Page 47 of If Ever

"Really?" A jolt of happiness reaches down to my toes

"Mm hmm." His voice lowers. "I had a lovely time with you in L.A. I've never not wanted to get back to work until now."

I can't believe he's telling me this. "That's really sweet, but I find it hard to believe."

"It's true. I keep thinking of this bossy blonde girl from Iowa trying to give me vocal direction."

I bury my face in the pillow. "Yeah, sorry about that."

"And then I watched her dance. It was so beautiful, I nearly wept." His voice is deep and kind. I was lost in the experience and it felt good. Better than anything has in a long time. That is until him. Now I don't know what to do with myself. I start pacing. "How is New York?"

"You're changing the subject, love."

I grin at the endearment. "Is the city as exciting as it sounds?"

"I like it. There's always something happening. You'll get to see it soon."

"Every week I think I'll be seeing New York, but then I sneak through by the skin of my teeth." In the bedroom, I sit on the bed.

"When you do get to New York, I want to see you."

My heart skips a beat. I stare at the ugly bruise in the mirror and wonder why me? He must have tons of options out there.

"That is if you're interested," he adds as if I wouldn't jump at the offer.

"Of course I'd love to see you."

"Good. Now I might have to rethink my voting methods to get you out here sooner."

"I don't think I should share that strategy with Dominic."

"Probably not."

"I just realized that I know very little about you, and you've been watching the show all season, so you probably know way more about me."

"I'm a boring bloke," he says, his voice laid back and relaxed. I picture him in faded jeans, a T-shirt, and no shoes, lying on his couch. I want to stretch out next to him.

"I don't believe that for a second. When we get off the phone, I'm going to Google you and search out your deep dark secrets. Unless, of course, you want to tell me some."

"And spoil your fun? I think not." He laughs.

"I'll be the judge."

"And when you're done, if you aren't running the other direction, I'd still like to see that shiner of yours."

I groan. "It's awful and embarrassing."

He laughs. "Come on, I was there at its inception, don't I get to watch it evolve? From black and blue, to purple and then maybe a little green and yellow after a few days."

My hand goes to my cheek. "It better not."

"So tell me about your new dance. What music is it to?"

I go lie on the couch and tell him everything I know about it. We end up talking for well over an hour.

Tom sighs. "Well, it's getting late here. I should let you go."

"I suppose."

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