Page 152 of Fielder's Choice

I brush her hair out of her face. “I’m interested in what you’re interested in, Olive.”

She leans up and kisses me softly. “Thank you.”

She immediately gets down to business. Teacher Olive is no-nonsense and authoritative.

It’s really hot.

I embarrass myself repeatedly as I attempt these moves, but Liv is so happy. I can plié easily, but I’m not so great at a relevé. Apparently, I jump like a baseball player.

Whatever that means.

Now, she has me attempting leaps.

If the guys were here, they’d be laughing their asses off. I’m about as graceful as an elephant, and I’m pretty sure I weaken the floorboards every time I land.

I think I’m gonna owe Eileen a new floor.

I’m also terrible at spinning because my balance is shit, but at least I don’t fall over.

Small victories.

But now we’re working on something Icando—lifts.

I lift Olive in front of me, over my head, and catch her as she jumps, and it just feels natural. For this part, we make a great pair.

She moves across the room from me, leaping and bounding her way until she turns around and runs at me. I reach out to catch her, but I do something wrong because we both end up tumbling to the ground instead, me bracing myself over top of her.

“Shit!” I say nervously. “Are you okay, Liv?”

Olive starts laughing heartily. “I’m fine. But you are no ballet dancer, Hotshot.”

I lean down and pull her bottom lip between my teeth.

“Such a fucking brat.”

“I know you like it, baby.”

I involuntarily groan. “Not as much as I like being your baby.”

Olive smiles before she leans up and kisses me, placing her hand softly on my cheek. “I love being with you, Lane.”

I rest on my elbow and use my other hand to run my thumb over her bottom lip. “I love being with you, too, Liv. So fucking much.”

“You know,” she says, running her finger lightly up my chest. “I’ve never been this happy. I have an incredible boyfriend. I have a little girl I absolutely adore. I have an amazing group of friends. I’m finally enjoying my life.”

“That’s wonderful, baby,” I smile. “But where is that coming from?”

“Because I realized something,” she whispers before her forest eyes gaze up at me, captivating me completely. “I do love myself.”

My heart starts beating faster, and I wonder if she can hear it.

“Is that so?”

“Mhmm.”

I brush my nose against the tip of hers. “Did you realize anything else?” I prod, desperate to hear her say it.

“I realized what I already knew to be true.” Olive leans up just a bit more, brushing her lips lightly over mine. “I love you, Lane.”

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