull my mouth from hers, we're both panting heavily and she's flushed from more than the cool air. God, she's gorgeous.
"Josie... I don't even know how to tell you how much you mean to me... Just know that I will spend the rest of my life proving to you exactly how I feel," I whisper.
My little dancer's eyes are sparkling with more than just tears. There is a smile on her whole face. "I should've left James a long time ago," she whispers. "I... have never felt... like this with him," she admits, trying to turn her head from me, but I cup her face and keep her focus on me.
"Good! I want to show you that you deserve to be loved Josie. I know you haven't felt that in years. I'm planning on changing it right now. I'm taking you to the Tokyo Steakhouse two towns over," I finally tell her my plan.
Her pretty little eyes grow big. "You are taking me out for Japanese? How did you know?"
"Baby, you loved it when you were a kid. You're parents would always invite us to come along. I saw your favorites dishes, and the way you used to close your eyes when you ate. How you used to bounce in your chair and squeal in happiness when you tasted your food... I wasn't blind, little dancer. I was damn jealous I couldn't make you make that sound! I wanted to know if I kissed you if I could make you as happy as the teriyaki you love so much," I admit.
I watch as amazement crosses her face. "Really?"
"Josie, I don't know if you now this... but I'm obsessed with you. You are the only one who has ever made me feel... joy. And I'm a selfish bastard and I want to keep it!" I admit readily.
The giggle coming from her has something in my chest move. I can't help it, I dip my head again and kiss her breathless once again, before sliding her down my body and sliding her into my car.
It only takes us 20 minutes for us to make it into the restaurant.
"Table for two?" The host asks politely.
"Yes please," I answer.
When we are finally alone, I reach for her hand and admire the ring on it. It looks absolutely perfect. Like it was made for her... Which it really was.
"How do you feel, little dancer?" I ask, squeezing her small cold hands.
She blinks up at me with that sparkle that hasn't been there for so long. "I feel like... I'm finally someone worth wanting."