My Ex - Crush

Episode 59

Deepika's POV:

I glanced around the L1 lecture hall, anxiously scanning for Xavier. The other students were already inside, and their laughter and easy conversations only amplified my own nerves. A girl called out to me from inside.

"Excuse me? The class is about to start. Come in!"

"Um, actually, I was waiting for someone..." I hesitated, hoping to catch sight of Xavier in the crowded hallway.

She didn't let me finish. "You can wait inside!" she insisted, grabbing my arm and pulling me in.

I stumbled in, feeling completely out of place. Desks were pushed to the back, creating a wide-open space in the center of the room, where students were seated comfortably in pairs, chatting and laughing. Meanwhile, I was perched alone on a stool, feeling like a lost puppy.

Xavier, where are you?

I was about to make a quiet escape when a hand closed around my arm, firm yet gentle, and tugged me back. I turned, and my breath caught as I found myself staring into Arjun's familiar eyes.

"What are you doing here!?" I hissed, barely able to contain the mix of annoyance and nervousness bubbling up inside me.

He settled onto the stool beside me, his expression entirely unbothered. "Shhh," he whispered, nodding toward the tutors, who had just begun an introduction about tango basics.

I glared at him, frustration flickering through me. "Where is Xavier? And why are you here?"

He shrugged, his eyes gleaming with a glint of amusement. "Who knows? Thought I'd lend a hand, given how nervous you look sitting here all by yourself. Imagine you dancing alone in front of everyone."

I opened my mouth to retort but faltered as the realization hit-he was enjoying this. The slight, infuriating smirk playing on his lips confirmed it.

"Really? You helping me out? No, thanks! I'm leaving," I said, turning away.

He leaned in, lowering his voice to a taunting whisper, "But I thought you wanted to learn tango. Or are you too scared to dance with me?"

That got me. Of course, he knew exactly how to rile me up.

"Why would I be scared of you?" I retorted, forcing myself to hold his gaze, even as my pulse quickened.

"Then join the workshop with me," he said, that smug smile widening.

"Fine," I replied, my teeth gritted in frustration.

"Good," he said, his eyes gleaming with victory.

The tutors clapped, calling us to the center of the room. I followed him reluctantly, my heart hammering as I realized how close I'd be standing to him. The memory of our kiss by the fireplace flooded back, the heat, the intensity, and I forced myself to push it away. This was a public dance class, nothing more.

But as we took our places, Arjun extended his hand, and when I placed mine in his, I felt a shiver run up my spine. He was close-close enough that I could feel his warmth, his touch anchoring me as the tutors demonstrated the first steps. His hand pressed firmly against my back, guiding me with a steadiness that made my head spin.

My heart pounded, and I struggled to focus as he leaned in, his voice low. "Relax," he murmured, his tone teasing. "Or you'll end up kicking me."

I tried to laugh it off, but the heat creeping up my cheeks betrayed me. He seemed so...comfortable, so unaffected by the way we were pressed together, while every nerve in me felt electrified.

"Step forward, one...two...three...pause," the tutor counted, and Arjun's hold tightened slightly as he guided me in sync with him. His hand on my back felt warm, almost possessive, and each step brought us closer, nearly brushing against each other.