Stefanie London - Only the Brave Try Ballet

‘Show me one more time.’

Grant’s eyes were locked on her. Her skin tingled everywhere his eyes travelled.

‘Of course.’

Jasmine pulled her shoulders back and relaxed her body into a perfect turn-out. Bending down, she extended her knees outwards and brought her feet into relevé, her ankles crossed as she balanced without a tremor of unsteadiness.

Grant stepped forward, his hand reaching out to touch her stomach in the same way she’d touched his. His full lips parted as he stepped close to her.

‘Yes, very stable.’

Jasmine held her breath. Grant moved his hand down to her waist, tilting his body in to hers so that their faces were only inches apart.

The air between them was thick with electricity, the gravitational pull unravelling her sensibilities. She so desperately wanted to touch him. Her mouth was dry. Anticipation was making her pulse race.

He placed his hands over hers and Jasmine jumped at the way her blood pulsed harder and harder.

‘Why so jumpy? Are you uncomfortable being alone with me?’

‘No,’ she whispered.

The problem was she was far too comfortable. As he stood close to her all she wanted to do was melt against him. She envisaged herself pressing against his broad chest and sturdy thighs. Her entire body crackled with excitement as they stood, merely inches apart, in the empty ballet studio.

Dear Reader Contents Cover Introduction Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Extract Copyright

Have you ever felt so compelled to follow a dream that you would do anything you could to make it a reality? This book is my dream. After many a night tapping away at my computer—endless cups of coffee by my side—I’m thrilled to share my first novel with you, and even more thrilled to be part of the sparkly, flirty, fun-loving Mills & Boon ®Modern Tempted™ series.

The story of Grant and Jasmine was inspired long ago, when I read an article about footballers who studied ballet to increase their agility and flexibility. When I decided on day one of National Novel Writing Month in 2012 that I would take a leap of faith, this idea came to life. I love the concept of an ‘opposites attract’ romance, where two people seem so different only to fall in love and discover all the things they have in common beneath the surface.

This country-boy turned football star and former soloist ballerina meet when they’ve just exited very dark places in their lives. Both Grant and Jasmine are damaged souls who are desperate to keep their dreams alive and wary of what others want from them.

Whether you’re a lover of the arts or a mad footy fan (or both!), I hope you enjoy watching Grant and Jasmine help one another on their journey to healing and happy-ever-after.

With love

Stefanie London

Only the Brave Try Ballet

Stefanie London

www.millsandboon.co.uk

STEFANIE LONDONcomes from a family of women who love to read. When she was growing up her favourite activity was going shopping with her nan during school holidays, when she would sit on the floor of the bookstore with her little sister and painstakingly select the books to spend her allowance on. Thankfully, Nan was a very patient woman.

Thus it was no surprise when Stefanie ended up being the sort of student who would read her English books before the semester started. After sneaking several literature subjects into her ‘very practical’ business degree, she got a job in Communications. When writing emails and newsletters didn’t fulfil her creative urges she turned to fiction, and was finally able to write the stories that kept her mind busy at night.

Now she lives in Melbourne, with her very own hero and enough books to sink a ship. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, French perfume, high heels and zombie movies. During the day she uses lots of words like ‘synergy’ and ‘strategy’. At night she writes sexy, contemporary romance stories and tries not to spend too much time shopping online and watching baby animal videos on YouTube.

This is Stefanie London’s first book for Modern Tempted™ and is also available in eBook format from www.millsandboon.co.uk

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To Nan and Nonno for teaching me what it means to be brave.

To my amazing husband for his endless supply of love and support (and for always doing the dishes when I was stuck in the revision cave).

To my family for never thinking my dreams were crazy, or loving me enough not to say so.

To my editor, Flo, for seeing past the rough edges of my first submission and taking a chance on this story.

Contents

Cover

Introduction ‘Show me one more time.’ Grant’s eyes were locked on her. Her skin tingled everywhere his eyes travelled. ‘Of course.’ Jasmine pulled her shoulders back and relaxed her body into a perfect turn-out. Bending down, she extended her knees outwards and brought her feet into relevé, her ankles crossed as she balanced without a tremor of unsteadiness. Grant stepped forward, his hand reaching out to touch her stomach in the same way she’d touched his. His full lips parted as he stepped close to her. ‘Yes, very stable.’ Jasmine held her breath. Grant moved his hand down to her waist, tilting his body in to hers so that their faces were only inches apart. The air between them was thick with electricity, the gravitational pull unravelling her sensibilities. She so desperately wanted to touch him. Her mouth was dry. Anticipation was making her pulse race. He placed his hands over hers and Jasmine jumped at the way her blood pulsed harder and harder. ‘Why so jumpy? Are you uncomfortable being alone with me?’ ‘No,’ she whispered. The problem was she was far too comfortable. As he stood close to her all she wanted to do was melt against him. She envisaged herself pressing against his broad chest and sturdy thighs. Her entire body crackled with excitement as they stood, merely inches apart, in the empty ballet studio.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Introduction Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Extract Copyright Have you ever felt so compelled to follow a dream that you would do anything you could to make it a reality? This book is my dream. After many a night tapping away at my computer—endless cups of coffee by my side—I’m thrilled to share my first novel with you, and even more thrilled to be part of the sparkly, flirty, fun-loving Mills & Boon ® Modern Tempted™ series. The story of Grant and Jasmine was inspired long ago, when I read an article about footballers who studied ballet to increase their agility and flexibility. When I decided on day one of National Novel Writing Month in 2012 that I would take a leap of faith, this idea came to life. I love the concept of an ‘opposites attract’ romance, where two people seem so different only to fall in love and discover all the things they have in common beneath the surface. This country-boy turned football star and former soloist ballerina meet when they’ve just exited very dark places in their lives. Both Grant and Jasmine are damaged souls who are desperate to keep their dreams alive and wary of what others want from them. Whether you’re a lover of the arts or a mad footy fan (or both!), I hope you enjoy watching Grant and Jasmine help one another on their journey to healing and happy-ever-after. With love Stefanie London