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“I don’t think postponing is an option,” I mumble as I think things through.
“You can perform without her if you need to. Just you and the other guys,” Olivia offers helpfully, her worried gaze on the clinic door.
“Or… you could dance with us,” I suggest softly.
Her response is to scoff. She must think it’s such a ridiculous idea, she doesn’t even glance at me.
“I’ve watched you, Olivia. You’re graceful. You bob your head perfectly in time with the music when you think no one is looking.”
“I have two left feet. Besides, I don’t know the steps.”
“You’ve been watching every minute of our rehearsals for weeks. How many times have you observed even the hardest moves? The cat-walk, the all-rise, the flyaway? You know them all. I’d bet a Peaches and Cream Jubilee cupcake that you know every step of every routine.”
She tips her head and pooches out her lips as she considers my offer.
“I don’t think I’d like a Peaches and Cream Jubilee. Would you spring for a Jazzy Jungle Fudge?”
“Two. I’ll even throw in a Love Bite.”
Her eyebrows wing up in question and half a second later, her arousal scent perfumes the air.
“I meant one of those Love Bite cupcakes. They were the first to sell out. But I’m happy to throw in whatever it is you’re imagining right now.” I don’t just want this female who has become my best friend. Iyearnfor her.
The first moment I’m alone, I’m going to google what a love bite is. It must be sexual. I shake my head to get rid of that thought. Otherwise, it’s going to consume me for the rest of the day.
“How can I refuse an offer like that? I have to warn you. I’ll never be as talented as Lucy.” She studies the ground for a moment, her cheeks flushing pink. “It was hard to hide how jealous I was of how good you two looked together.”
“Really?” She was jealous? Why does that make my chest expand in pride?
“I wanted to be the one in your arms.”
“Well, it’s your lucky day, Olivia.” My voice dips low and a rumbling purr vibrates through my chest.
Warren emerges from the clinic, shaking his head. “The doc says it’s a sprain. A bad one. I’m not sure what he meant, but he said she doesn’t have a baseball’s chance in hell of dancing tomorrow tonight.”
“Snowball,” Olivia corrects.
I’m lost, other than to know Lucy won’t be dancing with us tomorrow.
“Come back to Mane Street Fashions with me,” I urge Olivia. “We’ve got a lot of practicing to do.”
When we’re out of Warren’s earshot, she says, “After Colonel Slater caved at the bakery and lifted his prohibition against species mixing, I had some… interesting ideas about how we might spend the night.”
My ears perk up as dozens of very sexual, very specific ideas fly through my mind.
“I want to hear more, Olivia. Paint me pictures.”
“Paint you pictures of what? Staying up all night practicing our Bollywood moves? Because that’s all we’re going to have the time or energy for.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ty
“One more time,” Olivia protests. “I’m awake.”
“You practically hit the floor, Olivia. Right in the middle of theChitra’s Flowernumber. I know you want your performance to be perfect. It will be. I’m bringing you back to your dorm. Now. Only after you’ve had eight hours of sleep will we resume rehearsals.”
I’ve never been in charge of anyone before, but taking care of Olivia seems effortless. It seems… right.
