Page 84 of If Ever

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When I open the door, Chelsea and Dominic are trying a lift. As she swings down, she can't sustain the hold and smacks her knee and elbow on the floor. She's sprawled out like a limp rag.

I wince. "I don't think that's going to get you any tens."

Chelsea lolls her head toward me and sees the large take away bag I'm holding. "Please tell me that's food," she groans.

"Your wish is my command." I leave my wet boots and coat at the door and set the bag in front of her.

"How's it going?" I ask Dominic as she tears opens the food. He looks exhausted.

"It could be better. It's tough not being in L.A., and this storm just adds more stress. At this rate we might have to take a train to make it in time."

"Trains have sleeper cars. I'm up for that! Oh my God, Tom. You brought stew, mac & cheese, spaghetti. You are the most gorgeous man on the planet."

"Really? All that for a bag of food." Her face is flush from exertion. She looks younger with a light dusting of freckles across her cheeks and also beat from lack of sleep.

She lifts out a salad. "Look Dominic. Rabbit food for you!"

He joins her. "Oh no. After today, I'll arm wrestle you for the pasta."

We sit in a circle and dive in to the take-out containers.

"Seriously, dude. You're a lifesaver." Dominic shovels in a mouthful of spaghetti. "I was afraid if I let her take too much of a break, I'd never get her back."

"I'm not that bad," Chelsea says.

Dominic cocks his head.

"Come on, it's been a long day. I mean, I'm wearing someone else's clothes. Plus, I don't even know where I'm sleeping tonight."

I flash my eyebrows at her, which Dominic catches and laughs. Chelsea blushes then looks away.

"We've got a new hotel just down the street. This way we can rehearse late and not have far to go."

Chelsea groans, and I wish there was more I could do to help. After eating our fill, Dominic is off talking to someone in the main office. Chelsea rolls on the floor next to me. Her body cooled down, she leans into my side, greedy for warmth.

I lace my fingers through hers and smile, lifting her hand for a quick kiss

"Is this a new bruise or an old one?" I examine her shapely arm, lightly tracing my finger over the purple mark.

"That one's old, but the one right here, is brand new."

My eyes and fingers graze over her soft skin, checking her for further damage, raising goose bumps as I go. I frown and make tsk sounds every time I find another. "It's a good thing this competition is almost over, because you look like you've gone ten rounds with Ali."

"Dancing with Dominic is a combat sport."

"I heard that!" Dominic appears. "Time to get back to work. Want to show Tom what we've got?"

Chelsea climbs to her feet, and I scoot out of the way to watch. "Don't be too critical, I'm still learning, and as you saw, we haven't worked out the lifts yet."

I lean against the wall, my forearms resting on my knees. Dominic hits play and they begin. Chelsea’s natural ability shows through. Then she's up over his head in a lift, grabs for his other hand and fumbles, then goes down hard on her back.

I'm next to her in an instant. "Are you okay?" I ask, my hand on her bare shoulder.

She groans. "Maybe we better change that lift."

"Or maybe we need to slow down and work on it again when you aren't so tired," Dominic answers. "I'll get you an ice pack."

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