Page 127 of If It's You

“May I have this dance?”

Maizie looked at his outstretched hand. How easy it would be to take it and let herself fall hopelessly in love with this boy. Her head told her not to, but her heart made her hand reach for his.

He led her to the middle of the barn, then twirled her into him. His hands rested on her waist, warming her from the inside out. She placed her arms around his neck and fell captive into his eyes.

They swayed softly to the music, then the beat picked up.

“Follow my lead.” Maizie took one of his hands in hers and started moving faster.

He didn’t follow. “Isn’t the guy supposed to lead?”

“Not if the guy doesn’t know what he’s doing.” Maizie challenged him. A grin split his face, revealing the most perfect lips she had ever seen.

“Oh, really? Watch this.” He expertly changed the direction they swayed and picked up the momentum. He spun her out and she did an extra spin just to show off. When he twirled her back in, she landed against his chest. He spun her out again and this time his arm locked around her neck as he dipped her. Maizie beamed as he brought her back up.

“Not bad,” she said. “My turn.”

She spun herself out, but then released his hand and curled behind him, her fingers tracing his back as she grabbed his other hand. She kicked her leg behind her, then brought it down on his opposite leg.

“Squat,” she said.

He did as he was told, and she put her other leg on his knee as well. Her arm wrapped firmly around his chest; she could feel the tightness beneath his shirt and feel his steady heartbeat. He stood up and she held her torso tight, then kicked both legs out in a leap.

His jaw dropped. “How does your body move like that?”

“Lots and lots of practice,” she said, leaning her head against his chest.

“Looks like it’s paid off,” he murmured against her hair.

Heat radiated down her neck.

“Do you give up now? Am I the better leader?”

“I’ll never give up.” His voice came out in a low, breathy whisper. His hands trailed down to her waist, he bent slightly, then lifted her high above his head.

“Oh!” she gasped, looking down at him.

He looked right back at her with ease as if this was the easiest thing he’d ever done.

“Okay, you can put me down now,” she said, gripping his shoulders to steady herself.

He let her fall into his chest, his hands still locked around her waist, keeping her feet a few inches off the floor.

Her hands rested on his shoulders, and his lips taunted her. Everything she wanted was right here in front of her. Her pounding heart and shallow breath testified of that.

“I’m much better at leading,” he said. His breath brushed her cheek.

“Stop showing off.” Jayce broke through the moment.

Christian lowered her to the floor and spun her around again. They danced in silence, watching Jayce and Lindsay sway beside them.

“This is amazing,” she said.

“It’s not much.”

“Why did you do this?” Maizie asked, her voice barely audible over the music.

His head bent lower, his voice husky. “Isn’t it obvious?”