Her resolve crumbled. “Okay. Go sit over there.” He did as he was told, and Maizie picked up her phone. She pressed play then took her spot on the floor, ignoring his eyes. If she looked at him too long, she was bound to mess up and look like a complete fool.
Her count hit, and she threw her arms in the air. Her body translated the music, feeling every emotion in its rhythm and turning it into motion. She flew and spun, letting everything out in front of him. She hit her temporary ending pose and bowed.
The barn fell silent. She brought her head up slowly—hesitant to see his reaction. But he was frozen on the bale of hay, just staring at her. Heat crawled up her neck, and she ducked her head then hurried to switch off the music before the song could repeat. The pain in her stomach had turned into full-on cramps, and they were getting worse by the second. She could use them to get out of this awkward situation.
“Maiz,” Christian’s hand came around her arm and she jumped. She looked up, waiting for him to tell her how horrible it was.
“That was incredible. You are incredible,” he said, his voice low and full of sincerity.
She tossed her hair. “Not the ending. I can’t come up with the perfect move to end it with.”
“I’ve got it,” he said. “Come here.” His hand slid down her arm until his fingers found hers, and he led her to the middle of the barn.
“Youhave an idea? This I’ve got to see.”
“Hey, I have lots of good ideas.” He turned until he stood right in front of her. He was so close she couldn’t think of a good comeback.
“You know the rooftop dance in Step Up?” Christian asked. As he inhaled, his chest expanded, getting closer to her.
“Which movie?” She tried to clear her sudden brain fog. There was a rooftop dance in nearly every one.
His eyebrows scrunched together. “There’s more than one?”
Maizie chuckled, finally coming back to her senses. “There are five.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, I’ll have to catch up on the others with you later.” He shrugged, and now Maizie’s eyes widened. He would willingly watch more? For her?
“Anyway.” He shook his head, still lost in thought. “Hold on to my neck.”
She cocked an eyebrow at him, a hint of a smile dancing on her lips. “Don’t tell me what to do.”
He looked up with a grin. “I’m sorry, princess. Will you hold on to my neck?”
“Eh, not sure I want to,” she teased, taking a taunting step back.
His lips twitched, and his eyes twinkled. “You’re impossible.” He scooped her up in his arms and spun in circles.
“Stop.” Maizie clenched his shirt and laughed.
He spun her a few more times before he set her on the floor with a smile, his large hands resting on her hips.
“Stop being impossible.” He winked. His head bent down to hers.
“Actually, I think you gave me an idea.” She pulled back. “Hold me against your side.”
“Yes, princess.” He sighed somewhat dramatically.
Maizie leaned against his side and threw her opposite leg into the air. Then she spun into him, her chest flush against his. She could feel his heartbeat against hers. He leaned down again, but she fell to the floor between his legs in the splits. His eyes widened, and she motioned for him to lean over. When he did, she placed her arms around his neck.
“Stand up,” she whispered. He stood, pulling her up against him. Maizie’s heart throbbed against him. His hands slid down her sides, pulling her even closer against his chest.
“Too bad I can’t audition with a partner,” she breathed.
“Yeah, too bad.” His breath danced on her lips. But an undeniable pain resurfaced in her stomach, and she grimaced.
“Are you okay?” He pulled back slightly.
Maizie let out a heavy breath. “Yeah, just cramps still.”
