Page 109 of Love is a Dance Step
“Why are you here with me instead of on stage with Drew?”
“I don’t belong out there. I think it’s time to go home.”
His brow furrowed as he stared down at her. All she could hear were his brother’s words.I’m in love with you.
How? How was Drew Stone in love with her? And why couldn’t she let herself believe it?
“I’m sorry,” Asher said. “About last night. I don’t think…” He closed his eyes. “It would be so much easier if we were in love with each other, wouldn’t it?”
She did a weird half-sniffle, half-laugh thing. “I thought I did love you. For so many years, but what I feel for…” She stopped herself.
“Him. You can say it, Lola. What you feel for Drew is different.”
That was the truth. She hadn’t realized at first the difference between a crush and what she felt for Drew.
And yet, when Drew admitted his feelings, she’d run away, in front of thousands of people.
Asher wrapped his arms around her, giving her the comfort she’d so often sought from him. “I was wrong, Lo. I knew I was wrong the moment the words left my lips, but tonight, I saw you. For the first time. That wasn’t my shy friend, Lola, up there. It wasn’t the girl who’d rather spend her time alone than in any sort of spotlight. It made me feel like I don’t know you anymore.”
She pulled away from him. “You do. You will always know me.”
“But not like Drew. When you two dance together… I can see it, Lo. This pull between you. That’s why the audience is so entranced with you, why the media has speculated there is more going on. The two of you… it’s like you need each other. I can’t explain it. Like…” He ran a hand through his hair. “Like every dance step that pulls you apart hurts you until you’re drawn back together.”
She’d felt it from the moment she’d first danced with him. Her body knew Drew before her mind caught up, it knew the danger she’d find herself in, the danger of losing herself.
Tears hung in her lashes. “I can’t, Ash. I can’t go back out there, not after I ran.”
I’m in love with you.
Those words shouldn’t have hurt.
Asher dipped his head to peer into her eyes. “You are Lola Ramirez, my favorite person in the world. You can do anything.”
“What if… he doesn’t know me, Ash? Not really. This tour is just a fantasy, and one day, he’ll wake up to discover he’s been duped into believing the maid really had turned into Cinderella.”
A growl sounded from Asher’s throat. “I really don’t like the way you’re speaking of my best friend right now. Anyone can be Cinderella, Lo. You listen to me. I love you. Okay? I love you, but it’s a selfish kind of love. That’s what last night was about. I am notinlove with you, but my love wants to hold you back, to keep you from ever leaving me.”
One corner of her mouth curved up. “I’m familiar with that kind of love.” Too familiar.
He pointed to the stage where Drew still sang because even after someone broke his heart, the show must go on. “I may not get along with my brother, I may not even know him, but if his love isn’t selfish, if it’s the kind that pushes you forward instead of holding you back, then what are you doing standing here with me?”
“I ran from him.”
“So? Run back to him.”
“You really think it’s that simple, don’t you?”
“No, but I know what having you in my life is like, and that’s how I know Drew will do anything to keep you in his.”
She stared at Drew. His dance steps were a little slower than normal, like he could hardly bring himself to go through the motions.
“What if I don’t know if I love him?” She chewed on her lip and rocked back on her heels.
“Ugh, you two are infuriating.” Piper strode toward them. “At least speak louder so I can catch every word.”
Asher lifted a brow, but Lola laughed despite the pit in her stomach.
“She’s wondering if she loves him.” Asher shrugged.
