Page 122 of Flirty Dancing

Betty’s face lit up when she saw them. “Hiii!” she squealed and ran over, hugging them both. “Oh my God, yes! So happy for you two.”

Dominik stood and shouted, “You owe me ten bucks!,” although it wasn’t clear who it was directed at.

“’Bout time,” Caleb said, shaking his head.

“Well, we didn’t want to cause any drama or anything, you know,” Archer said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“It is possible to date without causing drama, you know,” Betty said dryly.

“I don’t really blame them,” Caleb said. “Every other couple ended in disaster.”

“Uh, no they didn’t!” a voice piped up.

It was River. Every head swiveled over to them.

“Gage and I are still together,” they said, alarmed at having so many people staring at them. “No drama.”

An awkward silence ensued.

“Er, right. Well, clearly you two are an example of how to do it,” Archer said. “Well done.”

Once Eva arrived, they did a full rehearsal, and it all went perfectly. When it was over, the dancers gathered in a tight huddle in the middle of the stage.

Mateo spoke, his head slowly turning to meet each person’s eye. “This is it, team. We made it. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of you. It wasn’t without its bumps”—Caleb studied his feet—“but I truly believe we have put together an incredible show, one that will absolutely blow away Breckon Galloway.”

“Hell yeah, it will!” Dominik cried, backed by cheers and enthusiastic agreement.

“Go get some food and be back here at six. Last one, team.”

They put their hands in and cheered.

Mateo exhaled as the group dispersed.

Archer slid his arms around Mateo and hugged him tight. “Speaking of being proud,” Archer said. “You should be incredibly proud of this show.”

Mateo hummed and tried to deflect the compliment. “Stewart—”

“Nope.” Archer cut off his deflection with a kiss. “Thisis as much your show as it is Stewart’s, the entire thing. You led us the whole way through. And I’m really proud of you.”

Mateo blinked rapidly. “Thank you, Archer.”

Archer took his hand. “Now let’s go eat.”

Archer was just finishing his last bite of dinner in the dining hall when his phone buzzed. It was a text from Lynn that was only a picture—Sasha’s hand, with a pink teardrop diamond shining from her finger. Behind was a table set for a candlelit dinner and the lake sparkling in the background.

Oh my Goddddd! Congratulations! You did

it! I’m so happy for you two!

Thanks, boo! Do you have time to

join us for a super quick glass of

champagne before the show? We’re

on the deck of our cabin.

Archer checked the time—five forty-five. The finale—only one show this time—was at seven, and even though he was technically supposed to be there at six, if he was a touch late arriving, Eva Stiff went on first, so he had a bit of a time cushion.Sure, if I hurry! I’ll be right there!

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