Page 54 of Dare to Dance
Easing back, Kross placed his large palms on my face. Panic shone in his dark-blue eyes as he rubbed his thumbs over my cheeks.
“I’m good, Kross.” I was more than good as tingles spread through my entire body.
“You’re not fighting in this dump again.” His voice was soft but firm.
He wasn’t getting an argument out of me. I had fulfilled my obligation to Tommy, and I could keep my waitressing job.
Tommy’s voice broke through the fluffy cloud I was on. “She’s awake.”
Vickie moaned.
Kross turned his attention to Vickie. “Hey, slugger.”
Her eyelashes fluttered at Kross. “Maxwell? Am I dreaming? I can’t believe you’re here.”
“In the flesh,” he drawled in that whiskey smooth voice of his.
Her smile grew wider. The girl had a major crush on Kross.
“All right. The fight is over,” Tommy announced. “The winner is Ruby.”
The men huddled into small groups as they exchanged fistfuls of bills.
With all the fear that was spiking my adrenaline, I didn’t exactly feel elated.
“You won,” Vickie said as she sat up. “By the way, what kind of move was that? You looked like you were about to do some kind of ballet dance.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked her.
“I’m alive,” she said.
The word alive was the catalyst to replace my fear with joy.Oh my God.I glanced at Kross. “I won two thousand dollars.” I threw my arms around him. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything. You’re the one with that fancy ballet move.” He let out a hearty laugh. I loved that sound from him.
“I can’t believe it,” Norma said. “We have money.”
The amount wasn’t enough to live off of since rent in Boston was so high. Still, it was money to deposit into an account.
Tommy sauntered up to me. “My office in ten minutes.” His tone was even. “Norma, get your butt back to work.”
“I should go,” Norma said. “My break was over fifteen minutes ago. I’ll meet you upstairs.”
The roomed emptied out with the exception of Kross, Dillon, and Vickie.
“We should get you to a doctor,” Dillon said to Vickie.
“Vickie, I’m sorry,” I said.
“No worries. That’s what happens in fights.” Then she shifted her crush-filled eyes to Kross. “I’m such a fan.”
Kross flashed her a dimpled grin. “Would you like to come to my next match? It’s invitation only, but I have a few tickets left.”
Her whole face lit up as though she’d just walked into her favorite candy store. A small jealous pang hit me from Kross inviting her to his match. I wanted one of those tickets. I would love to see Kross in action. I almost asked him for one then decided not to. If he wanted me there, then he would invite me.
“I’ve got to go.” My money was waiting for me, and I had to find some Advil then see if Pete needed a hand.
“About Thanksgiving,” Kross said. “I’ll take you up to the Berkshires like you wanted me to.”
