Page 47 of Watch Me

“In third place…”

Again, not my name. Another polite clap. Another clandestine glance at Alejandro. He raises a brow at me, but his expression remains utterly, frustratingly unreadable. Forget the contest results. Not knowing how he feels is killing me.

And what does that say about how much I love him? I’m well and truly hooked.

“In second place…”

Not my name again. The couple beside us sweeps out on the floor, and I can see the woman’s forced smile hiding disappointment and the crushing blow of defeat.

But wait...if second place has been announced, and there are no other couples out on the floor...

“In first place, the California Dance Star Latin dance ballroom champions, couple one hundred three, Shanna York and Kristoff Palavin of Los Angeles!”

Kristoff squeezes my hand as he leads me out onto the floor. “We did it! We did it!”

We have. Finally! Alejandro claps for me. His mother, too. The whole crowd, including my father, who enthusiastically whistles like he’s at a football game. It’s bad form in ballroom, but I smile, glow, and grin from ear to ear.

Tonight, I’m a champion. Finally.

But how did that happen, given the blackmailer’s threats?

“What about…you know?” I say to Kristoff through my smile. Apparently, the threatening bastard didn’t follow through.

Before he can answer, the emcee comes forward with our trophy. Kristoff grabs it with one hand and hoists it up in the air, along with our joined hands. Together, we bow.

Professionally, I have never been happier than in this moment.

“Ms. York and Mr. Palavin are now eligible to compete in the upcoming World Cup Latin competition.”

Wow, a huge dream come true. And yet…my life will be incomplete, my triumph hollow, if I don’t have Alejandro to share it with.

The emcee takes the trophy from Kristoff. The lights dim, and as champions, Kristoff and I dance. But my mind is on Alejandro, the way he watches me, face shuttered, posture relaxed. What is the man thinking?

Soon, others crowd onto the floor. With the spotlight no longer on us, I all but force Kristoff to tango Alejandro’s way.

Kristoff resists. “Wait. I must tell you something.”

“Later. Okay?”

“But—”

“Give me fifteen minutes.”

Before he can reply, we reach the edge of the dance floor. I turn to Alejandro’s mother.

“Mrs. Diaz? Hi, I’m Shanna York.” I hold out my hand.

“Ella es tu novia?” his mother asks Alejandro sharply.

“Mamá…” He sighs. “Sí.” Then he whispers something in her ear...and her entire face lightens. She glows.

She turns to me with a beaming smile and says in accented English. “Thank you for the tickets. Congratulations on winning,nuera.”

Nuera?Damn, I need to learn Spanish ASAP. “Thank you. Have you had the pleasure of dancing with my partner, Kristoff?”

She shakes her head and risks a shy peek at Kristoff. “He is one of my favorites.”

“I’m sure he’d consider it a favor. He gets tired of dancing with me and would love your company.” I turn to my partner. “Kristoff?”

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