Page 12 of Dancing on Air

“Mine?” The man frowned, then chuckled again. “I’m Rowan and…” He motioned towards Cora, who had finished changing and was holding an empty water bottle. “She’s a friend of the family.” Rowan jerked his head around and then smiled when Julie King rushed over and hugged him.

“I knew you’d come,” Julie said, hugging the man and then taking the seat on the other side of him. “Well, your girl was definitely worth the last-minute entry.”

“She was amazing. This is the first time I’ve seen her dance,” Rowan admitted, then motioned towards him. “Which one is yours?”

Max shook his head. “They’re all mine.” He nodded. “Julie, I’ll meet you in your office.” He stood up.

He had just stepped into the hallway when Cora rushed past him, bumping into his shoulder.

“Oh!” she exclaimed as he placed his hands on her tiny waist to stop her from falling over. “Sorry.” She chuckled. She held up her water bottle. “Happen to know where I can refill this?”

He motioned towards the water station. “There’s one on each floor,” he said, dropping his hands.

“Thanks.” She stopped and then narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you a dancer? Instructor?”

“Neither.” He nodded his head and made his way down the hallway while his heart jumped in his chest.

What the hell was that? The slightest touch had his heart racing. Why?

Sure, the girl was pretty. Okay, drop-dead gorgeous. But he’d had his pick of pretty before. Why did this one set off so many fires?

Her skin was so pale it looked like it had never been touched by the sun before. He wanted to see that fiery red hair of hers down from the tight bun just to know how long it was. Then there were those green eyes. Why did they draw him in so much?

He let himself in to Julie’s office and waited until she returned.

“Well?” Julie asked, sitting down at her desk.

“Cora Thomas,” he said easily. “She should be on your list.”

Julie’s eyes shot up. “The girl shows talent for sure, but she’s a virtual unknown.”

He nodded. “When has that ever stopped you?”

Julie smiled. “I had her on my list. She gives off a young Moira Shearer vibe. Any others worth noting?”

He’d been there today because Julie had asked him for a second pair of eyes, but he’d only watched one dancer the entire time.

“I didn’t pay attention,” he admitted, and Julie sighed.

“You did warn me you wouldn’t be much help.” She shrugged. “You know…” She leaned over her desk. “Since you’re back, we could always rekindle things, maybe have some fun.”

He stood up suddenly. The last time he’d tangled with her, things had turned… strange. “Thanks, but not this time.” He headed towards the door. “See you later,” he called over his shoulder.

The moment he stepped out of the door, he bumped solidly into Cora again. This time, she had her jacket and backpack tossed over her shoulder. The moment their bodies collided, her bag spilled open and the now full water bottle splashed over his shirt.

“Oh!” she cried out. She tried to catch the bottle before it completely soaked him, but she was too late. The entire front of his shirt was wet and clinging to his chest.

“Sorry,” he said, knowing full well it was his fault. He hadn’t been watching where he’d been going.

“I’ve soaked your shirt,” Cora said, frowning as she searched her bag for a towel.

“Never mind that.” He pulled his shirt away from his chest. He saw her eyes go wide as he did so. “Really, it’s fine. I have another one in my office.”

“So, you are a teacher?” she asked as she knelt to pick up her things.

“Nope.” He picked up a toe shoe and held it out to her with a smile. “Max,” he said, once they had finished putting all her items back in her bag.

“Cora.” She smiled. “Sorry about the shower.”