Breaking The Rules

Chapter 36

The sun was still high in the sky as I exited the studio building with Juliette and Elodie, the crisp spring air brushing against my flushed skin. The lingering scent of sweat clung to my clothes, urging the need for me to go home so that I could take a shower. My duffel bag swung against my hip as we strolled down the sidewalk, our chatter spilling into the street like music.

"That new section you added to the choreography? Chef's kiss," Juliette said, throwing a dramatic hand gesture into the air. "It's exactly what the piece needed."

Elodie nodded, her ponytail swaying as she smiled. "Seriously, Celeste, it's like a whole new dance now. Where did the idea come from?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool, but warmth spread across my cheeks. "I don't know. I guess... I've just been feeling more in tune with everything lately."

Despite my surprise, living in a house with a bunch of hockey players had done a lot of good for me. They dragged me out of the shell I hadn't realized I'd been hiding in. There was a freedom in the way they existed—loud, unfiltered, unapologetic. It had seeped into my dancing, giving me a sense of ease and confidence I hadn't experienced in a very long time.

Especially around Maverick.

The thought of him made my stomach flutter, an unwelcome warmth settling in my chest. He was the reason I'd been pushing myself so hard lately, both on the dance floor and in life. He had started coming out of hiding recently, making the house feel more like it once did. The way he'd handled the accusations from Mila, the way he carried the weight of it without letting it crush him, had only solidified how much I cared for him.

And that was the problem.

During my confrontation with Mila at the Underground, I realized something. I wanted more. I wanted him. But I was well aware of Maverick's philosophy on dating and I wasn't sure how to bring it up. I needed advice. Insight from people that weren't drowning in the situation like I was. Eden carried a bias that made me assured in what her answer would be. After what had happened with Miles, I didn't want to bring up my boy troubles with Juliette and Elodie either. I didn't want to give them another reason to worry.

So while the girls next to me chatted, I simply nodded along with a smile. If I was going to take a chance with Maverick, I would just have to dive in head first.

When I walked through the front door later on that day, the house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater kicking on. My runners thumped against the carpet as I set my bag down.

"Anyone home?" I called, hearing the rummaging coming from the kitchen.

I followed it, my heart skipping a beat when I saw Maverick standing by the stove, his broad shoulders were facing me. The material of his black T-shirt hugged the relaxed muscles as he searched for something in the open fridge. I took a moment to silently appreciate the canvas that was his skin. Now that the weather was warming up, I had the pleasure of appreciating the ink that covered his arms in a location other than his bedroom.

His hair was still damp from a recent shower, curling slightly at the ends. He peered over his shoulder when I entered, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Hey, twinkle toes. How was class?"

"Productive," I said, leaning against the counter. "I think I finally figured out what the routine was missing for the upcoming recital."

"Good," he replied, his tone easy. "Gotta make sure you're the star of the show."

I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in his voice made my stomach flip. "What are you looking for? Because if it's milk, Booker finished the last cartoon this morning."