Forever James - ON HOLD - INCOMPLETE

Chapter 2

Riley's POV

James left shortly after dinner. I kissed him goodbye at the front door, wished him a goodnight and watched him go. I felt a hand in my shoulder. My mum was standing next to me and she closed the front door.

"Come on hun, let's watch a film. Just the two of us for some mother daughter time"

"Sure" I smile.

"We don't often get time alone nowadays" she sighs. "When your not at dance, you're with James. I'm not complaining though, I want you to be happy, and he makes you happy. I'm glad you have someone you really like"

"I love him mum" I say as I sink down into the sofa. "And he loves me"

"I know you do love. That's why I worry about you being alone together. Don't think I'd didn't see your hasty look at the forgotten biology textbook. I know you weren't only revising. I just find it hard to believe my little girl is all grown up" she smiles and puts her arm around me like she did when I was little.

Trying to lighten the mood, I joke, "have you given Emily this chat? She is the oldest"

"Mm, well Emily doesn't have a long term boyfriend, nor has she ever had a serious relationship last longer than a few months. But you and James are 18 and you have been together nearly four years. I felt you needed this chat more than Em"

To avoid the already awkward conversation escalating, I change the topic. "So what shall we watch? Matty isn't here so we could watch a rom-com?"

Mum laughs, "you pick sweetie. I'm fine with anything"

The next day wake early. I jump in the shower and pull on my dance clothes. James pulls up outside in his car 3 minuets late (but who's counting), and we head off to dance.

"No Emily today?" James asks.

"She got back late last night so she overslept. Mum's going to give her a lift later"

"Cool" he smiles. One hand on the wheel, he reaches over and grasps my hand with his spare. "I had fun last night. It was nice talking with your mum, I hope she still likes me after I spilt that glass at dinner" he says, half serious, half joking.

I grin. James is one of those people who doesn't care if he makes a mistake, it's all 'don't worry about it' and 'it's not the end of the world'. However, when it comes to my mum and my dad, he is always trying to impress them, every though they already love him. He panics about the smallest of things, like dropping a glass. He's so adorable and sexy.

I squeeze his hand, "babe, my mum loves you. Don't worry about it"

"Hey that's my line" he fakes being offended.

"Then take your own advice"

"Point taken. Ok, we're here"

He swerves into a car parking space and pulls both of our kit bags out, swinging them onto his shoulder.

"I can take my bag if you want" I say, holding out my hand.

Rather then passing me my bag, he slips his hand it mine and squeezes it lightly.

"What sort of boyfriend would I be if I didn't carry your bag? Besides, I like holding your hand more"

He locks the car and we head inside.

"Morning Miss Kate" we say in sync as we walk past her office.

"Morning guys! Wait can you two come here for a second"

"Yep. What do you want to talk about?" James asks.

"Can you spread the word that I'm holding regional duet auditions today. I take it I can write your name down on the list of pairs now?"

"Definitely" James smiles and puts his arm around me.

"Glad to hear it. You two are our best hope. Of course, as for the auditions later, I'm not going to be biased so I'd better start rehearsing if I were you"

"We'll be off to Studio B then"

"Take Studio A. You might as well, group dance rehearsals are later and baby ballet is in Studio B"

"Ok thank you miss Kate" I smile and me and James leave her office.

A few hours later

"Alright then! That's enough rehearsal time, let's show me and Phoebe what you've prepared for is if you're auditioning! First up..." she looks at her list, "Amanda and Giselle"
"Next up, Emily and Stephanie,
West and Chloe,
Ciara and Michelle,
Noah and Max,
Eldon and Thalia,
And finally! Riley and James!"

Everyone gave us a small clap as we took our positions in the middle of the floor. The music begins and immediately muscle memory forces my limbs to move.

Miss Kate's POV

It's clear that Jame and Riley will be our featured duet very early on into their dance. They moved together almost like they are of one body. Their chemistry is magic. I love watching them dance together, even when they're just messing around and having fun; their love for each other radiates around the room, and we can all feel what they are feeling.

Performing advanced lifts, James throws Riley around like she weighs no more than a feather and Riley has more trust in James than I've ever seen before.

They finish the duet, breathless and embrace.

James's POV

I rest my chin on Riley's head and hug her as A Troupe applaud.

"Well done everyone. Every single one of you danced to the best of your ability and I'm so proud.Congratulations to our new duet, Riley and James!"

Yes! We did it! Riley pulls out of our hug and we kiss. It was a short, quick kiss, but it was full of passion.

The rest of A Troupe scream and run to hug us. I laugh when I see Emily swat Riley on the arm for kissing me. Four years and she still hates our PDA.

I'm so overjoyed that we got the duet, mainly because it means I'll have to spend even more time with Riley!