Page 192 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Nate turned her around to face him. “Who do I remind you of?” His warm eyes glinted with mischief.

“Oh,” she blushed. “Aaron. Aaron Schroeder.”

His jaw dropped. “Really?”

“I—I meant it in a good way,” she said quickly.

Nate grinned again. “You’re not just saying that to be nice?”

Anna was confused for a moment, then realized that he had taken it as the compliment she’d meant it to be. “No, you really do remind me of him. You’re very talented,” she added softly.

Nate’s grin expanded. “Well, thank you. I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“Nate. Anna.” Delia called from across the room. “That looks more like talking than practicing.”

Anna turned away from Nate, her face burning. “What’s next?” The last thing she wanted to do was upset her instructor or get Nate into trouble. He was easy to dance with and his confidence helped make Anna feel secure.

Anna walked with Nate and some of the other dancers to the parking garage after class was over. His easygoing manner put her at ease, and she liked being with him.

“Hey, Anna,” someone shouted from behind. She turned to see Aaron jogging after them. He caught up and looked at Nate, who was walking next to her. “You’re... Nate, right?”

Nate raised his eyebrows and glanced at Anna. “Yeah.”

“I’ve heard good things about you. Looking forward to seeing the final performance.”

Nate beamed. “Thanks.”

Aaron turned to Anna. “Hey, how are you doing?” he asked in a tender voice.

Nate looked between Anna and Aaron and his face fell. “I, uh, gotta get home to dinner,” he mumbled. “I’ll see ya tomorrow.” He turned and hurried away, his shoulders slumped.

Anna’s brows furrowed as she watched him walked away, then glanced at Aaron. He grinned. “I think you have a new fan.”

“What?”

“He likes you.”

She shook her head. “He’s nice. He reminds me of you.”

Aaron glanced at her. “Really? Hmm. Then I should be careful.”

“Why?”

“He might usurp my spot as first principal someday.” Aaron said with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Anna giggled. “Are you threatened?”

He shrugged, then grinned. “Maybe.” He tilted his head. “You look different.”

“I do?”

He glanced in the direction where Nate had walked away. “Are you and Nate...”

Anna jerked her brows together. “Me and Nate? No. He’s my dance partner.”

“That’s it?”

Anna nodded. “That’s it.”

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