Chapter 19

Mrs. Johansson nodded, picked up her purse and put on her coat. "See you later, sweetheart. Nice to meet you, Aquila ," and she opened the door and went out. Atiya 's frustration grew as he kept tying her strings behind her. Why couldn't she know these things? But for some reason she had butterfingers. "Look," said Aquila ' kind voice behind her. She turned around and saw him inches from her back. She felt numb as he approached. He reached out to her and pulled the string out of her hand. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him crouch. She was astonished at the pressure with which he tightened her strings. It was as if she felt his body, though she was only inches away. When she felt him gripping the strings, her heart thumped, and the pressure returned as he tightened. "There it is," he whispered, putting his hand on her waist. His touch made her feel a tingle all over her body. She wanted to say something, but her words did not come to mind. His hand remained for a few more seconds before pulling it away and taking a step back. Cursing her flushed cheeks, Atiya turned and forced her to smile. When he looked at her, there was a seriousness in her expression that embarrassed her and aroused her interest. Fearing what that might mean, Atiya resigned. "Thank you," she said, resting her arm on the counter and tapping her fingers. Whatever she does to calm her body from the reaction that seems to be happening near him. "Anytime." He glanced at her, and her heart pounded again. One thing was certain, if he wanted to spare her nerves, he should never touch Aquila Scott again. Before either of them could say anything, the doorbell rang and April burst in. She wore a black leotard, tutu and leg warmers. "We're back, Mrs. Johansson," she called, turning. "What was April thinking?" Atiya asked. The feelings Aquila had been evoking until then were replaced by feelings of betrayal and frustration.

"Atiya , you're back," April said without looking back, with a look of guilt on her face. "Have you entrusted Mrs. Johansson with her shop?" She walked around the counter and approached her aunt. "I know. I'm sorry. But Ernest calls for urgent dance practice. He had to go. "

Atiya stared at her. Who can she trust if she can't trust her family? But then her aunt's wide eyes and maniacal grin softened her anger. "Don't do that again," she said. Jun nodded. "I promise." Then her eyes shifted to Aquila . "Aquila ! I'm here. I'm sorry I didn't see you standing there."

Aquila came out from behind the counter. He nodded. "April ."

"How was daycare?" April asked as she walked through the store. "Very good. Very insightful."

Atiya shuddered as he felt his gaze on her. "Hmm. It certainly was," April said. "Did you enter a dance contest?" he asked, nodding at her outfit. "Yes. I am not interested."

Leave it to her aunt to bring up her past. "I can't. I'm too busy here," Atiya said. April waved at her with a tingly wave. "In high school, she was state champion three years in a row. If she just danced, we would definitely win."

Atiya shook his head. "April , that will never happen."

"I'm a pretty good dancer," said Aquila . "Oh no. No. Don't be fooled by that," Atiya said, pointing at him.

"But you're my advisor. I really think you should try the dancing philanthropist thing." Attracted to. All rational thoughts disappeared from her mind. "I-well-" she stared at him. Could it be that bad? The feeling of his hand pressing against her back and her hand wrapping his hand was so comforting. Why was she fighting it? April wanted them to be together. Summer thought it was a good idea too. Probably. . . "I think we'll make a great team," he whispered as he leaned over her, sending shivers down her spine. "Wait, before she agrees, do you have her dancing experience?" April asked, raising her hand. "Would 10 years of ballroom dancing be proof enough?" he asked. Atiya leaned back. "10 years?"

"My mother insisted on accepting it since I was a child."

"Interesting," Atiya said. "So it's been ten years. That doesn't mean you're okay." April stared at him. "April ," Atiya whispered. He did her a favor, but she still awarded him her third degree. Aquila just laughed. "I was champion in my division two years in a row."

April reached out his hand and placed it on his forearm. "TRUE?"

He nodded. "Sold! Let's try it."