Page 116 of If It's You

She flipped off the haystacks and slid her body to the floor, then rolled back to her feet facing the back of the barn. She stopped dead in her tracks.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for my dance lesson.” Christian pushed away from the wall he’d been leaning against for who knows how long.

“How long have you been here?” She folded her arms against her chest, aware that she wasn’t wearing much.

“Not long enough.” His voice dropped as he inched closer.

“Well, I’m sorry. No more dance lessons.” She turned away from him.

“Good, because I’d rather be your partner.” He grabbed a hold of her wrist and twirled her into his chest.

Her heart beat out of rhythm. “I don’t think you have what it takes.”

“I’m willing to find out.” His breath warmed her cheek.

“It’s not a good idea, Christian.” She tried to release herself, but he let only one arm go and sent her spinning.

“I’ve been researching this whole dance thing. And I’m pretty confident I could be the perfect partner for you.” The music was loud and carried a dramatic beat, but he moved her slowly, making the entire world slow down with them.

“What makes you think that?”

He smiled and placed one hand on the small of her back and laced his other hand through hers.

Maizie couldn’t fight—she didn’t want to.

He spun her again then dipped her.

Maizie fell back in his arm, her hair rustling against the ground. When she came up, her ragged breath matched his.

“Thanks, for uh, yesterday.” She bit her bottom lip and watched his gaze drop down before meeting her eyes again.

“I’d do anything for you.”

Warmth slid down her spine.

“Like learn to dance?” she teased.

“Exactly that.” He grinned.

A faint squeezing started in her stomach, but she ignored it.

“Well, I—” Maizie searched for an excuse. “I really need to work on the ending of my audition dance.”

“Your audition dance?” He stopped swaying.

“Yeah, for the dance team at college.”

His chin tilted, and Maizie’s traitorous gaze crossed his lips. “Can I see it?”

“You want to?”

“Of course.” He wore a sincere smile. One she wouldn’t have believed was real had she seen it two months ago.

She wasn’t a shy person, but for some reason letting him see her dance like that felt too vulnerable. The pain in her stomach deepened.

He brushed the back of her hand with his. “Please?”