“You might need to have a word with my other girlfriends.”
I gasp dramatically and shove him in the chest, laughing as I take the flowers “You're insufferable.”
The roses are pale pink, and I can't help but be a little speechless. Nobody has ever bought flowers for me, let alone such beautiful ones.
“You're amazing, you know that?” he says suddenly.
I pull the flowers to my chest. “Huh?”
“Your dancing,” he continues. “You're incredible. I can't believe I haven't been coming down here sooner to watch you. The way you flow with the music, lose yourself in thechoreography- it's like watching a swan float across the lake, graceful and effortless.”
I know he means it.
“Well, you're here now,” I reply lightly, “Maybe next time, if you're lucky enough, I’ll dance for you, but I’ll leave the clothes behind.”
It's a joke. Mostly. Probably not.
I move toward the bag, leaving him standing and staring, looking lost for words. Setting the pink roses down as gently as possible to not crease their petals, next to my bag, I take a moment to breathe and gather my thoughts.
They are my favourites.
I’m not surprised that he remembers. One thing Elijah has consistently shown me is that he listens to every little detail I tell him.
Turning around to watch him, I tear open the packet of Twizzlers and bite into one.
“So good.”
He makes a disbelieving sound. “Like I said, terrible taste.”
“You can't be too opposed; you buy them for me all the damn time,” I shoot back.
“Yeah, because I like watching you eat something you enjoy.”
My insides flutter.
Damn him for saying things that rearrange my insides.
His gaze darkens slightly as I chew, sliding over me with that familiar hunger I've started recognising far too well.
“That’s not a bad idea.”
I pause. “What isn't?”
“You, dancing for me.”
“I literally just did.”
I head back toward the barre to stretch again, lifting my leg and leaning in to stretch, muscles pulling pleasantly undermy skin. The mirrors reflect every movement of me and him watching.
Always watching.
“But you weren't naked,” he adds, voice rougher now, amusement and heat tangled together.
I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m not getting naked in here.”
“Princess.” he bites his knuckles. “If you keep stretching like that in front of me, you might actually kill me.”
I smirk.
