Page 113 of When We Break

His eyes, those beautiful eyes, are full of torment as he watches me.

“But you’re not going to come back to me.”

“No.” It’s a whisper, and I clear my throat. “I can’t. This is my home now. Maybe, one day, when you’ve retired, you and Benji could live here.”

“I hate snow,” he says.

“But you love me, and I’m your family.”

He huffs out a breath and leans in to kiss my forehead. “Benji loves it here. And I’ve grown fond of the Blackwells, too. They’re good people. Your Beckett will likely marry you.”

My heart jolts at that thought, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads over my face.

“I’d like that.”

“You are so special, malishka, and not just for your dancing. Although I’ve never seen another dancer like you.”

I can’t hold the tears that drip onto my cheeks.

“But because of your heart. Your sweetness. You make me a better person because you’re my best friend. So because I love you, I will consider moving to the frozen Siberia of North America when I finish my dance and am one hundred years old.”

I laugh and wrap my arms around him, hugging him close. “Good. In the meantime, you can visit me between projects.”

“Yes, yes. Now, buy me coffee.”

With his hand in mine once more, we walk into the coffee shop, but rather than walk up to the counter, Mik leads me through the archway that leads to Billie’s Books.

“I thought you wanted coff—” I cut off, stunned. Mik and I stand side by side, and finally, I snort. “Hey, Benji.”

Mik’s husband blinks behind his glasses. He has a pen clenched in his teeth. His blond hair stands on end as if he’s run his fingers through it a million times. But the best part is the array of mostly empty drinks sitting before him on the small table. There are seven of them—some were iced coffees, some were hot. There’s a bottle of water and an empty cup, aside from the teabag in the bottom.

“Hi. Hey.” Benji blinks some more and then takes his glasses off to rub his eyes.

“What are you doing?” Mik asks.

“The house was too quiet,” Benji replies. “I’m used to a loud city, so I decided to come work here. Billie set me up, and Millie kept bringing me drinks.”

Mik and I share a look, then he takes his husband’s hand and pulls him to his feet, planting a kiss on Benji’s forehead.

“Let’s get you home, and I’ll feed you.”

“Yeah.” Benji grins and cups Mik’s cheek tenderly. I love their love so much. “I guess I’m hungry. How did you two do today?”

“It was a good rehearsal,” I reply. “We’re ready for next week.”

I didn’t think we’d ever be ready. The rehearsals and getting back in shape were much harder than I remember. But it’s also been magical to dance with Mik again, so I’ve savored every moment.

I’ll be as sad as he is when it’s all said and done.

“Of course you are,” Benji says as he throws his empties away. “You two are the best there is. Do you guys want something from next door?”

“Yeah, I want an iced coffee,” I reply and wave at Billie, who’s busy ringing up customers. It’s crowded in here today.

Mik and I order an iced Americano, then the three of us walk back to the studio with Riley still at my side. My phone rings.

“This is Beckett,” I inform them and answer. “Hello there, handsome.”

“Hey, gorgeous. I’m so sorry, but I can’t come to town to pick you up. We discovered some fence down, and I’m dealing with a grizzly bear.”

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