Page 106 of I Don't Need Your Love
I groan. “Carly, do you really want to know?”
“Yes. I can handle it.”
I groan again. “Um…let’s see…so I kissed my first girl at ten years old…I don’t know. Many, I guess. But they were empty and meaningless. None made me feel the way you make me feel. When I kissed them, it was whatever, something fun to do to pass the time. But when we kiss, it’s like I’m soaring to the sky. I’m filled with so many hopes and dreams and possibilities.” I frown. “Now you’re making me sound lame.”
Laughing, she bends forward to kiss me. “It wasn’t lame at all.”
“Kinda was.”
She gives me a look. I smile, pulling her close and giving her a deep kiss. “Thanks for being so awesome.”
Her cheeks are a little red. “Thanks for being so sweet and kind.”
“And hot. Don’t forget hot.”
She playfully rolls her eyes. “Okay. And hot.”
I stand. “And now it’s time for this handsome prince and beautiful princess to put together a grand finale that will knock everyone off their feet.”
She stands, too, and we return to the center of the gym and discuss the best way to end our duet.
“If I hold you up for a long time and maybe spin around and take a few steps, then you’ll feel like you’re floating,” I say.
She bites her lip. “It sounds a bit complicated. Do you think you can hold me for that long?”
“Definitely. I’ll work hard until I do.”
“Are you sure?”
I place my hands on her cheeks. “My girlfriend wants to float in the air, so she sure as heck is floating in the air.”
We start practicing the complicated parts first. It’s a little frustrating because I’m having a hard time holding her up as well as doing some tricks and spins. But I won’t give up. I want to give this girl everything. I want to do everything in my power to make her happy. I want to make her dreams come true.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Carly
Today is the dance competition!
The team has been working our butts off the last few days, and my awesome boyfriend and I have spent like every moment of our free time in the gym. I’m happy to report that we have nailed the routine and we can’t wait to blow everyone’s socks off at our performance.
Addie and I get ready in our room, Raven and Sophie helping with our makeup and hair. They tie our hair in a bun with blue and white scrunchies and matching ribbons, the same colors as our dance uniform. The glitter near our eyes matches that as well.
When I’m ready, I spin in front of the mirror and squeal. Addie does the same, matching her movements with mine. “Well,” I say as she and I do another synchronized spin. “If we don’t place today, at least we’ll look good.”
We pose before the mirror, then laugh.
“You guys really do look amazing,” Sophie says.
“So pro,” Raven adds.
“Thanks,” I say. “My heart is pounding a million times a second.”
“Mine, too.” Addie presses her hand over her heart. “I swear it’ll rocket right out of me.”
“I’ll let Ryder know that we’re ready,” I say as I sweep up my phone and shoot him a text. “He wants to meet us outside. And I’ll text Naya, too.”
After they both respond that they’re on their way, Addie and I exchange hugs with Sophie and Raven. They wish us lots of luck and promise to see us soon at the competition.
