Delilah

Waking up that morning, I had found myself tangled up with Trevor. I admit I was very surprised, having thought everything that happened last night was likely a dream. But, apparently, it wasn't all a dream.

I tried to gently disengage from Trevor's sleeping form, but as I moved he held on tighter, mumbling in his sleep. He was so beautiful and peaceful lying there holding me. I didn't want him to be late for work and I knew I had to get to town in a timely manner, so it was time to wake him up.

"Trevor?" I said quietly, poking his arm

He grumbled and shifted in his sleep, pulling me atop him. I squealed at the suddenness of movement, my hands landing on his hard chest, which woke him. His eyes lazily opened to meet mine, and a slow smile spread across his face with blinding intensity. I could feel his fingers dig into my flesh, almost as though he was making sure I was real. To my surprise, I'd also felt a certain lower part of him grow hard underneath me. I could feel my eyes grow wide, and he just chuckled.

"Mornin' baby," he said looking up at me and brushing the hair from in front of my face.

Today was the day of my interview with Marla, and to say I was nervous was an understatement. But due to the position I was in, I could hardly think straight. Trevor's reaction to me made it clear that he liked what he saw, and I had to admit that it was a confidence boost. And I needed as much confidence as possible for today.

"Morning," I said moving off of him and settling back on the mattress

I watched Trevor frown momentarily, before steeling his features again. I hated to think he was upset, but it was hard to think straight pressed up against him and his stiff erection.

"Um, thank you for last night," I whispered, pulling my knees into my chest and wrapping my arms around them.

Trevor sat up, leaning against the headboard. His defined chest and vibrant tattoos showing clearly in the bright morning light streaming in through the bedroom windows. I had to force myself to look at his face, I didn't want to be caught ogling him. He reached out and put a hand on my arm.

"Anytime baby. If you need me, I'll be here," he said sincerely

My throat was so dry that all I could do was nod. God, this man. Every time he opened his mouth he made me want to stay. My head and my heart were still battling it out, but it felt as though right now my heart had the upper hand. Trevor had made it pretty clear that he wanted me, but given everything I'd been through and how short an amount of time I'd known him, I was hesitant. What if he was just being nice, or saying things in the heat of the moment that he would regret later?

We sat in silence for a moment or two before I forced myself out of bed and into the shower. By the time I emerged from the bathroom, Trevor was no longer in my bed. That fact made me sad, sadder than I really had any right to be I reminded myself.

I met up with him downstairs for breakfast and could feel my nerves and doubts return tenfold. Maybe this interview was a bad idea. I wasn't exactly the best role model for kids and I hadn't formally danced in a long while. Plus it would be an easy excuse to stay here, and that's not what I wanted...right? Trevor could tell that something was wrong.

"Lila? What's wrong?" he finally said

"Nothing." I mumbled pushing the cereal around my bowl, "I'm just nervous is all."

"Darlin'." Trevor said reaching out and lifting my chin with his finger so I would meet his eyes, "Trust me, you have nothing to be nervous about. I've seen you dance. You're going to do great."

He had so much faith in me that I couldn't help but have a little in myself too. A little while later I hugged him goodbye as we both departed the house heading in opposite directions. He made me promise to call him when my interview was over.

I drove into town in my new car, with the windows down, music blasting, feeling freer than ever. That was something Trevor gave me - safety and freedom. I waved at several of the townspeople's smiling faces as I drove past. When I finally pulled up to my destination, MSD (Marla's School of Dance), I parked out front. I sat in the car for longer than I should have to try to get my nerves under control.

I finally took a deep breath, cut the engine, and went inside. Despite the drab exterior, the interior was large and modern - not at all what I expected. The place was understandably empty since it was around noon on a weekday. I made my way to the desk and rang the small bell on the counter. Moments later a stunningly beautiful woman, likely in her mid-30s, with long blonde hair and sparkling brown eyes came around the corner.

"Hi there!" she greeted me with a warm smile, "Ya must be Delilah. Trevor said you'd be stoppin' in. I'm Marla Tulley, I own this studio." she extended her hand to me

"Thank you for meeting with me Ms. Tulley, and yes, I'm Delilah Steger," I said shaking her hand more enthusiastically than intended

She laughed lightly, "Sugar, call me Marla. I ain't old enough to be Ms. Tulley yet."

"Yes, Ma'am," I said and she just shook her head with a grin

She led the way into one of the rehearsal rooms, telling me about the studio and all they offer. For a small town, they sure seemed busy, but that was apparently since she was one of the few proper dance studios in the county and the only one with a competitive dance team - meaning that all the towns around us sent their children here too.

"I'm hopin' to find someone who can work with kids of all ages, the little babies to the high schoolers. Someone who is firm but kind and knows their stuff. And hopefully, someone who can choreograph some kick-butt competition routines. Think that might be you?" Marla paused

"I definitely believe that could be me, yes ma'am. But I want to be honest with you..." I stumbled trying to figure out what to say next, "It's been a long while - 6 years - since I last danced in a studio environment like this. I trained hard for a long time, and I know I have the skill set to do this job and do it well. But, frankly ma'am, I'm not certain that you'd want someone like me working for you."

"Why on earth would ya think that?" Marla looked genuinely stunned

"Because for the past 6 years, up until about a week ago, I worked as a stripper," I said squeezing my eyes tightly shut

To my utter shock, Marla started full out, tears in her eyes, laughing. And my heart sank.