Thief in the Light

By Payton Hart

The moment that Jenny sees Luis in the dance studio, she is mesmerized. Perhaps it's his handsome face, the sound of his voice, or the way he says her name; all of these things create havoc for Jenny as she starts to dance beautifully with her new partner. 

At home, she struggles to connect with Elliot after a long relationship that seems to have lost it's spark. The scale seems to be unbalanced as they drift further apart, their future plans not coinciding. 

With the support of her closest friends Ashley and Joe, Jenny tries to not only become a successful dancer, but successful in her relationships as well. Her passion with Luis is undeniable, but giving up on Elliot seems impossible. In her life's most dire moment, jenny must make the right choice or risk losing love forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PassionBooks
• Release date: Sep 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533782656

Book preview

Chapter One

Damn it! I hissed through my teeth as I lost my balance for the tenth time. I was practicing my coordination exercises, staring intently at the wall of mirrors in front of me. I furrowed my eyebrows, trying to figure out what was throwing me off balance. I looked at my shoes’ reflection and wondered briefly if my ballroom heels were getting too worn.

As I inspected them, I heard the door open behind me and I turned to see Nancy, the hard-ass owner of the dance studio to which I was employed. She squinted her eyes as she walked into the room. I always turned half of the lights off while I practiced; I hated harsh, artificial lights.

"Jenny, how can you see anything in here?" She flipped them back on as I walked to the stereo and dialed down the music, as she tried to speak over the volume.

...as you know, this showcase is going to be one of the largest since I opened the studio. So, I’ve decided to hire one of the best dance coaches in the city to come and assist in preparing the students. I’m going to leave time for him to help coach all of the teachers as well. Can you to come in early tomorrow so that you can get introduced and discuss timeslots for your training? This was not a question. That was the thing about Nancy; even if it sounded like a question, she expected you answer in the way she wanted.

Alright, that’s no problem, Nancy. I smiled as she nodded and turned to walk back out of the door. She paused for a moment.

I also need you to put a pause on what you’re doing and help John with his couple’s lesson in ten minutes.

She left the door open as she exited. I sighed. Early. No problem, Nance, it’s not like it’s my anniversary or anything. I knew her too well by now to bring up my special day. Nancy wasn’t a very sentimental person, and in the two years I’d known her, I knew nothing about her. But she knew a fairly good deal about me. On the few occasions that I had let a fight between Elliot’s and I affect my attitude, she had immediately reprimanded me.

At first, I thought she was just angry with me for my unprofessionalism, worried about the studio’s image. But I came to learn that it was also her strange way of showing concern for my life outside of work. She had never approved of Elliot, and she very blunt in her belief that he was holding me back from a lot of things. I thanked her for her advice every time, but mentally brushed them off as soon as I left the office. I wasn’t about to let an emotional robot give me love advice.

I shook my head as I shut off the stereo and turned out the lights.

––––––––

Did she forget that it’s our anniversary or something? Elliot shifted his weight and turned from his desk to look at me. I walked over and sat on his lap, grabbing his arms and wrapping them around me.

"Oh, honey, I doubt it. I’m still technically the new girl, since Nancy is too picky to hire any of the applicants we’ve had. So I’m basically still the studio lackee. I’m sorry. Can we take a rain check?" I leaned in and kissed him, pouting a little.

Hmm... you’ll have to make it up to me tomorrow night. He kissed my neck and squeezed me. I giggled a little and nuzzled him.

Alright, I’d better check on the pasta, I said, getting up, but he pulled me back down.

Oh, no you don’t. The toll is minimum 5 smooches. I kissed him four times in a row, making a loud smacking sound. I pulled back and looked on his desk. Elliot was a great comic book artist, so great in fact, that he had left the company to work independently in his office. I often marveled at his work.

Is this your new story?  What’s this one about again?

Oh, I scrapped that one. I kind of hit a wall. I’ve been brainstorming all day.

I tilted my head in disapproval. Elly, you can’t scrap every idea that isn’t perfect. You’d meet more submissions if you just stuck with the ones you have.

Babe, you don’t get it. I can’t just put out whatever comes to mind. I have to be happy with it or I’ll end up hating myself for submitting it, especially if nobody bites.

I internally rolled my eyes. The smell of burning pasta caught my attention and I hurried into the kitchen.

Chapter Two

I woke to mourning doves singing loudly outside my window. Stretching out my long, limber limbs and collecting my messy red hair, I rolled over and kissed Elliot’s