Page 148 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“And then I punched a guy.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal, but we both know that it is. “I wasn’t expecting that when I gave you the address.”

Neither was I, and thank God it was me here and not Luke because that could have ended a lot differently.

“If that’s not a usual occurrence, then what is?” I ask, hoping to distract her as I tend to her wound. “What’s a typical night here at the club?”

Lainey’s smile widens, and it’s easy to see that she loves it here. It’s not just a means to an end.

As she talks, I wet a tissue and start cleaning the blood from her hand, being careful not to aggravate the cut across her knuckles. She hit that guy so hard that she busted two of them open, and I’ve got to admit, it was hot. There’s something to be said about a woman holding her own. Though I’m lucky I’ve never been on the end of her fist, because God knows, I’ve deserved it a time or two.

“You really can handle yourself, can’t you,” I say when she’s finished speaking, shooting her a wink as I think about what the woman, Lainey’s boss, said earlier.

Lainey grins shyly. “I don’t set out to hurt people. I just kind of react instinctively.”

“Well, it’s hot.”

She rolls her eyes as she shoves at my chest, cringing when she does. I’d bet anything her hand’s giving her more grief than she’s letting on.

“You’d think I’d be used to injuries.” She winces, confirming my thoughts, shooting me an adorably pinched expression. “You should have seen my feet sometimes.”

“I can imagine… I’ve seen the movieCenter Stage.” Lainey frowns before a small laugh escapes her. Yes, okay, I’ve just admitted to watching more chick flicks, but that’s not important. “Cuts and bruises are never fun,” I add to ease her mind.

“I know. But why does this feel worse?”

“Probably because it’s your hand.”I think.I’m assuming hands are more sensitive than feet, but what do I know? I may have put my body through hell over the years, but something tells me she’s had it worse.

When her wound’s clean, I lean forward and gently kiss the uninjured space below, lifting my eyes to watch her reaction. “I’m no doctor, but I think you’ll live.”

Her breath hitches before she smiles, her gaze back on her hand instead of meeting my eyes. “Thank you,” she says softly as I stand tall. “And thank you for not freaking out about…all of this.” She peers up at me then, looking through her lashes as my heart jolts. No matter what comes next, if Lainey tells me right now that she’s seeing someone else…I willfightfor her. I’m not jealous watching her dance with other men because I refuse to believe that we’re done. In my mind, she’s my future. For the past six years, she’s been theonlyfuture I wanted, and I’ve finally got the chance to make it happen.

“Don’t get me wrong. I may have had a moment where I actually wished I could dance like that…so that I could be the one up there with you. But I’m content to just bear witness to it. To be the guy on the sidelines, watching you shine.”

Lainey subtly sucks in a breath but smiles as though I’m joking.

“I’m serious, Lainey. You have a gift, and—”

“It was nice having you here,” she rushes out, cutting me off. Perhaps knowing I was about to ask if her dancing was thestart of something. “I always thought I’d want to be anonymous when I finally danced again. But knowing you were there tonight gave me a confidence boost I needed.”

I smile until her words register. “Finally danced again?”

“Yeah.” She smiles shyly. “That was my first time.”

Jesus. Luke told me that she was happy, that she’d moved on from her past, that nothing was holding her back. Without saying the words, he’d all but told meI’dbe holding her back if I contacted her, and I truly believe he was telling the truth. His truth anyway. But once again, she was hiding things.

“Do you think you’ll dance more often?” I ask without actually saying the word ballet.

“Maybe.” She shrugs, her smile still intact. “But for now, I better go back out there.”

She moves toward the door, but I grab her wrist, pulling her toward me in one quick movement. It’s impulsive, and I have no idea why I want her to stay, but I can’t let her leave. Not yet.

She lets out a soft gasp as her body crashes against my chest, and I waste no time sinking my hands into her hair, lifting her face to mine. Her lips fall open and we stare into each other’s eyes, taking everything in, focusing on what this could be. At least, that’s what I’m doing. I’m focused on the way her intense gaze makes my pulse race, or the way just a touch of her skin sends tingles through my body. And most importantly, I’m focused on the way my heart beats for her. Only for her. As it always has.

“What are you doing?” Lainey whispers, her gaze hesitant as her eyes bounce between mine. “And why does it feel like this moment is so much bigger than I realize?”

I huff out a laugh, breaking the spell between us. “I’m sorry. I didn’t plan on holding you hostage, but now that I have you in my arms again, I can’t seem to let go.”

“Thomas, it’s—”

“Please don’t say it’s too late. I know I have a lot of work to do, to prove to you that I’m worth the risk, but please don’t rule it out.”

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