Page 139 of Only Ever You

I can’t stop smiling. My chest is full and my skin is warm and tingly. And as I listen to their banter, I realize this is the best date I’ve ever been on.

All because of Michael.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

obedience looks good on you, pretty boy

MICHAEL

Nineteen years old

“What time will you be back?” Ash turns to me as I push the door open.

He’s taking my car back to the dorms, and I’m going to head inside the dance studio and check on Isla. It’s almost 9:30 p.m., so she should be finishing up soon.

I shrug. “Not sure. I might stay with Isla.”

“Again?”

Excitement flares in my chest. “Um, yeah.”

Ash sticks his lip out, pouting like a child. “In case you forgot, I’m your roommate. Your best friend.”

“I’m aware.”

“Really? I barely see you anymore. I can’t even remember the last time we hung out outside of hockey. ”

Shaking my head, I haul myself out of the seat. “I’m not going to apologize for spending time with my girlfriend.”

“That’s not what I mean.” He groans, banging the back of his head against the headrest. “I know how long you’ve been pining after her. It’s just…could you make time for me too?”

The amusement rolling through me fizzles. “I will,” I tell him, and I mean it. “Night, Ash.”

I close the door, and, with my hands deep in my pockets, I head into the building. Most of the lights on the second floor are already off. All but one room, actually, so I wander that way. Through the glass wall, I spot Isla moving across the floor.

The music is low, barely audible from the hallway, but I recognize it anyway. “Ma Meilleure Ennemie.” It’s a song I’ve heard dozens of times since I first showed up at her practice.

I prop my shoulder against the doorframe and watch. For a second, I forget to breathe. She turns. Spins. Then seamlessly transitions into a series of movements that look effortless, despite the amount of strength and flexibility they require.

When the song ends and she stops, catching her breath, she notices me and breaks into a smile.

“How long have you been standing there?” she asks, tucking wayward hairs behind her ears.

“Long enough.”

Chin tipping down, she scrutinizes me. “That’s not an answer.”

Not bothering to hide my smile, I say, “It’s the only one you’re getting.”

Head thrown back, she laughs. Then, she reaches for her water bottle. “When you asked about my plans, I had an inkling you’d show up.”

“I hope it’s a nice surprise.”

Her face softens. “It is. You’re always the best part of my day.”

“Same. That’s why I’m here, even though the practice was brutal.” I step into the studio and close the door behind me. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were training to be a ballerina.”

She takes a swig of her drink, nearly choking on her water. “Michael,” she sputters.