Page 58 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

Yes, I could do this.

I went on my way, practically skipping down the sidewalktoward the meetup location, only a few blocks from my apartment, as most things are.

I peered up at the gray sky. Even the cool, gloomy weather couldn’t spoil my mood. Was that a cloud shaped like a thumbs up sign?

THUD.

I stopped breathing momentarily as the tremendous force ran through me. Panicked, I looked at the sidewalk as I started to fall backward.

But someone caught me, pulling me upright gently.

As I caught my breath and slowly raised my eyes, they first landed on black leather shoes gleaming beneath dark, well-tailored pants. My eyes lingered on the long cashmere coat and the sleek black gloves that held me firmly. At least I’d run into someone classy!

But I nearly fell out of his solid, steadying arms when my eyes reached his face.

I’d know it anywhere.

Those were the deep brown eyes that once drew me in, the dimple that made his smile so classically handsome, and the mouth that spoke such ugly words.

“Hey, I know you!” he exclaimed, foisting that irresistible smile with unnaturally white teeth on me.

I winced. “Andrew. What are you doing here? Near me.”

His solid arms loosened immediately. “I’m just here to visit an old friend. Remember Meegan Thompson from school? Her parents come to the resort here every fall, and they invited me …” Something flickered in his eyes, and then he asked, “Wait, do you actually live here now?”

I stared at him, vaguely aware that I’d stepped back several feet. “Of course I remember my roommate in college,” I said coldly. He’d often flirted with her, even in front of me. Were they together now? “Why would her parents inviteyou? You know what, never mind. Doesn’t matter.”

“Well, sorry for bumping you.” He scratched his head and looked around as though searching for an escape. “Butwait,youbarreled intome!” He flashed a smile, which I used to find breathtaking. “And then you almost fell.”

My blood boiled as I snapped, “Oh, you’re such a dashing prince waiting to rescue a naïve princess, aren’t you?”

His brows furrowed as he looked me up and down, eyes eventually landing on my face, which was surely flaming. “Excuse me?”

I blinked a few times, realizing what I’d just said. Out loud.

What if someone heard me?

Scanning the area with wide eyes, I didn’t see anyone close enough to hear us. “Nothing. I was joking.”

He narrowed his eyes, and after a tense moment, his lips twisted into a smirk. “Really? Because it didn’t seem like you were joking.” One corner of his lips turned upward. “On the other hand, you wouldn’t say something smug and sarcastic like that, would you? That’s not you, Roxy.”

My name on his lips made my stomach turn. “Because I’m the quiet, boring girl you used to date?”

His eyebrows shot up, and he seemed momentarily short of words.

“Not as cocky as you used to be, Andrew?” I said, followed by clamping my mouth shut, reeling from both the horror and humor of the moment.

“You’ve changed,” he said, looking wistful for a brief moment before his eyes hardened with apathy. “But still not enough to interest me,” he said with a flip of his hand as he turned on his heel and walked away.

I stood gaping as I stared at the back of his fancy jacket. His unruly mop of hair, which I knew he wore as some kind of stupid statement. His toned form that was visible even through his thick, expensive winter gear, suggesting he was still obsessed with sports. And his shiny shoes that spoke of success. Money. Confidence.

He’d made it.

And look at me—I didn’t even know what I wanted to be when I grew up. When would I stop saying that and just figure itout?

Was he right about me?

I started walking rapidly in the opposite direction I’d been heading, barely seeing anything around me as tears pooled in my eyes. I nearly sprinted back to my apartment until I heard a tinny voice calling out my name.

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