“I'm just being honest. Someone has to be,” she lifted a shoulder.
“And you're not worried about Aaron?”
She laughed. “I was considering going behind my father's back, who is their coach. A brother is really not that big of a deal. He isn't your keeper; you're your own person.”
“True,” I smiled widely. “Thanks for that.”
“You can always talk to me, you know? I know I have a big personality and a big mouth, but I care about these guys. I want them happy, and I want you happy too. And in the past months, both you and Dex seemed happier. Don't let this go to waste.”
I nodded, unsure how to feel, but giddy and excited to see Derek soon.
By the time midnight rolled around, I was expecting myself to yawn and want to die, but I was buzzing with energy. I had a late-night practice going through one of the new flows I came up with on the mat. I wanted to push Derek more, and sometimes I found things were easier on the Reformer because he had support. I think he was ready to work some of his muscles without it. And then I got derailed by catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
I wanted to dance.
No matter how much I said I moved on, it was a part of me. I wanted to feel the rush of adrenaline mixed with the familiar pain.
And before I knew what I was doing, I slipped off my socks and stood barefoot in the little studio, picking a song matching my mood.
I could lose myself like this for hours. Most of the time when I skipped class, it was because I genuinely lost track of time while dancing.
I picked Lewis Capaldi's “Bruises” and the slow, emotional acoustic version, instead of the original.
My eyes closed for a split second, letting the cords and the music fill my body, before it started moving. It was as easy as breathing. The music and the lyrics moved my body, forcing me to do shorter moves and more extensions. It was all about control, exactly what I've been missing earlier in the day.
It felt like I never stopped dancing, my body ached in the right places from the effort, but there was no real pain, just the rush of happiness as I jumped and turned through the painful lyrics.
I knew way too well how it felt, holding onto something like the singer was saying.
My movements became sharper and more dynamic as the song progressed. I enjoyedtesting my own limits while keeping my hips leveled and not forcing them above ninety degrees. I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.
The music slowed, and my movements shifted back to fluid as I used the floor more than the air, mimicking a lost fight and resignation.
“Wow.”
My head snapped up, noticing Derek in the doorway, his lips parted and eyes glued to me.
“You're incredible.”
I didn't feel the usual embarrassment painting my cheeks as I usually did when he complimented me; I just nodded and glanced at the clock.
“You're early.”
“I'm glad I was early.” I could hear it in his voice that he was grinning, and his step shook the floor as he came next to me, lying on the floor.
“What are you doing?” I laughed, turning to face him.
Those beautiful blue eyes were already on me, and like always, his undivided attention had me smiling until my cheeks ached. And then I didn't even mention those damned butterflies.
“Coming to meet you at midnight,” he grinned easily, dressed in his Titans sweat set. “Like you requested.”
“I missed you,” I muttered quietly.
Derek extended his arm, and without thinking, I rolled closer to him, laying my head on his arm and snuggling to his side. His lips came down and grazed my forehead, and I heard him exhale.
“Rough day?” I asked from his chest before I wrapped my arm around him.
“Yeah, I'm not going to start again this weekend for the away game.”
