Page 105 of I Don't Need Your Love

The dance team gets through practice without too many issues. We’re doing much better than we did previously and it’s not as tough as it was before. But we still need lots of practice if we want to dominate.

Coach has Carly and me stay after to work on our duet. We begin with the starting position, pressing our foreheads together.

We smile as we stare into each other’s eyes. I so badly want to kiss those beautiful lips, but I hold back. I’m supposed to be professional.

The music begins and we spin away from each other before rushing to each other. We’re doing very well and Coach is proud. I’m a little nervous when it’s time for the first lift, but as Iwatch Carly do magic on the floor, I’m filled with so much calm and warmth that my nerves disappear and I’m left with this confidence I didn’t know I had. When she rushes toward me, I catch her by the waist, lifting her in the air.

“Good, Ryder!” Coach compliments.

I am successful with the other lifts as well. Carly and I have a lot of fun smiling at each other while spinning around one another. There’s a charge in the air that wasn’t there before. It’s like the Universe is happy we’re finally together.

“Take five,” Coach says, heading toward us. “That was amazing, you two.” She beams. “I’m a little surprised, to be honest. There’s something different about you. Good different.”

Carly and I glance at each other and grin.

“The chemistry between you guys is off the charts,” she continues. “You’re really pulling off a couple in love. Whatever you’ve been doing, keep at it.”

“Of course, Coach,” I say, while Carly thanks her.

After our break, we resume practicing. We’re having a lot of fun, spinning, holding hands, being the prince and princess we’re supposed to be. Coach is very excited about how it’s turning out.

“Keep up the good work, guys,” she says before leaving for the day.

Carly and I face each other, smiling. Some sweat shines on her forehead while mine is dripping down my chest.

“So, Princess, what do you want to do now?” I ask.

She taps her chin as she thinks. “Well, my prince, I think we should start working on the grand finale.”

I nod with a smile. “Of course. We need to make you float. But before we begin, there’s something I need to ask you.”

“Okay.”

I take both her hands, leading her to the bleachers where we sit down, facing each other. “Is something wrong?” Carly asks. “I mean, you look nervous.”

“Do I?”

She nods.

“I don’t mean to. I’m excited to ask you this.”

“Okay…?”

I lift both her hands to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “Carly Simmons, you mean the world to me and…do you want to be my girlfriend?”

“I thought I am.”

“Well, I mean, yeah, but we didn’t make it official or anything.”

She flings her arms around me. “Of course. I’d love to officially be your girlfriend.”

“Sweet.” I wrap my arms around her, then press my lips to hers. Her fingers tangle in my hair as our lips swallow each other’s. I can never get enough of this, but I love talking to her too, and seeing her smile and dance. Just everything about her.

“I love kissing you,” she murmurs when we take a break.

I chuckle. “I love kissing you, too. Believe me, if I was able to, I’d do it every second of every day.”

Backing up, she lifts a brow. “Be honest. How many girls have you kissed?”