Learning Curves - By Elyse Mady Page 0,19

collar. She shivered violently, chilled and queasy.

Her mind a wasteland; words escaped her entirely. She didn’t know what just happened or why, and she was in no shape to parry his accusations or recriminations. Her only consolation was that Brandon looked as bewildered as she did.

“Leanne, I’m sorry,” he said softly. “This got out of hand. I just wanted to talk to you again and—”

“Brandon? Oh my God, it is you.”

The excited voice hailing his name startled them both.

“It’s so good to see you,” a tiny blond whirlwind exclaimed, throwing herself into Brandon’s arms.

“Stephanie.” There was real pleasure in his voice as he leaned down to kiss the beautiful young girl’s cheek. “It’s been too long. What are you doing back at Wellington?”

She laughed, revealing even white teeth, and shook her umbrella, sending a cascade of droplets through the air. Despite the foul weather, her long hair hung in a perfect wave over her shoulders and down her back. Despite her petite size, her slim legs looked impossibly long and limber in tight jeans.

“Just here visiting,” she said, throwing a questioning glance at Leanne, who continued to stand awkwardly beside the reunited pair, toying with her own umbrella.

Brandon caught her glance. “Oh, I’m sorry. Stephanie, Leanne. Leanne, Stephanie. Steph’s a graduate. She’s one of the students I worked with in studio last year.”

Trying not to squirm under the speculative glance of the young woman, Leanne nodded. “Nice to meet you.” But the dancer’s focus was already back on Brandon.

“I came back for the end-of-term show. Are you choreographing it again this year?”

“I am,” he replied. “I hope you enjoy it. The students have really been working all out.”

“I enjoy anything you do,” Stephanie said, her face alight with flirtatious intent. She flicked another fleeting look at Leanne, as if to gauge her reaction to the romantic sally. Leanne was careful to ensure that none of the turmoil she felt reflected on her face, but she was still unprepared for the tight clench of possessiveness that spasmed through her at the sight of Stephanie’s hand resting on Brandon’s forearm.

It wasn’t jealousy.

Uh-uh. No way. The mini mushroom quiches had just given her indigestion. That was her story and she was sticking to it.

Even as she vowed to steer clear of suspect appetizers in the future, Leanne had to give Brandon credit. He didn’t respond to the clear invitation in the young dancer’s face, but simply stepped back and smiled. “Do you need a ticket to the show?”

Stephanie shook her head. “No way, I booked them ages ago. But you’ll be there, right? With your girlfriend?”

“I beg your pardon?”

At his shocked tone, Stephanie wrinkled her nose. She took in the red mark low on Brandon’s jaw, and Leanne could only hope that her lips weren’t too swollen. It took everything she had not to rub her mouth guiltily with the back of her hand. Brandon looked as embarrassed as she felt, the tips of his ears turning pink.

He shook his head at her erroneous conclusion. “We’re not dating.”

Stephanie didn’t even try to hide her disbelief, taking in the clear evidence of the passionate embrace that still lingered like disreputable clues. She didn’t press the subject.

“It’s all right, Stephanie.” Leanne’s innate honesty compelled her to interject before the dancer grilled Brandon on their plans any further. “I don’t think I’d be able to come in any case.”

“I have two free tickets, you know.”

Leanne turned in shock, certain she must have misheard him. Surely, after everything they’d said moments before, there was be no way Brandon would want her near him. Not with a ten-foot pole.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I have two free tickets. Everyone in the production gets them. I haven’t given mine away yet, so if you wanted them, you’d be more than welcome.” He smiled wryly. “Think of them as a peace offering, if you will.”

She was surprised by how much she appreciated his offer. It warmed her to know that despite their volatile interactions, he was still considerate enough to offer the tickets. He wasn’t a jerk. She’d known that from the first night. While her irrational behavior might drive her crazy, it wasn’t fair to blame him for her weakness.

She smiled but shook her head. “I can’t. But thanks. Really.” She didn’t elaborate and she hoped Brandon would be able to make out the message between her words too. From the ironic but not unfriendly twist of his lips, she knew he had.

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”

“I