Page 42 of Shattered Rhythm

“I don’t think that’s the best idea for your clumsy ass,” I say.

“Hey!” she shouts, laughing. “I’m not clumsy.”

My eyebrows rise, but I don’t comment.

She sighs. “I love it here. Thanks for showing me this place. I think this is going to be my designated spot from now on too,” she says, and I smile.

We spend the rest of the day lounging on the beach. As the sun starts to set, we pack up our stuff and head back to the car.

It was one of the best days I’ve ever had.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

Liv

I enjoyed yesterday afternoon a little too much, and as a result, I couldn’t sleep. However, it wasn’t because of nightmares this time. I couldn’t stop thinking about Jaxon and the way his hands massaged the sunscreen into my thighs, or how his chest felt against my fingertips. I indulged in some thorough self-care to the memory of that. He showed me a new side of him, while we talked about our favorite things. I like the broody, serious Jaxon, but the carefree, joking, and open side of him made my heart burn.

During classes today, I couldn’t focus, as thoughts of Jaxon, River, Ryder, and Chase were all on an endless loop in my head. I couldn’t wait for classes to be over so I could see them again. When I arrive at Tanner Fitness, Jaxon and the twins are walking out of the boxing room, laughing and joking. My heart flutters as I approach them, and they greet me with warm smiles.

“Hey, Liv,” Jaxon says, his eyes sparkling. “How’s your day going?”

“It’s okay,” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. “How about yours?”

“Rather be at the beach,” he says with a smirk.

“Same,” I reply, smiling.

“Why weren’t we invited?” Ryder asks as he mock frowns at me.

“Because you weren’t there. Next time, make sure to be around when I make beach plans,” I joke.

“Sounds like we need to hang around you more,” he says, smirking.

“Sure, but not now, because now I need to get back on the dance floor.”

“How’s your head, beautiful?” River asks, scanning me from head to toe. “Your eyes look normal again.”

“It’s much better, thank you,” I reply, smiling at him.

“Take it easy anyway, okay?” Jaxon says, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Will do,” I reply, looking up into his eyes and catching a hint of amusement.

I let them get back to work and go to the locker room to change into my dance clothes. I put on my high-waisted black booty shorts, a thin grey sweater with holes for the thumbs, and black leg warmers that come over my knees, then grab my water bottle and make my way to the studio.

* * *

I step inside the studio and see that Chase is still teaching a class, so I sit myself on a stool in front of the stage and enjoy the show. They’re performing a dance to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” and it looks like so much fun. They’re all killing it, but Chase stands out as extremely talented. I can’t help but wonder why he’s not off somewhere competing with a dance crew or something.

When the class comes to an end, they all start laughing and smiling, talking animatedly to Chase. He’s beaming and has that magnetic charisma that just sucks you in and all you want is to be his friend.Or more.

As most of the students have already left, I make my way up to the stage and place my water bottle next to the stereo before beginning to stretch. I lift my arms up over my head, then put my hands on my back and lean backwards, letting my head fall back. Standing opposite the wall, I lift my leg to stretch my hamstrings, almost doing a split on the wall. I feel a presence behind me and turn my head to see Chase’s eyes fixed on my butt. When he realizes he’s been caught, he crosses his arms over his chest and grins.

“I never thought I would be jealous of a wall,” he says, and I can’t help but laugh before lowering my leg and turning to him.

“You have enough willing students if you feel the need to stretch someone out, you horn dog,” I retort, and he throws his head back, laughing. I think about what I just said and feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.Fuck, that came out much more sexual than I intended it to.

He steps closer to me, pinning me against the wall with his body. Despite being sweaty from the dance class, he doesn’t smell bad. In fact, I find myself liking his musk. Some curls have come loose from his bun and are sticking out in all directions. I gaze up into his intense blue eyes.

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