Page 135 of Bookworm

I saw what he meant. The new skill was a flip which involved Ash wrapping his arm around Snow from behind, Snow using their combined weight to flip Ash over her shoulder, and his back hitting the mat with a crash. I winced. But Ash popped up a moment later, so she could do it all over again. Snow explained the mechanics of the movement. Ash assured the person who asked that he was okay. And the two of them were making heart eyes at each other the whole time.

"Want to try it?" Bo asked.

I nodded. "Sure. This won't hurt you, though, right?"

He shot me a look, as if offended I'd even suggest such a thing.

"Sorry," I said. "I know you'll be fine, even if I fail."

"You won't fail," he said, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around me.

My heart stuttered.

"I-I might," I said.

"You won't." Bo's voice caressed the shell of my ear, and I swallowed back a gasp. "Just concentrate."

On what? I thought.

The feel of Bo's chest pressed against my back.

His warmth surrounding me.

The sparks in my chest.

Taking a deep breath, I put my hands in the proper place, tensed my muscles in preparation, and...

"Good," Bo murmured.

Trying to keep my voice steady, I said, "If we're going to try this, you've got to stop doing that."

"Doing what?"

"Distracting me."

Because of our closeness, I felt as well as heard his deep laughter.

In response, I frowned, tightened my grip, and then flipped him before he could say anything else. It was an impulsive reaction. I definitely hadn't planned it—which was probably why, after executing themove to perfection, I went down right after Bo, landing ungracefully on top of his chest.

I looked up and saw that the frown was gone.

Shock was the only thing staring back at me. That and somethingelse that as the moment wore on looked like…pride.

"You flipped me," he said.

"Yeah, sorry about that," I replied.

"Don't be. You—"

"Awesome throw, Charlotte!" Snow called from across the room. "Got it on the first try."

"She did. Nice job," Ash said next then added, "Good fall, son!"

Bo muttered under his breath.

"Hey," I said, smiling down at him, "don't feel bad, Flower Boy. It was beginner's luck. Besides, you're my teacher. You should be proud."

"I am," he said.

---