Dance with Me, page 1
Dance with Me
Synopsis
Is there anything worse than your I-don’t-do-commitment ex finally getting married? Not according to Scottie Templeton. Factor in living with her grandma, her rattletrap car, and never-ending job struggles, and Scottie’s stressed. When a friend suggests they take dance lessons to blow off steam, she figures why not? How was she supposed to know that the super talented, ridiculously hot dance instructor is Marisa Reyes, the woman her ex dumped for her? Or that her friend would break his foot, leaving her without a dance partner? Or that dancers without a partner get paired with the instructor?
Scottie’s ready to quit, but her grandma won’t let her. She has nothing to be ashamed of and the playing field is level now. So, Scottie vows to finish the lessons, even if it kills her. And if the sizzling chemistry she has with Marisa, to say nothing of the closeness of their dancing, is any indication, it just might.
Praise for Georgia Beers
Camp Lost and Found
“I really like when Beers writes about winter and snow and hot chocolate. She makes heartache feel cosy and surmountable. Camp Lost and Found made me smile a lot, laugh at times, tear up more often than I care to share. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to keep the cold weather at bay, I’d recommend you give it a chance.”—Jude in the Stars
Cherry on Top
“Cherry on Top is another wonderful story from one of the greatest writers in sapphic fiction…This is more than a romance with two incredibly charming and wonderful characters. It is a reminder that you shouldn’t have to compromise who you are to fit into a box that society wants to put you into. Georgia Beers once again creates a couple with wonderful chemistry who will warm your heart.”—Sapphic Book Review
On the Rocks
“This book made me so happy! And kept me awake way too late.”—Jude in the Stars
The Secret Poet
“[O]ne of the author’s best works and one of the best romances I’ve read recently…I was so invested in [Morgan and Zoe] I read the book in one sitting.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)
Hopeless Romantic
“Thank you, Georgia Beers, for this unabashed paean to the pleasure of escaping into romantic comedies…If you want to have a big smile plastered on your face as you read a romance novel, do not hesitate to pick up this one!”—The Rainbow Bookworm
Flavor of the Month
“Beers whips up a sweet lesbian romance…brimming with mouthwatering descriptions of foodie indulgences…Both women are well-intentioned and endearing, and it’s easy to root for their inevitable reconciliation. But once the couple rediscover their natural ease with one another, Beers throws a challenging emotional hurdle in their path, forcing them to fight through tragedy to earn their happy ending.”—Publishers Weekly
One Walk in Winter
“A sweet story to pair with the holidays. There are plenty of ‘moment’s in this book that make the heart soar. Just what I like in a romance. Situations where sparks fly, hearts fill, and tears fall. This book shined with cute fairy trails and swoon-worthy Christmas gifts…REALLY nice and cozy if read in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Covered in blankets. By a fire.”—Bookvark
Fear of Falling
“Enough tension and drama for us to wonder if this can work out—and enough heat to keep the pages turning. I will definitely recommend this to others—Georgia Beers continues to go from strength to strength.”—Evan Blood, Bookseller (Angus & Robertson, Australia)
The Do-Over
“You can count on Beers to give you a quality well-paced book each and every time.”—The Romantic Reader Blog
“The Do-Over is a shining example of the brilliance of Georgia Beers as a contemporary romance author.”—Rainbow Reflections
The Shape of You
“I know I always say this about Georgia Beers’s books, but there is no one that writes first kisses like her. They are hot, steamy and all too much!”—Les Rêveur
The Shape of You “catches you right in the feels and does not let go. It is a must for every person out there who has struggled with self-esteem, questioned their judgment, and settled for a less than perfect but safe lover. If you’ve ever been convinced you have to trade passion for emotional safety, this book is for you.”—Writing While Distracted
Calendar Girl
“A sweet, sweet romcom of a story…Calendar Girl is a nice read, which you may find yourself returning to when you want a hot-chocolate-and-warm-comfort-hug in your life.”—Best Lesbian Erotica
Blend
“You know a book is good, first, when you don’t want to put it down. Second, you know it’s damn good when you’re reading it and thinking, I’m totally going to read this one again. Great read and absolutely a 5-star romance.”—The Romantic Reader Blog
“This is a lovely romantic story with relatable characters that have depth and chemistry. A charming easy story that kept me reading until the end. Very enjoyable.”—Kat Adams, Bookseller, QBD (Australia)
Right Here, Right Now
“[A] successful and entertaining queer romance novel. The main characters are appealing, and the situations they deal with are realistic and well-managed. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good queer romance novel, and particularly one grounded in real world situations.”—Books at the End of the Alphabet
“[A]n engaging odd-couple romance. Beers creates a romance of gentle humor that allows no-nonsense Lacey to relax and easygoing Alicia to find a trusting heart.”—RT Book Reviews
Lambda Literary Award Winner Fresh Tracks
“Georgia Beers pens romances with sparks.”—Just About Write
“[T]he focus switches each chapter to a different character, allowing for a measured pace and deep, sincere exploration of each protagonist’s thoughts. Beers gives a welcome expansion to the romance genre with her clear, sympathetic writing.”—Curve magazine
Lambda Literary Award Finalist Finding Home
“Georgia Beers has proven in her popular novels such as Too Close to Touch and Fresh Tracks that she has a special way of building romance with suspense that puts the reader on the edge of their seat. Finding Home, though more character driven than suspense, will equally keep the reader engaged at each page turn with its sweet romance.”—Lambda Literary Review
Mine
“Beers does a fine job of capturing the essence of grief in an authentic way. Mine is touching, life-affirming, and sweet.”—Lesbian News Book Review
Too Close to Touch
“This is such a well-written book. The pacing is perfect, the romance is great, the character work strong, and damn, but is the sex writing ever fantastic.”—The Lesbian Review
“In her third novel, Georgia Beers delivers an immensely satisfying story. Beers knows how to generate sexual tension so taut it could be cut with a knife…Beers weaves a tale of yearning, love, lust, and conflict resolution. She has constructed a believable plot, with strong characters in a charming setting.”—Just About Write
Dance with Me
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By the Author
Romances
Turning the Page
Thy Neighbor’s Wife
Too Close to Touch
Fresh Tracks
Mine
Finding Home
Starting from Scratch
96 Hours
Slices of Life
Snow Globe
Olive Oil & White Bread
Zero Visibility
A Little Bit of Spice
What Matters Most
Right Here, Right Now
Blend
The Shape of You
Calendar Girl
The Do-Over
Fear of Falling
One Walk in Winter
Flavor of the Month
Hopeless Romantic
16 Steps to Forever
The Secret Poet
Cherry on Top
Camp Lost and Found
Dance with Me
The Puppy Love Romances
Rescued Heart
Run to You
Dare to Stay
The Swizzle Stick Romances
Shaken or Stirred
On the Rocks
With a Twist
Dance with Me
© 2023 By Georgia Beers. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63679-360-3
This Electronic Original Is Published By
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, NY 12185
First Edition: April 2023
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editor: Ruth Sternglantz
Production Design: Stacia Seaman
Cover Design by Jeanine Henning
eBook Design by Toni Whitaker
Acknowledgments
I love to dance.
That doesn’t mean I’m any good at it, and when you compound that with a lack of confidence and the worry that everybody will think I look silly, I end up mostly dancing in my bathroom or living room alone. Of course, when I do that, I’ve got moves! You should see me! I wanted to write about somebody who doesn’t think she can dance and who finds out she not only can, but she loves it. Doesn’t hurt to give her a super-hot dancing partner as well, right? But we can’t have it be so happy and easy…this is a romance novel, after all. So, I threw in several obstacles for poor Scottie Templeton, and for that, I apologize because I really, really like her. I hope you do, too.
Many, many thanks to Radclyffe and Sandy Lowe and Ruth Sternglantz and Cindy Cresap and Stacia Seaman and everybody at Bold Strokes Books. They keep things running like a well-oiled machine, and that makes it easy on me. My appreciation for them knows no bounds.
I’m so grateful to my friends, both writing and non-writing. I’m an introvert and being alone is my jam, but every now and then, even an introvert needs contact. Even an introvert needs to have a conversation or share a glass of wine or ask for some advice, and my people are amazing. I’m so lucky to have them all.
If you’re holding my book in your hands or reading it on your e-reader or listening to the audiobook, I want to thank you. It’s not dramatic to say I wouldn’t be where I am today without you, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For all of us who love to dance but worry we’re terrible.
Dance like nobody’s watching.
Chapter One
Ice cream makes everything better, doesn’t it?
Well. Maybe not everything. But it comes damn close. Of this I’m convinced.
“Doing okay?” my best friend since high school, Adley Purcell, asks me as she finishes cleaning one of her ice cream-making machines. Her family has always run Get the Scoop, an artisan ice cream shop that her grandfather opened when he and her grandma came over from the Philippines with Adley’s mom—before artisan was even a thing. Last year, her grandpa retired, and Adley bought him out and took over, which means she works herself to death six days a week. She and I are tight, always have been, even before we knew that we both liked girls.
I nod as I spoon mint chip ice cream into my mouth, letting the cool freshness of it sit on my tongue for a second or two before I swallow. It’s the last of today’s stock and it’s friggin’ delicious. Adley will make more tomorrow.
“Doing okay.”
“Good.” Adley drapes her towel over her shoulder and blows at a hunk of her wavy dark hair—which has escaped not only from her ponytail, but also from her hat—only to have it fall right back where it had been, hanging in front of her eye. Then she whips herself up a milkshake using almond milk and chocolate almond ice cream, tosses in a little Frangelico from the not-so-secret bottle she keeps in the fridge, and voilà! instant frozen alcoholic shake. She takes the stool across from me at the little counter in the back of the shop, sets her forearms on the table, and looks me dead in the eye.
“Uh-oh. That’s a serious stare,” I say, half jokingly, ’cause when Adley gives me that look, shit is about to get real. “Are we about to have a serious discussion?”
“Enough already.” Her dark brows meet in a V above her nose, a signal that she is not messing around. “It was one thing to mourn the death of your relationship. I get that. It took a while. I get that, too. But Penelope announcing her engagement doesn’t warrant any sadness from you. You deserve better.”
I sigh. Not in annoyance, but in resignation. She’s right. Adley is a wise woman, and this is a no-brainer. Still, it’s hard. Not to mention fucking embarrassing. I’d been with Pen for three years. I’d moved into her house. We were happy, or so I thought, and I wanted more. I wanted a commitment, something that symbolized our dedication to each other.
I should’ve kept my mouth shut because asking for a commitment was the beginning of the end, ironically enough. Long story short, we broke up, she kicked me out, I moved in with my grandmother, and barely a year later, Pen became engaged to another woman. Fucking engaged. So, clearly, she was fine with commitment. She just hadn’t wanted to commit to me. That hurt. And was mortifying. And now, I feel like I can’t show my face around town anymore. Which is ridiculous, but still. Emotions are tough to argue with.
“You need to get out there, get out of your grandma’s house, do something. Play softball. Join a bowling league. A book club. Go out to dinner. Something.” Adley takes a swig of her shake, and her voice gets softer. “I worry about you.”
“I know.” And I do. Between Adley and my grandmother and my work friends, I don’t go a day without somebody gently suggesting I do something besides go home to my cats—well, Grandma’s cats—and watch Netflix. And not just Netflix. Sappy, romantic Netflix. I’ve blown through all the sugary series with familiar tropes—big city girl comes home to small town, high school reunion leads to a second chance at love, some things are more important than my job—some multiple times. I know I’m in danger of becoming one with the couch, so maybe it is time to start listening to my friends. “Well,” I say to Adley, “I do have something I’m rolling around in my head.”
“Tell me.” Adley has big, dark eyes and they focus on me. Everything about her is gorgeously brown, being half Filipino. Her hair, her eyes, her skin. She is tall and stunning to look at, and standing next to her can be rough, given how I have average light hair, average blue eyes, average pale skin, and am of average height. I grab her shake and take a sip of it before I give her my news.
“You know how Bash is getting married, right?”
“You mean Bash the Dreamy?”
I laugh at the nickname she gave him the first time they met, when Adley had marveled over how precisely he was put together. Sebastian Larue is one of my coworkers and also one of my closest friends. “Well, he wants to take dance lessons to surprise Lydia for their wedding, and he asked me to go with him, be his partner. He said it would help him and also get me out and about.” I make the air quotes that Bash had made when suggesting the lessons to me. “It’s a twelve-week course.”
“That’s fantastic,” Adley says with a clap of her hands, and her eyes light up, and her smile gets wide, and it’s clear she’s thrilled by the idea of me attempting to dance and making a fool of myself, likely in front of several other people. “You’re gonna do it, yes?”
“I mean, I tried to decline, but he played the I Helped You Move Out of Your Ex’s card, and what could I say to that?”
“He’s not wrong.”
“I know. So I said yes, way against my better judgment.” I eat the last spoonful of my ice cream and take my dish to the stainless steel industrial sink to rinse it, then set it on the counter to be sent through the enormous dishwasher. I turn back to my bestie. “I’m gonna be a disaster, you know that, right? I have no rhythm. Bash is going to be sorry he asked me.”
“No, he’s not.” Adley is still smiling. “You’re gonna have fun, and he’s gonna learn to dance and surprise his bride, and it’s gonna be great all the way around. I just know it.” She slurps up the last of her shake. “Also, you do have rhythm. You’re gonna be great. Plus, you’re doing your friend a favor. That’s a good thing. And you’re doing something, and that’s a better thing.”
“I live to make you happy.” I shoot for sarcasm, but it comes out lighter, and that’s probably better. I clear my throat and exhale a resigned breath. She’s right—Adley often is when it comes to giving advice to others—and I probably need to stop fighting it. I decide a change of subject is in order. “Any new flavors on the horizon? It’s spring.” I gesture toward the freezer. Adley is fabulous at coming up with new and creative flavors of ice cream, not to mention sundaes and desserts with unique names and even more amazing flavor combinations.
