Page 74 of Kissing the Debutant
Lillian’s entire body froze. Jack had never been more proud of anyone. This was what she’d wanted. A chance at a college experience, one that allowed her to dance.
And yet, Lillian frowned. “Sir, I have a few options I’m going to consider, but I come from a wealthy family, and as much as my mom would rather I go a different route, I have no doubt she will help me. A scholarship would be an honor, but not one that should go to me.” Her eyes shifted to Jack.
What was she doing? This was her chance.
“I’d like you to meet Jack Butler. He not only performed just as well as me today, but he choreographed that dance from start to finish.”
Mr. Fleischman’s eyes widened, and his lips parted into a smile. “A student choreographed this dance? I must say, your work was brilliant. Jack, did she say?” He reached to shake Jack’s hand.
“Yeah, uh, yes, sir.” Everything was happening so fast.
“Well, Jack, Oberlin is one of the premier schools for choreographers, the top in the region. Do you think you’d be interested in driving out to take a look?” He held out a card. “Give me a call. Really, I hope you do. I’m very impressed with both of you.” He turned to walk away, but stopped and glanced back over his shoulder. “And don’t let this girl get away.”
“I don’t plan on it, sir.”
When they were alone again, Jack wrapped his arms around Lillian. “I love you.” They were the only words adequate for how he felt in that moment. The girl in his arms was incredible in every way.
She looked up at him. “I love you, Jack Butler.”
As he led her outside to meet Mia for the drive home, he glanced down at the card in his hands. Opportunities hadn’t come often for Jack. He’d never considered that he could go to college, that he could pursue the one thing he’d ever wanted to do in life.
But that was the thing about love. It created all kinds of possibilities.
Jack stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. In the distance, he caught sight of Mia leaning up against his car.
Slipping the admission guy’s card into his pocket, he framed Lillian’s face and leaned down, pressing a kiss to her lips.
“What was that for?” she whispered.
“Everything.” When he kissed her, he wasn’t only kissing Lillian Preston.
He kissed the determined ballerina he’d first met.
The stubborn girl he hadn’t been able to forget.
He kissed the debutant.
He kissed his partner.
And he kissed the brave girl who went after what she wanted.
All the different parts of her fit together to create the girl who’d changed his life.
“So, Lillian Preston.” He hooked her arm through his. “You’ve conquered the competition world. What are you going to do next?”
A grin stretched across her face. “I have no idea.” She leaned into him. “And nothing has ever felt so good.”
Epilogue: Lillian
Three Years Later
“Lillian, can you stay behind for a moment?” Professor Jenkins gave her a stern look as her classmates filed out of the lecture hall.
“Of course.” Lillian hefted her messenger bag over her shoulder, approaching his desk with dread. “Is there something wrong, Professor?” She hoped she hadn’t screwed up her last paper on the history of American Ballet. History of dance was her favorite class, and she really wanted to impress Professor Jenkins.
“No, nothing is wrong with your grade.” He gave her a rare smile. “You’ve taken several of my classes since you’ve been at Oberlin. Though I didn’t realize you were such a skilled ballerina until I saw your recital last weekend. You are quite talented.” He frowned.
“Is that a… bad thing?” She gave a nervous laugh. Professor Jenkins intimidated her. He was a renowned former dancer and only taught the most advanced students in his graduate level dance workshops—and he was a brilliant history of dance teacher.
