Page 65 of Surprisingly Us

Sebastian stands behind me to get into position for the lift. It’s a lift that Alexei has been working on with us over the last few weeks and we’ve decided to incorporate into the showcase for the Leg-Up fundraiser. He wraps me around his back before swooping me between his arms. At the final position my face is only inches from the floor. It’s a trust fall at its finest. If Sebastian misses the cue, I’ll be needing rhinoplasty.

We nail the lift then move into the last sequence before holding our final position.

Two breaths later, we stand and look at each other.

“Holy shit.” Sebastian wraps me in his arms, and I laugh into his chest. “We nailed it.”

“That was so good, right?”

“Fucking phenomenal. If I wasn’t so sweaty, I’d give you a hug.” He reaches for the towel hanging on the barre. “You want to celebrate with a drink at The Smith?” he asks.

“I would but I have plans with Rhys.”

“Ah, that’s right. The boyfriend.” He says it like he’s putting quotation marks around boyfriend. “Fine. Ditch me. See if I care.”

“You’ll have a million other people to talk to.”

“I know.” He sighs. “I’m very popular.”

“Modest, too,” I tease.

As I part ways with Sebastian at the women’s locker room entrance, my mind wanders to Rhys.

It’s been two days since we hung out. Since I told him I was a virgin in not so many words.

Has a real dick ever been inside your pussy, Princess?

The way he’d licked his bottom lip after he asked me that has been playing over and over in my mind.

I’d been self-conscious to tell him, but relieved at the same time. I wasn’t sure what to make of his reaction. He’d gotten really quiet, bagged up my groceries and later, after we finished exchanging our finished note cards at his place, he had Wanda take me home.

I know it doesn’t matter if I’m a virgin. I’ve explored my own body to know what I like, but just like a pas de deux, I’m sure sex with a partner makes things more fun, morerewarding. And hopefully someday, I’ll find a guy that I want to take that step with.

The warm water in the shower feels so good, I linger for a few extra minutes. The additional practices to prepare for the showcase have left my body sore and exhausted, even more than usual. After I change and gather my things, I collapse on a bench outside the practice studio while I’m waiting for Rhys.

I’m surprised when Sebastian sneaks up behind me and lightly squeezes my shoulder. “Last chance for drinks.”

“Ow.” My muscles are tender and I wince with the contact.

His brows knit with concern. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I changed up my cross-training routine and my shoulders have been super sore. I need to book a massage with Dani, I’ve been too busy to fit it into my schedule.” I know self-care is important, but between my rehearsals for the Leg-Upshowcase fundraiser and all the time I’ve been practicing dating with Rhys, it hasn’t been my priority.

“Want me to give you a quick massage?” he asks.

A few summers back, Sebastian spent his off season in Costa Rica and took a massage therapy course. He’s never formally practiced but he’s a lifesaver when we’re in a pinch.

I’d been planning to pull out my massage gun when I get home, but if Sebastian is offering, I’m not going to pass up a chance to get some relief.

“That would be great.”

Under Sebastian’s hands, my muscles melt. As he works the knots in my deltoids, it’s a cross between pain and pleasure.

“It would be better if I had some oils.”

With smooth strokes, he concentrates his efforts against the muscle along my shoulder blade.

“I don’t know, this feels really good.” I sigh, trying to relax as his hands work their magic. “But also, like I want to punch you in the face.”

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