“Really? That’s pretty cool of him.”
“Yeah, he’s amazing,” Layla sighed, looking all dreamy.
“It’s not like he’s just trying to score bonus points with you or anything,” Bri teased.
“Shut up,” Layla pushed her. “He doesn’t need bonus points!”
The team arrived at the school the competition was being held at, unloaded their stuff in the classroom that was assigned as their dressing room, and got ready for the long, busy day ahead of them. Bri was in all six of the team’s routines, and she was excited to get out on the floor.
The Dance division was up first, and Bri and the team walked out onto the floor to a chorus of whooping and whistling from the fans sitting smack dab in the middle of the front row. As Bri took her beginning position, she scanned the boisterous group in front of her. She spotted Devin hollering along with some other guys from school she recognized. Then, on the other side of Devon she saw the biggest surprise of all.
Cole smiled and winked at her as Bri’s eyes met his. Her heart picked up a beat, amazed that he was here. She beamed back at him before returning her focus to the coming routine. The music started and instinct took over. Bri danced like she’d never danced before, caught up in her own frenetic energy. It was her turn to impress Cole, and she was going to astound him. The routine ended, and the entire gym erupted in applause. But Bri’s attention was immediately drawn to the dark haired hottie jumping and screaming for her. Bri threw Cole a wink of her own as the team left the floor.
As they made their way down the hall, Devon came rushing out of the gym.
“Layla!” he called.
As Layla asked Belinda for approval to go accost her boyfriend, Bri saw Cole leave the gym, too. He motioned with his head that she should follow him as he turned a corner and headed down an adjacent hall.
“Alright,” Belinda relented, “you have five minutes.”
“Belinda,” Bri saw a chance for escape. “Can I, um, run to the bathroom? I won’t be long, and I promise to drag Layla back with me.”
“Okay, but hurry! We don’t have much time before our next routine.”
Bri nodded, and Belinda led the rest of the team back to their dressing room. Layla ran to Devon, jumped up, and wrapped herself around him with a smoldering kiss. Avoiding their PDA, Bri moved passed them, and turned down the hall where Cole had disappeared.
Cole saw her approaching, and rushed to meet her. She threw her arms around him.
“How are you here?” she breathed in his ear. She pulled back to look at him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? When...”
He cut her off with his lips. She melted into him, all questions forgotten.
“Mmm, that’s better,” Cole smiled a few minutes later. “Now, what were you saying?”
“I can’t remember,” Bri laughed. “But really, why didn’t you tell me you were coming today?” She refused to let go of him, keeping her arms locked around his neck.
“I wanted to surprise you,” he shrugged. “I’d heard Devon was getting a group together to come up, and I decided to tag along.”
“Why?” Bri was still shocked.
“What, I can’t come support my girl? Plus, I’ve never really gotten a chance to watch you dance. I wanted to come.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss.
“Oh,” she smiled, flattered. “So, what did you think?”
“All I can say is wow! You are freaking amazing, Bri! I couldn’t take my eyes off you, and not just because you’re wearing my favorite sexy dance pants! You were incredible!”
She leaned up and kissed him. It felt good having Cole there, and she wanted to savor it before she had to get back. If only they didn’t have to hide.
“Too bad we have to be careful,” she leaned her forehead against his.
“Believe me, I was dying to chase you down the hall, shouting your name. I promise, one day soon I will.”
Bri nodded and gave him one more kiss.
“I’d better get back,” she squeezed him goodbye. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Can I take you out tonight? To celebrate?” he asked in her ear.
“I would love that.” She stepped out of his arms reluctantly. “I’ll try to find another chance to sneak away, okay?” Cole nodded, and Bri started down the hall.
“I’ll be out there cheering for you,” he called after her.
Bri turned. “And I’ll be out there dancing for you.”
She turned the corner and extracted a very unwilling Layla from Devon’s arms, and rejoined the team in the dressing room.