Cosette slipped on her dance shoes and spent the day with the dancers and Claude learning the choreography. Avery came to the practice room several times. She smiled but avoided him. When the dancers rested, she left the building for the park across the road.
By the end of the day, she still didn’t know if she wanted to run to Avery or away from him.
“That will be all for today, ladies and gentlemen.” Monsieur Garnier went over to Cosette. “I’m glad you joined us.” He gathered his things while she changed her slippers.
“I am, too.” Cosette lifted her head and smiled as Avery walked toward them.
“Did you have a good day?”
“It was indeed a good day.” She couldn’t help but smile. The phrase was so simple, but it had a special meaning to her.
“We’ll celebrate. Claude, will you join us?” Avery hadn’t taken his eyes off her.
“Yes. I would enjoy dining with you.”
Avery shifted his eyes and glared at his friend.
Claude stopped putting his things into his bag and glanced from Cosette to Avery and shook his head. “But not tonight. I need to make those changes we discussed to the choreography for tomorrow’s class. I’ll walk with you.”
“Very well.” Avery guided Cosette from the studio and the three strolled toward the tavern.
“What changes are you making to the choreography? There are four weeks until the performance,” Cosette said.
“I want to change the third act. Everyone will want to see your grand jeté. I plan to make them wait until the end of the ballet. You will burst out of the corps de ballet and give them what they have been waiting for. You will be magnificent,” he said as they came to the tavern. “Here’s where I must leave you. Enjoy your evening.”
Claude went on his way.
Cosette looked at Avery. “I must leave too.” It was the last thing she wanted to do, but she would not be his diversion until the next new dancer joined the company.
“Is it my imagination? You have avoided me all day?” Gone were the touches of humor around his mouth and eyes.
Should she tell him? Now, she wasn’t so sure what to say.
“Are you jealous I gave all my attention to the ballet master?”
The brightness came back to his eyes. He snaked his arm around her and kissed her forehead as Suzanne came out of the tavern.
The woman gave Cosette a knowing smile and walked away.
Avery glanced at Suzanne, then at Cosette.
“Come. I’ll walk you home.” Avery kept his distance as they walked on in silence.
What was she doing? Suzanne wasn’t the problem. It was her own insecurities that were the obstacle. Suzanne expressed them and she believed her. Why doubt Avery? He was so sure of her ability, more than she was.
“Princess, there are people who will try to—”
“You think I am naïve? Suzanne is jealous of my closeness to you and doesn’t like the attention you, Monsieur Garnier, or anyone else gives me. So much has happened so fast.” They were at the dress shop. She faced him and stepped close. “I will tell you I was unhappy when I thought I wouldn’t see you again.”
He brushed her hair back and gazed into her eyes. “I would have found a way for us to be together whether or not you danced in the company. I would not let Marcel take you from me, not when I just found you.”
“Marcel? How did you find out?”
“I have my ways. I come from a lengthy line of druid magicians. The grand master himself was my five-times great-grandfather. Now go inside before I work my magic on you and make you mine.”
The smoldering flame in his eyes startled her. Unable to turn away, she experienced a sense of urgency driving her. She took his face in her hands, pulled him closer, and felt his breath against her cheek. Neither spoke. Her eyes fluttered closed as she kissed him.
The touch of his lips against hers was better than she remembered. She began to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her go.