What’s going on here?Is Professor Taylor doing this to embarrass me because that’s what Grant wants? But in that case, Grant wouldn’t have interrupted.
“No, no. I would hate it if they”—Grant glances toward the other students—“got the wrong impression.”
He climbs up on the stage, then comes to me. I watch him warily. I don’t know what he’s planning.
“You okay?” he asks, his voice low.
I shrug, feeling way too vulnerable. I don’t want to tell him I’m not, but for some reason, I don’t want to lie, either.
“This is going to be quick. Don’t worry—I’m amuchbetter dancer than that scarecrow with a bad mustache.”
I snort-giggle, then cover up my reaction by fake-coughing. I look at Grant. His eyes are a gorgeous aquamarine, and I feel like I could get lost in them.
Pull yourself together.
Everyone’s watching us now, and I have no choice but to tango again. I pray Grant doesn’t pull a dick move as he extends a hand. I place my hand there, feeling his other hand on my waist. Why is he siding with me against Professor Taylor when he has nothing to gain by it?
Grant’s palm is dry and warm, and touching his bare skin sends a frisson of warmth through my core.Nerves,I tell myself, even though it doesn’t feel like nerves.It’s the anxiety,I insist, even as my belly flutters and my mouth goes dry.
Grant gives Professor Taylor a meaningful look. “We’re ready.”
The professor clears his throat with a dark scowl at me, then starts the music.
Grant lets the music go on for a few beats, then exerts a gentle backward pressure on my hand and shifts his torso subtly before starting to move. I relax and match his steps. When the music changes, he turns his hips and torso just enough to let me know where he’s going to take me. I follow easily.
My heart is pounding with anxiety as I wait to see if he’s going to do anything showy. He seems like the type who’d love to exhibit his awesomeness. But he’s making sure I’m okay and doesn’t try to do any fancy turns or abrupt changes in direction. I’m grateful because it’s difficult to turn smoothly in sneakers. The soles grip the floor too hard, and a quick turn could make me stumble.
Once I realize he’s actually going to lead me to the best of his ability, I start to relax. He’s a fabulous partner. His body heat warms me all over as we move closer, our eyes on each other, like we’ve choreographed and practiced the basic tango moves since forever. Goosebumps break out, and the air tastes thick and sweet as I inhale through my parted lips.
The music ends, and we stop. I try to breathe evenly, calm my racing heart. Grant’s eyes are on mine, and I can’t look away.
“Well. That was indeed quite well done. Great job, Grant,” Professor Taylor says, clapping and jerking me out of the paralysis.
Ass,I think, looking at the professor, but say nothing. As long as he ignores me and doesn’t bug me, I’m not going to complain.
Grant shoots him a cool look. “Aspen did amazing. What a difference a better partner can make, eh?”
Professor Taylor flashes an awkward smile. “I’m sure you showed her the steps when you did the paper together.”
“Like I told you, all the great insights in the paper came from her,” Grant says, although his eyes are hard now. “I did nothing except lend my name.”
The professor looks lost. “Uh… I see. Well. Lending one’s name is important, too.”
The man is an idiot. But I want Grant to stop, since I don’t need the professor to realize I did all the work and lower our grade to spite me. Grant may not need scholarship money—if he’s even getting any—but I do.
Thankfully, before I can intervene, one of the guys raises his hand. “Professor Taylor, we gotta go. Class time’s up!”
Professor Taylor says, “Yes, yes, go on. Do the reading for next class!” and waves everyone away. The students start to stuff their belongings into their bags and leave. Sadie looks at us like she wants to say something, but Bronte pulls at her, and they go out together.
I tap Grant on the shoulder. “We should get going. I’m sure Professor Taylor has more important things to do now.”
Grant looks at the man like he isn’t finished, but finally he nods.
I let out a small sigh of relief, then make sure he leaves without saying another word to our red-faced instructor.
Chapter Six
Grant
