But as the music swelled and they began to move, Hadley realized Ellis had been downplaying his skill. He danced with surprising ease and grace. As the lead, his movements were fluid and composed—effortlessly guiding her through the rhythm.
“Mr. Gomez,” she teased, “this is your idea of ‘no professional’?”
Tilting her head slightly, Hadley offered the truth.
“You move like a seasoned dancer.”
“Truly?” Ellis’s lips curved into a smirk.
“Absolutely!” Hadley exclaimed.
“You’re every bit as polished as a professional.”
“Thank you.” Ellis chuckled, raising a brow in amused disbelief.
“You’re being far too kind.”
Hadley’s smile softened, thoughtful and curious. Ellis called himself an ordinary working man, yet Hadley couldn’t ignore the quiet dignity he exuded. It wasn’t aloofness. He simply had a presence—calm, grounded, yet somehow above the fray. Or was that just her imagination?
As the final notes faded, Ellis and Hadley shared a warm smile. Releasing each other’s hands, they stepped away from the floor in quiet harmony.
“Miss Pearson,” Ellis said, glancing down at his watch.
“Thank you for the dance—I’m afraid duty calls once more.”
“Of course.” Hadley nodded.
“Duty first, I suppose.”
“Indeed…” Ellis didn’t walk away right away. Instead, he slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out his phone, unlocking it with a swift motion.
“Would you mind exchanging contact information?” He extended his phone toward Hadley.
“I’d like to have your number—if that’s all right.”
It was clear he hadn’t even entertained the idea that she might say no. That quiet confidence only solidified Hadley’s earlier impression of him.
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“Of course.” After a beat, Hadley nodded, retrieved her phone from her bag, and handed it over. She took his in return and tapped her number into his contact list. Ellis glanced at the screen for a moment, typed something quickly, and then slipped the phone back into his pocket.
“All set,” he said with a small nod.
“Time for me to return to work.”
“Take care,” Hadley called after him, her eyes following his retreating figure.
A uniformed officer stepped toward Ellis, seemingly with a report in hand.
Just then, Hadley’s phone buzzed. Eric’s name lit up the screen. She swiped to pick up the call.
“Hello?”
“Where are you?” Eric’s voice came through—low, breathless, and urgent.
“I’m right here…” Hadley glanced around, confused. Had he finished with Megan already?
“Wait, I see you! Don’t move—stay right there!”
The line disconnected before she could utter another word. Hadley lowered her phone, frowning in mild confusion.
“Hadley!” As she tucked her phone away, Eric appeared, running toward her. He was winded, his hair tousled from the sprint—his forehead glistening, eyes intense.
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