Page 251 of By His Play

“Okay, are we ready to get started?” Maria says, her soft yet commanding voice filling the studio.

He holds his hand out, but I’m frozen.

“May I have this dance, Luck?”

60

EFFIE

Icontinue to stare up into Kieran’s green eyes as my heart pounds and my entire body trembles.

He’s here.

He’s standing right in front of me, asking me to dance.

How?

Why?

Where is Brax?

“Effie?” he whispers when I don’t do anything.

My mouth opens and closes, but no words come out.

I’m speechless.

Dumbfounded.

I never in a million years thought he’d be here.

I sense someone step up beside me, but I can’t look over. My eyes are locked on Kieran’s.

He’s nervous. It’s not something I see often, but it’s there.

He has no idea how I’m going to react, and the longer I just stand here completely useless, the more he’s beginning to freak out.

“Are you two ready to show me some moves?” Maria asks as if nothing unusual is happening here.

I manage to nod in agreement, and a second later, my hand slips into Kieran’s huge paw.

Wrapping his arm around my waist, he presses his other palm against my lower back before tugging me closer.

I gasp as our bodies collide, then as if he does this every day of the week, he leads.

How?

I continue to stare up at him in disbelief as my feet move in time with his.

“W-what is happening?” I whisper, finally finding my voice.

His eyes search mine before they drop to my lips for a beat.

“I’m sorry,” he responds, his deep voice giving away the emotions he’s battling. “I’m sorry, and—” He sucks in a deep breath. “I love you, too.”

My message.

He’s replying to my message.

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