“You are the most amazing boyfriend, Phillip,” she says softly. “I’m so thankful for you.”
“It goes both ways, kitten.” I want to tell her that I’ve fallen for her, that I can’t imagine a life without her by my side anymore, but the lights go down, stealing the moment.
Tally tucks herself under my arm, snuggling into my side as the performance begins. I probably miss half of it because I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s wholly enraptured by what’s happening on the stage—the same way I’m enraptured by her. She provides colorful commentary for me along the way, explaining when certain combinations are complicated and pointing out dancers who attended Tilton’s program in hushed whispers.
I would do just about anything to help her realize her dreams, even if it meant leaving the Terror and finishing my career somewhere else. I wait for fear to set in, but all I have is peaceful acknowledgement that she’s my right person.
At the end, I stand and clap along with her, heart thundering as she smiles up at me. I want to start and end every day with her smile.
“That was incredible,” she says. “Thank you so much for planning such a special night. I didn’t realize how much I needed it.”
“I needed it too.” I kiss her cheek. “There’s one more surprise.” I link my arm with hers.
Instead of leaving the theater with the rest of the patrons, we wait until most of them have cleared out before I guide her to the wings.
“This isn’t the exit,” Tally whispers, but she’s soaking everything in.
We reach two hulking security guards. They move aside to reveal Hemi’s brother.
Sam’s usually serious face lights up. “Flip! It’s great to see you, man!”
“Sam?” Tally looks confused as he pulls me in for a hearty hug-backslap that might leave a handprint.
He lets me go and offers his hand to Tally. “It’s nice to see you again.”
When she slips her fingers into his massive, waiting palm, he bows his head, like she’s a queen. Thankfully he doesn’t kiss the back of her hand, because then I’d have to fight him, and I would definitely lose.
“It’s good to see you, too.” She smiles, still confused. “I didn’t know you were a fan of contemporary ballet.”
“I’m a fan of a lot of things.” He motions for us to follow him up the steps and through the door leading backstage. “Come with me.”
Tally leans into me. “Are we getting a tour?”
I wink. “Something like that.”
She grips my arm, explaining all the parts of the stage and pointing out the wings as we follow Sam.
“Costumes are in here.” He pauses to let Tally check it out.
“This is so cool. And so much bigger than the costume room at our campus theater,” Tally muses. “This is what Lavender does.” She runs her fingers across the intricate costume pieces. “She designs and sews costumes for an off-Broadway theater in New York.”
“And alters ill-fitting pants in an emergency,” Sam tosses over his shoulder.
“I thought Kodiak’s head was going to explode.” I chuckle.
“Seriously. Those Stiles boys have some good genetics,” Sam adds.
“So I’ve heard.” Tally ducks her head to hide her smile.
Voices filter down the hall, and Sam knocks on the slightly ajar door labeledDressing Room.
Tally’s breath leaves her on a whoosh as the door swings open.
“Sam! Hey! How’s it going?”
“How does he know these people? I thought he was supposed to be a finisher,” she whispers.
“He’s a mystery,” I reply.
