Maddie placed her hand in his. “At least you didn’t lie about being ready.”

His fingers closed carefully around hers. He helped her down from the stage. Barefoot, she stood several inches shorter. Eli set one hand at her waist, leaving enough space between them to make the gesture feel like an invitation rather than a claim.

“One, two, three,” Maddie whispered.

“One, two, three,” he repeated.

He stepped on her foot before they finished the first turn. “That was me,” he said.

“I know. I felt it.”