Page 21 of Fire Dancing For Icey Dragons

"The day got away from me," he admits. "So, what are you thinking?"

"There's a great sandwich shop just down the road. If you can put up with me still wearing my workout gear, we can have food in fifteen minutes."

"I have no complaints, you look great in your workout clothes," he says with a grin.

"Great." I gesture for us to start walking, ignoring the looks I'm getting from some of the cheer squad. They can think whatthey want. I'm going to have a good time with Blaze no matter what's going through their heads.

Chapter 12

ZARA

Nerves flutter within me even as I check names off the list on my clipboard and the rest of the Sapphire Sparks climb onto the bus that'll take us all to the finals. I can't believe the day is here, and that we're finally going to find out if our routine is as good as I think it is.

I hope I've done enough to guide the squad to victory. I want to be able to put the photo of me lifting the trophy next to the one of Mum when she was at the academy.

A familiar face appears by the bus, but it's not one of the cheerleaders.

"Hey, Blaze," Yuri says brightly. "Should we be getting you a Sapphire Sparks uniform? I think you'd look good in white and blue."

He laughs. "I think I'll stick to black, thanks."

I roll my eyes at my best friend and hand the clipboard over to her. She can do her part as vice-captain and make sure everyone is accounted for on the bus. "Hey," I say to Blaze.

"Hi. I just wanted to say good luck in case I don't get a chance to see you again before you perform," he says.

"Thanks." I get the urge to kiss him but manage to ignore it while we're around so many people. Except that there are plenty of private spots around here. "I'll be back in a second," I say to Yuri.

"Sure." From the expression on her face, I think she knows exactly what I'm thinking. Which isn't too surprising considering she's my best friend and has known me for so long.

I take Blaze's hand and pull him behind one of the other parked buses. I go up on my toes and press a kiss against his lips. He wraps his arms around me and deepens it, but it doesn't feel charged with anything other than emotions.

We break apart and I smile up at him. "Thank you for coming today," I say. "I really appreciate it." More than he can know. After Mum died, Dad stopped coming to my cheer competitions. I think it reminds him too much of Mum, and while I can understand that, it always hurts that there's no one in the crowd to cheer for me.

"Of course. But I guess there's something I wanted to ask you first," he says.

"Oh?"

"Do I get to cheer on my girlfriend today?"

My breath catches in my throat. "I'd like that."

He grins. "Good." He kisses me again, but only briefly. "Now go get them. I can't wait to see you win."

"I intend to." I head back to the bus, looking back over my shoulder to see him watching me leave. I wave over in his direction, enjoying knowing I've got someone there for me.

"Eurgh, I think I preferred cold and detached Zara to head-over-heels Zara," Yuri jokes as I return.

"No, you don't."

"Maybe not. But I swear you've had a personality transplant."

I roll my eyes. "If you really think that after knowing me for nearly four years, then I might revoke your best friend card."

She laughs and hands the clipboard back to me. "Everyone is on the bus and accounted for."

"Great, then let's get going." I get on and nod to the driver, putting myself in the seat at the front. Yuri comes to sit beside me and there's a hiss from the doors as they close.

My stomach ties itself up in a knot as the bus pulls out of the Obscure Academy car park.

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