Page 112 of Someone to Tempt
But the emptiness without him feels like it could swallow me whole if I let it.
I take a deep breath and rein in my emotions. I’m done blaming myself for either of our mistakes and missteps. Like me, Jake has to figure out what he wants from life, and I hope his path makes him happy in the long run.
Do I secretly hope he realizes he can’t live without me? Um,hell yes.
Do I believe that’s going to happen?No. Which is another reason why the job in Seattle might be the right next step for me.
Even if Jake returns to Austin permanently, he’ll come back here to visit his grandfather. I’m not sure I can take the chance of running into him—not quite as literally as our encounter a month earlier—and have my heart break all over again.
The music starts, the speakers crackling, and nerves threaten before muscle memory takes over. The crowd claps and cheers, and the music vibrating under my feet carries me through the first two routines.
While the other students take their positions for the third number, Derek and I exit the stage. We’ll go on for our solo next, and my nerves return in full force.
I’m covered in sweat, my breathing ragged, but Char grins and hugs me tight. “You were perfect.”
There’s only one thing that could make this moment perfect, but I return her hug and force a smile.
As we wait in the wings, ready to make our entrance after the applause dies down from the group dance, Derek flashes a confident smile. “Don’t worry, Iris. I’ve got you.”
“Actually, I’ve got her for this one,” a familiar voice interrupts.
My heart stutters, and awareness tingles along my skin. Before I can fully register what’s happening, Jake’s warm hand presses against the small of my back, making my knees go weak. I can’t imagine his touch ever doing anything else.
“What are you doing here?” My voice shakes as I stare at the man responsible for the thousand butterflies that have taken flight across my middle.
He looks handsome and a little tousled, like he ran the whole way back from Austin.
He offers a crooked smile. “I think it’s called pulling my head out of my ass.” His gray-green eyes soften as he studies me. “Turns out, I was right where I belong all along.”
I’m saved from answering—not that I’m in any shape to put together a coherent response to that—because Char is introducing us. She must have known about the switch as she doesn’t seem surprised to see Jake leading me out onto the stage.
The crowd goes wild.
“Byrne, baby, Byrne!” Sloane’s voice rings out over the applause and cheering.
So many questions tumble through my mind, but the music starts.
“Dance with me,” he whispers, then spins me, my dress twirling out, and suddenly there’s no audience. There’s no confusion or missteps. There’s only this moment with the man I love and the dance that brought us together in the first place.
We fall into step like we never missed a beat. He draws me close as the music fades, but instead of the bow we’re supposed to take as the audience roars, Jake cups my cheeks and kisses me.
It’s like every dream I didn’t know I had is coming true at once.
But there’s no time to process what Jake’s return, our kiss, and the fact that he can’t seem to take his eyes off me mean for my galloping heart and our future. As the audience continues to cheer, the rest of the class joins us on stage. The Fun Fest crowd gives us a standing ovation, and Sadie’s friend Sally, the event’s emcee, talks up the dance studio before the next act, a local magician, takes the stage.
We shuffle off, and there are more hugs and congratulations as family and friends join us backstage, separating Jake from my side before I’m ready to let him go. Again.
“I’m sorry I missed the solo,” Derek says as he lifts me into a celebratory hug, “but you two clearly belong together.”
His words puncture the bubble of happiness enveloping me, but I smile and accept his praise.
“Iris.”
I turn to face Jake, who’s made his way through the crowd to stand in front of me.
“Well done, Byrne.” Avah pats his shoulder.
He nods, but his eyes remain fixed on mine. “Iris, I?—”
