I was always nervous about performing, even though I’ve done it over a thousand times before. I think it was a testament of how much dancing meant to me. I never wanted to give an audience half the energy I was capable of or give them less than my best. Every opportunity I got to be on stage, I treated it like it could be my last one. So despite the winged creatures fluttering around in my stomach, I danced my way onto stage and let the energy of the crowd fuel me.
Kelsey or should I say Rhodium was amazing. Her soulful voice filled the air and was as beautiful as ever. The crowd sang her songs with her word for word, and cheered and screamed when she handed me the mic without missing a beat and joined the dance break portion of the song. It wasn’t until the last eight counts that I looked towards the side of the stage where I saw a familiar pair of blue eyes, almost causing me to lose my focus.
Nathan was here. Watching me dance.
His stony expression gave nothing away as I twirled and twisted my body confidently and seductively on the stage. My body flowed through the routine, but for one fleeting second, my pulse misstepped. I didn’t have time to think about what his presence here meant because I had a dance to finish.
The song ended a minute later, and the other dancers and myself strutted off stage, leaving Kelsey alone to close out her set with a sultry song.
All the other girls around me were trying to catch their breath and reaching for bottles of water, but I’m afraid that the cause of my irregular breathing and suddenly dry throat was standing in front of me looking sexy as ever in a black three-piece Brunello Cucinelli suit.
“What are you doing here?”
“Rhodium is one of Edge Records top-selling artists; so I figured I’d come down and show some support.”
“Are you sure it has nothing to do with me telling you that I was going to be here?”
“What are you trying to imply, Elise?” Nathan raised a brow at me.
“Maybe you miss me because I’m not at work, so you came here.” I grinned.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I came here to see one of my artists.”
“You are a terrible liar Mr. Edge,” I grinned before walking over to the cooler so I could grab an ice water. “So what did you think of the show?” I asked, twisting the cap off of the water bottle.
“Rhodium is very talented… and so are you.” Nathan answered.
“Thank you.” I blushed. “Well, since you’ve seen your artist, I guess I’ll see you in the office tomorrow.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re in a hurry to get rid of me.”
“N-no,” I stuttered, feeling heat spread across my cheeks, like the warmth of a summer sunset. “I just know this isn’t your thing.”
“What’s not my thing?”
“Fun.”
“Guess I have to prove you wrong.” Nathan replied, and the daring spark in his eyes told me he intended to do just that.
***
IF SOMEONE TOLDme that Nathan Edge would take a day away from his billion-dollar company to win me a giant squishmallow, I would’ve told them that they needed to seek medical attention immediately, but as I watched Nathan toss another neon ring around a coke bottle for the fifth time, I was starting to think maybe I was the one who needed to see a doctor, because there was no way this was really happening or that I was actually enjoying myself.
Once Rhodium performed her last song, I changed into denim shorts, a cute crop top and sneakers and Nathan tagged along with me as I explored all the games and activities. We did the bean bag toss, house of mirrors, and ate cotton candy. Okay,Iate cotton candy and Nathan paid for it. He passed though on getting into the dunk tank but other than that, I was having a really fun time with him and now we were wrapping the day with hopefully winning a stuffed animal.
Nathan threw his final neon ring around the coke bottle, which landed with a satisfying clank, and the owner of the game hooted and hollered. “Looks like we have a winner over here! Step up and claim your prize.”
Nathan looked at me, and I pointed at the giant cupcake Squishmallow. The concession stand worker picked it up and handed it to Nathan, who passed it to me without hesitation.
I hugged my newly earned prize, feeling giddiness spread over my body for reasons other than the adorable plush cupcake in my arms.
“Thank you.” I beamed up at Nathan.
“You’re welcome.” Nathan fell into step beside me. “Are you having a good time?”
“Yes,” I grinned. “It comes every year, but I never get a chance to go because I’m always working.” I stared pointedly at him.
“If I give you the day off to come here every year, would you change your mind about quitting?”
