Page 75 of I Don't Need Your Love

When practice is over, she calls out, “Great job, everyone! Now please remember to hydrate and get enough sleep. Andas always, finish your homework before you go to bed! Per the school’s policy, anyone who receives less than a C in any of your classes will be kicked out of your extracurricular activity, and we can’t afford to lose a single member. So please don’t push aside your schoolwork. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. All right, good night! Carly and Ryder, please stay behind.”

As everyone gathers their things and walks out, Addie waving at me, my stomach tightens. Am I in trouble? But then why would Moreno ask Ryder to stay behind, too?

“Here.” Ryder holds out a cup of water. “Got one for myself and figured you need one, too.”

“Thanks.” I was so preoccupied with wondering why he and I were asked to stay behind that I didn’t realize how thirsty I am. I gulp it down in less than two seconds, causing him to raise a brow.

“Here, take mine. I’ll get another.”

“It’s okay,” I say with a sheepish laugh. “I’m good.”

“Okay.” He chugs his down and sighs. “Ah. Nothing as refreshing as a cup of cold water after an intense practice.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “Sorry about that. I don’t mean—”

“Carly.” He puts his hand on my shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize. I trust that you know how hard to push us without hurting us. You’re good like that.”

I stare at him. “I am?”

“Sure. Like I said yesterday, you’ll make one heck of a choreographer.”

Every part of me fills with warmth. “Thanks, Ryder. I think that was the nicest thing you ever said to me. Twice.”

“Oh, come on. I’m sure I’ve said nice things to you in the past.”

“Maybe…well, if you don’t count calling the dance team corny.”

“Oh my gosh. Aren’t we over that?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” I joke.

“Carly and Ryder?” Moreno calls. “You guys have a minute?”

“Yeah, sorry,” I say as I approach her, followed by Ryder.

“The routine is solid,” she says with a smile. “And the team has been working extremely hard. We’ve made a lot of progress the last couple of days and I know we’ll be perfect at the competition.”

Ryder beams. “Thanks to this awesome person.” He throws his arm around me, pulling me to his body. My face gets smooshed into his chest—his hard chest that smells really good…and wow, his arm is pretty strong, too. It makes me feel protected, like as long as I’m in his arms, no harm will ever befall me.

“Yes,” Moreno continues. “But I think we need to add something. Something unique that will make us stand out from the other teams. I watched videos of the other teams’ past performances and it dawned on me that the teams that did very well added a special element to their routine. So while our routine is solid, it’s not…I suppose exciting enough.”

My heart falls to my shoes. It stings to hear it, but this isn’t about me. It’s about what’s good for the team.

“I’ve been thinking the same,” I admit as I pace around. “As much as I love the routine, I can’t help but feel like something is missing.”

“So…we should add some flips?” Ryder suggests. “The audience loves that.”

“I don’t think any of us have a gymnastics background,” I say. “But I’d be willing to give it a shot if the rest of the team is on board.”

“I was thinking something else and want to run it by you two,” Moreno says. “What do you think of adding a pair sequence?”

“A pair sequence?” Ryder furrows his brows.

“That could be really cool!” I say. “It would fit well with our routine because we have a fairytale vibe. We can have a princess and her prince.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Moreno says with a smile. “And I think you two would be the perfect pair.”

“Me and Ryder?” I ask.