In the Air (The City Book 1) - By Crystal Serowka Page 0,17

me feel horrible.

Without saying a word, I placed my hands in hers and felt her fingers trembling around mine. I could tell she was nervous. Was she thinking about last night, too? A loud huff exited Natalia's mouth and answered my question. By the look in her eyes, it was clear that last night was replaying in her mind. I could practically feel the animosity rolling off of her.

Madame Dampier walked around the room, critiquing everyone's stance. As she came upon us, she smiled in approval and continued on.

We must look good together.

The minutes passed quickly, dancing with Natalia. It felt very different than what I was used to. My past partners were stiff, their talent always lacking. When I watched Natalia dance last night, I knew why she had made it into Juilliard. Her movements were so skilled, and the graceful way she illustrated them was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. When she finished, she exuded the confidence of a professional. She knew she deserved to be here, much like how I felt. Maybe Natalia and I had more in common than I thought.

I was itching to talk to her about last night, but I didn't know what to say to make the situation less awkward. I could make a joke and ask her about her sore ass, but I knew it would probably piss her off even more. I clearly put the moves on her, kissing her and then pulling back. The chemistry I shared with Natalia amazed me. Every time she was around, I felt the need to better myself. When my lips touched hers, every part of my body burned from the effect. I'd never felt that kind of heat in my life.

"I ... I'm sorry." I studied her face closely. Her light brown eyes set on mine, hopeful. I knew as I continued, the hope would be lost. "I didn't mean to run away last night, but what I did, well, it shouldn't have happened." All the optimism in her eyes faded.

"Don't be sorry. You're right, it shouldn't have happened." Her tone was short.

I exhaled loudly as my hand squeezed tighter at her side. The anger fell from Natalia's face with the pressure of my hand. She shut her eyes, clearly holding something back. As I opened my mouth to speak, Madame Dampier dismissed the class. I had so much more to say to Natalia, but she left without glancing back. I had a feeling she needed the space between us just as much as I did. Since I was still confused about last night, I needed to get away from her to figure out what it all meant. Why did I let myself kiss her?

I grabbed my gym bag from the front of the studio and heard a voice I didn't recognize over my shoulder.

"You don't look like Juilliard material today."

I looked up at the mirror in front of me, and saw Natalia's friend behind me.

"Listen, I don't have time for any bullshit right now." I threw my gym bag over my shoulder and started to leave.

"My bullshit? By the looks of you this morning, I'd say you belong at an AA meeting, not Juilliard."

I turned to her with a look of repulsion. "I don't know who the hell you think you are or why you think you know anything about me, but you need to back off," I demanded. I turned away from her and walked through the auditorium, but she followed, heavy on my heels.

"My name is Kingsley. I'm Natalia's roommate."

I stopped, turning back to her. "I care because ... ?" My journey to the elevator continued.

"I can see the way she looks at you. She gets serious bedroom eyes," she called out.

Kingsley's admission made me stop walking. Suddenly, I was interested in what she had to say. "You've been rooming together now for what, two whole days? What could she have possibly told you about me in such a short time?" Trying to hide my curiosity, I added, "I'm sure you have no idea what you're talking about."

"I know that look when I see it." Her lips perked up, showing a devious grin.

"I bet you do," I said as I motioned to her half-naked body. "I'm sure you give that look often." My head was throbbing, and listening to this girl's voice made it feel as if it were about to detonate. I walked through the elevator doors and Kingsley rushed in before the doors closed. "Why are you