Page 170 of Burning Bridges Duet

Not wanting to disturb her, I ease inside as quietly as possible and watch, transfixed.

Liv’s long hair is tied back, sweat glistening on her skin, scars on full display like badges of honor. She’s breathtaking. I lean against the wall, arms crossed, following her movements. Contemporary used to feel too abstract for me, but damn, I’m starting to love it more and more.

Liv has given me a few private lessons, mostly so she could get her hands all over me to “correct my form.” Yeah, right. But I couldn’t complain. Still can’t. I loved every second, and not just because it led to other things. This woman... she’s everything. Beautiful, fierce, the center of our universe.

She’s completely in her element, body flowing with the rhythm, every extension and twist pulling me in, and before I know it, I’m climbing onto the stage.

Life before her was just... existing. Aimless hookups, grinding at the gym, no real spark. Now she fills every corner of our lives with meaning, with love that hits you like a freight train. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The song builds to its climax, and Liv’s eyes light up when she spots me, that grin spreading across her face like sunshine breaking through clouds. She runs toward me—full speed, no hesitation—and I grin back, bracing myself. She launches herself at me with abandon, and I catch her by the hips, lifting her high in that classic Dirty Dancing flying pose. I spin her slowly, and her laughter bubbles up, hitting me square in the heart.

God, that sound…

… I’ll never get enough.

Inch by inch, I slide her down my body, and she wraps her legs around me like I’m a pole she’s working before her feet touch the floor. She settles her hands on my shoulders and twists one of my curls like she always does when she’s playful.

“Are you done?” she asks, eyes sparkling as she tugs on my hair.

I smirk. “I’m never done with you, gorgeous.”

She rolls her eyes. “No, with the accounting.”

“Yes, I’m done.” I puff out my chest dramatically. “We’ve built a thriving empire.”

She cackles. “That’s no moon, it’s a space station!”

“Star Wars references at 10 a.m.? God, I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she says, softening, and pulls me in for a kiss.

It’s sweet at first, her lips warm and tasting like effort and that mint gum she chews during practice, but she deepens it, tongue teasing mine, fingers slipping under my shirt to trace my waistband.

Heat flares up fast, and damn, this woman.

I grab her wrist gently, pulling back with a groan. “Not here, not now.”

Her eyes go wide with mock shock. “Wow, this is the first time you’ve said no to me, I think.”

“It’s not the first time,” I counter. “Remember that time in the shower⁠—”

She slaps a hand over my mouth, giggling. “Shush, you.”

I nip her palm before letting go. “River should be here in ten to pick us up.”

“Right. Gotta grab a quick shower. I’m sweaty.”

I lean into her space and lick a slow trail up her collarbone. “I like you sweaty.”

The shiver that racks her body doesn’t go unnoticed. “River wouldn’t let me in his new car like this.”

I know that’s bullshit—River worships the ground she walks on—but I shrug. “Take your time.”

We head for the exit, my pinky linking with hers, squeezing. She glances up as I grab my bag. “Did you sleep at all?”

“Nope, but I’ll crash early tonight. You can join me.” I wiggle my eyebrows, and she snorts.

We hit the women’s changing room, and she pops up on her toes for a quick cheek kiss. “Back in a minute.”