Page 219 of By His Play

Nerves rush through me, and without instruction, my head twists around to look behind me.

You’re not doing anything wrong.

You’re not dating him.

Attending this class together wasn’t even planned.

“Hey,” Brax says, coming over to rescue me from the doorway.

“Hey,” I whisper nervously.

“He’s really got under your skin, huh?” he asks.

My cheeks blaze bright red, knowing just how true his words are.

I duck my head in a pathetic attempt to hide it, but Brax is too observant.

He chuckles.

“Can we not?” I beg as I lower my bag beside his and unzip my hoodie, ready to start.

“You two are a fucking nightmare,” he mutters.

“Hey,” I complain.

“It’s true. You’re like two teenagers who are too scared to ask each other to prom.”

I glare at him. “This situation is a little more serious than that.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I demand before he falls silent.

“We’re so different. He’s…” I wave my hand around as if it explains my thought process. “And I’m…”

“None of that matters,” Brax says softly. “What matters is how you feel.”

I sigh.

“You love him.”

“Well, yeah. He’s my best friend.”

“Let me rephrase,” he says with a teasing eye roll. “You’rein lovewith him.”

“Okay, everyone. Shall we get started?” I barely hear our teacher as she begins the class. And it’s not until Brax grabs my hand that I become aware I should be doing something.

He pulls me into position, and we begin with our Foxtrot.

It’s fast and energetic, and thankfully, it helps to drag me from my own head.

Am I in love with Kieran?

Brax smiles down at me as if he hasn’t just thrown my world into chaos as he leads our dance.

Releasing a heavy breath, I finally allow myself to let go of everything happening outside this room and just enjoy the moment.

By the time I walked out of the studio, leaving Brax behind on the phone again, I felt lighter.

---