Page 58 of Rome: The Ballerina

Silky hair, tapered with precision.

Never ending limbs.

Long enough to climb–

Like a log.

Like a tree.

He’s perfect.

His confidence was intoxicating. I wasn’t sure if my heart or head were hearting most. Partially insulted by his oblivion, I accepted this meeting for exactly what it was. An introduction.

“Nice to meet you Rome…Childers.”

Yearning for nearness, I leaned closer, pulling him in with one hand. My chest was just above his rib cage. His hand was just above my backside.

Save me.I breathed against his shirt, savoring the feel of his body against mine.

Releasing him was the most difficult task of my night, but I managed. Exhaling, I landed on my feet again. I hadn’t realized they’d lifted off the ground almost completely. I reopened my eyes, unsure of the exact moment they’d closed.

“He says no pictures, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind one with you,” Aliza informed me, leaving me baffled.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“For your dad or brother– I’m sure they’d love to frame it. Well, if they love the sport.”

Furrowed brows expressed my confusion.

“Basketball, silly!”

It became quite apparent that he was part of the sport. I stepped back, praying for the distance we needed between one another. His eyes hadn’t left me and mine couldn’t leave him. I’d tried forcing them, but he was too captivating. Too alluring. Too enchanting. Too real.

“Whoops,” his sister chuckled.

My foot was on hers. Remorsefully, I turned, hoping I hadn’t injured her.

“I apologize.”

She waved me off. “Oh girl, it’s fine.”

Scrambling, I extended a hand to Nadia. As if we were long lost friends, she pushed my hand aside and wrapped her arms around me.

“You’re such a great time on stage. You belong there,” she said, rocking my body from side to side before letting me go.

Overwhelmed with social activity, my energy plummeted. I wanted nothing more than to run the opposite way.

“My sister is waiting.” I sighed. “I should be going now.”

“Yes. Of course. I’ll see you later. Maybe we can go for drinks after? You. Me. Saint. Nadia?”

“Maybe,” I responded, backing away slowly.

When Saint finally disappeared from my line of vision, I rounded my shoulders and sped down the other side of the stage. Down the hallway, I ran toward my dressing room. I wasn’t surprised to find Royce leaning against the door with her cellular device in her hand.

She was always working on something for someone, mostly Teddy. I wasn’t exactly clear on what her job consisted of and neither did I understand it much. However, I knew that she was the first person Teddy called when he needed things done. Mountains moved. Rugger was next.

“Superstarrrrrr–” she sang as she recognized me. “So listen, we’re going to need you to add a name to your list. Israel. Israel Kingston.”

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