Learning Curves - By Elyse Mady Page 0,49

tried to increase the distance between them, to convey a sense of friendly casualness, but Brandon’s arm wrapped round her waist.

“They are. June’s just bringing them up now.” He paused and then turned toward her. “Leanne, I’d like you to meet T’Shaun and Lucas. They dance here at the club.”

She inclined her head, acknowledging Brandon’s introductions.

“Nice to meet you.” Again.

But technically, they’d never met. They certainly hadn’t been formally introduced last week, despite the fact that they knew as much about what she looked like naked, fleshy thighs and all, as her gynecologist did?

She turned her head and caught the unmistakable frown Brandon was directing toward the two men. She wasn’t sure what message he was trying to convey, but it was clear the pair understood.

T’Shaun stepped forward. “It’s a pleasure,” he said, a genuinely pleased grin on his face. He shook her hand with a firm grip. Lucas was a little more reticent but after a loaded pause, he chimed in too.

“And…uh…about the other night?” He shuffled awkwardly and Leanne was suddenly struck by how young he was. “Brandon explained. We know now you’re not a club bunny and are sorry if we embarrassed you.”

Brandon explained what?

“Uh…thank you.” I think.

Brandon leaned over and dropped an affectionate kiss on her hair. It was the first time he’d ever touched that way in public before and the reason for his gesture struck her with blinding force.

After her furious accusations outside the faculty club, he knew how she felt about having their unorthodox meeting made so humiliatingly public. So he’d concocted this fiction for his coworkers’ benefit, treating her like a girlfriend. T’Shaun and Lucas would think they interrupted a couple who couldn’t get enough of each other, not two strangers having a one-night stand. Being discovered in a compromising position was still embarrassing but not fatal to her reputation this way. Her heart warmed at this newest proof of Brandon’s thoughtfulness. He might claim to have time for a relationship but even now, he went out of his way to protect her.

Brandon glanced at his watch. “I’m guessing your folks won’t be pleased if we show up late. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready to head out.”

“S-sure, sweetie. You go right ahead.”

His eyes met hers, and the corner of his mouth tilted up at her unexpected endearment. He released her waist and walked across the room. A garment bag in hand, he disappeared down a narrow hallway, leaving Leanne alone with the two men still lingering the office space.

But before any of them could speak, the awkward trio was interrupted by a woman coming up the stairs. She was in her late sixties, Leanne guessed, but her hair was dyed an age-defying shade of blonde and her bright clothes ensured she’d never blend into a crowd.

“Hey, Miss Foxe,” the dancers greeted her. She nodded, never taking her eyes off Leanne as she moved around the office and sank into a leather chair.

Leanne smiled, hoping her nerves were well concealed

With a flick of her acrylic nails, the club’s owner sifted through a stack of pay envelopes next to the printer and held them out to her employees. They took them and quickly disappeared back downstairs.

“So, you’re the new girl in Brandon’s life?” she asked, her voice smoky with the evidence of cigarettes past and present.

“Umm…yes.” June Foxe’s narrowed eyes revealed the uncertain answer had done little to allay her suspicions. Squaring her shoulders, Leanne expanded her statement, “Yes. Brandon and I are dating.”

Sort of.

“Are you at Wellington too?”

“Yes, I’m a doctoral candidate. In the English Department.”

“A doctoral candidate. In the English Department,” June mimicked. “That sounds like an important job.” She pursed her lips and began to hunt around the paperwork surrounding her computer. Finding a half-opened pack of cigarettes, she slid one free and set it between her lips.

“So tell me, as a doctoral candidate, what do you think about Brandon working for me?”

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s a simple question. What do you think about his dancing at the club?”

“I—I think he is a very good dancer.”

“He’s one of the best dancers that’s ever walked across my stage. And when he’s backstage, he does a damn fine job there too. Has since the first day I hired him.” She paused thoughtfully before continuing, “But what I want to know is what a girl like you is doing with someone like Brandon. Are you proud of what he does when he’s not at the university?”

Leanne’s head spun. For once, she’d been