Chapter Ten

Laurel Thorpe's high rise office was all business, the kind that wore tight chignons for fun, and scheduled family dinners six weeks in advance.

The skyrise office we sat in looked like someone had sucked out the color with a vacuum, leaving only dull monotones behind. The woman behind the front desk certainly looked like someone had sucked the life out of her. After instructing us to sit on the uncomfortable chairs while Mrs. Thorpe attended to ‘more pressing matters', she turned back to her computer screen with the same pensive frown she'd been wearing when we walked in. The water cooler in the corner called to my parched throat, but I swallowed past the uncomfortable sensation. My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my dress as we waited. Kai reached over to grab them, effectively calming my nerves.

Beside us, Cee held her head high, the pencil skirt and jacket combo ironed to crisp points, her hair done up in a twist held together with pearls that matched the ones in her ears and around her throat. She held a packed media folder on her lap, her red-soled heels crossed primly at the ankles. She'd slicked on the barest hint of makeup, which made her already expressive eyes pop. I didn't know how she could look so composed and refreshed when we'd barely gotten any sleep.

Waking hours before dawn, we'd driven into the desert until Cee had spotted a stretch of land acceptable enough for the shoot. Even without the sun, it was brutally hot, and I had guzzled an entire gallon of water before we even started. Along with Johnny, who had taken a subsequent day off of work for us- I told Cee she had to pay him this time, and not just in compliments- we also had Allie and her brother, Sean. They'd held up reflectors to adjust the natural lighting around us while Johnny took photos. Being pressed for time and suffocated by the heat, we completed the shoot for the ‘Ember' collection in record time.

After various poses in front of mesas, and me jumping into Kai's arms when a rattlesnake slithered past, it was time to get moving. I still had sand between my toes, since Cee insisted we went barefoot, but the photos Johnny hastily printed to add to her portfolio were stunning. My dress was the color of red sand and flowed behind me like tendrils of living flame thanks to the portable fan Allie held. Kai's singles were equally breathtaking, though I had a fair bit of bias in my assessment. All he had to do was look at the camera, and everyone would rush to buy what he was selling. I only hoped Laurel Thorpe was one of them.

When we were called in, I wasn't surprised to see the inside of her office reflected the outside, bland and no-nonsense. Mrs. Thorpe sat behind a polished mahogany desk, a heavy gold pen resting against the curve of her thumb and the indent of her ring finger. She was in her late thirties, her auburn hair pulled into that very same tight bun that pulled her skin sharply against her cheekbones. Her ruby-painted lips pursed softly in concentration as she took us in. A silver helix desk decoration moved in a cyclical pattern on one corner, and an embossed name plate rested on the other.

I nodded to Cee in a silent ‘good luck', before Kai and I moved towards the seat in the back. We were there strictly for moral support and to live model the collections if needed. Cee also had extra pieces to leave for a closer examination.

I sat beside Kai and he grasped my hand, sensing my concern. Despite his initial skepticism of humans, he and Cee had formed a bond these past weeks. She treated him like a real cousin, bickering and all, and I wondered if he'd ever experienced anything like it before. I smoothed the folds of my dress, straightening imaginary creases. I'd changed into the blue dress from the aquarium, while Cee had prompted Kai to wear the clothes from yesterday in the redwoods, now dry. I tried not to think about how they looked clinging to the muscles and indents of his chest.

"It's an interesting concept to be sure," Mrs. Thorpe's authoritative voice snapped me back to the present. I gave myself a slight pinch on the arm. This was Cee's big moment, I couldn't space out on her.

"It's not only the elements woven through each piece, but the manufacturing of the designs that gives each collection its origins," Cee explained. She motioned me forward, "The ‘Tides' collection, for example, contains three developed demo pieces, all of which have been made from recycled, ocean bound plastic. The designs are blue for the purpose of the sample shots, to give a glimpse into the cause consumers will be supporting with their purchases."

"And you claim to need financial assistance producing this line, yet you were able to gather and process these yourself. The means to process the materials you mentioned are not cheap."

I took my seat. If Cee was nervous, she sure as hell didn't let it show. She had saved every birthday check from her family, sold every non-essential item she owned, and had been investing her profits since high school, all to afford what she'd need to start down this path. Laurel's blasé inquiry was the equivalent to a teacher insulting a student's intelligence in front of the parents, then subtly trying to blame their incompetence on said parents.

Cee didn't take the bait. "The purpose of this meeting was not to assess whether or not the clothes can be made by one person, I have already proven it is possible, but to receive the backing to make this line, and what it represents, available to the public."

"You mentioned this collection would be ‘made to order'?" I could hear her distaste, the swallow of bitter wine.

"Why cater to mass-production when the collection promotes reducing waste?"

Mrs. Thorpe raised a skeptical brow, "Because mass production equals mass profits."

"Those profits will come. The environment is trending, and it's for the long haul, Mrs. Thorpe. Saving the planet is synonymous with style. Quality consumers want to know that their favorite top isn't poisoning rivers in a third-world country, and they will pay to ensure that their stylish summer bikini doesn't come in plastic packaging that will end up in the belly of a sea turtle."

"So you say," Laurel said with a soft frown, tapping her pen on her desk.

"So the numbers say," Cee approached, sliding a manila folder across her desk. She continued as Laurel combed through the documents. "A conducted survey, consisting of your company"s key demographic age, shows that more than ninety percent voted in favor of delayed shipments and higher handling fees in exchange for environmentally conscious manufacturing procedures."

"Our facilities do not currently meet those environmental standards, nor would we be able to switch them in the timeframe you are suggesting." Mrs. Thorpe countered.

"But you would be able to start a new one," Cee leaned over, pointing out a circled spot on a map of the California coastline. "I know your company is currently looking to expand its facilities. This area is already within the range of your current manufacturing plants and is currently on the market at a reduced rate. With the right procedures implemented from the start of construction, the buildings can run themselves on sustainability. This will not only generate more buzz for the company, but also shed it in a good light, especially if you release a statement that you will be converting the company to more sustainable practices, starting of course, with my collection."

Mrs. Thorpe frowned, and my breath hitched.

"Do you think she'll be inclined to agree?"Kai sent to my mind. I was pretty sure I was squeezing the life out of his hand, but he didn't complain, he was following the exchange just as closely, even if he didn't understand the semantics.

I didn't quite understand the details either, but the look on Mrs. Thorpe's face wasn't promising. "I don't know," I answered honestly.

"Let me see if I have this correct, Ms. Morrison. You not only want me to buy your collection, but demand that I invest in new facilities, and change the entire current working structure of my business?"

"I am not demanding you do any of this," Cee said. "I am pointing out the facts. We are rapidly approaching a deadline that we cannot push back. Nudity will soon be the newest trend in California as long as it staves off the heat. People are buying more second-hand items than ever before because they understand the impact their money has. As I'm sure you've noticed in your sales records, many of those discarded clothes are from your company. They support your designs, but once the trend dies off there is nothing to show for the hard work you have established except trash bins full of last season"s crop tops. Consumers are tired of corporations refusing to advocate for the planet when there are so many options to do so without compromising the integrity of the brand, nor your bottom line. But ultimately, you are right, the choice remains entirely up to you if you wish to run a company that helps burn the world down."

Oh, Cee was going for blood. I hadn't seen her flinch once at Laurel's brutal questioning. She was putting everything she had into this gamble, but she was adamant about sticking to her morals. She didn't want someone backing her that didn't hold the same ideals, even if that meant they rejected her entirely, which was a high possibility with everything she was asking for. Pride welled in my chest for my best friend, and I saw Kai's head tilt back in respect. I just hoped it didn't cost Cee her first big break.

Silence ensued. The room seemed to lose all oxygen. Or maybe that was just because I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, and my earlier thirst had returned with a vengeance. Why was there no water cooler in here?

"Are you okay, little star?"Kai's thumb rubbed soothing circles into the back of my hand.

I shivered, "Just thirsty."

His chin dipped as he cast a worried look in my direction, but I just squeezed his hand. "It's okay, probably too many hours in the desert."

"I can get you some from that container outside," He tried to rise but I tugged him back down shaking my head. Neither of us were leaving Cee in the middle of her Mexican standoff.

Mrs. Thorpe tapped her pen against the desk calendar, her expression pensive. Not a hopeful sign. Then she finally broke eye contact, shuffling through the papers Cee had laid before her, considering them more closely. She released a sigh, the weariness in the exhalation making her appear much older. But the ice-chipped edges of her eyes melted ever so slightly.

"Well, you are certainly Mr. Morrison"s daughter, he knows how to barter better than anyone."

Cee nodded but didn't try to correct Mrs. Thorpe that her father wasn't even remotely involved in this project. In fact, I could almost see my best friend biting her tongue behind her teeth.

"I will have to consult this matter with my financial team," Mrs. Thorpe continued. "Weigh the cost benefits." She paused, hesitant to say her next words, "I see the merit in your standing and understand your concerns. I have been considering an up-cycling program myself for some time now…" She pushed the papers around again. "It's such a large project," she sighed, lifting a hand to her temple, "I have to ask, why did you want to meet with me as a potential investor when there are other companies who may be a better fit?"

"I wish to work with a company who wants to change, that can show my designs as a fresh start. Fashion is my dream, but I would give it up if it meant doing something good for the earth," she gestured to me. "Maren here is not only an amazing model, but a marine biologist, and having her support with this line further proves it is possible to do both."

Ms. Thorpe smirked. "You've clearly done your research," She turned her attention to me, "And as a professional, you support her claims?"

If she meant a professional as in someone with years of experience in the field with a doctorate and a Nobel Peace Prize, she'd probably want to speak to my dad. But I was his daughter, and I did save the merman currently sitting in her office, who could probably sell more clothes than her best models based on his looks alone, so…

"Yes, and any consultant you speak to will tell you that whatever it costs you now will be nothing compared to the rewards you will reap." I said, straightening my shoulders, the picture of utmost confidence.

Ms. Thorpe leaned back into her seat. She asked for Kai and I to stand, and Cee showed off a few of the details on the clothes that the pictures may not have captured. After a few more minutes, we sat back down.

"They have potential, but I cannot promise you anything without discussing the particulars with my team."

Cee nodded. "By all means, keep the numbers and information I have drawn up to present to your people. You know how to reach me."

She stood leaned over, holding out her hand which Cee shook firmly. "You have an exquisite drive Ms. Morrison. You run a hard bargain, but it is an intriguing one. If your designs can breathe new life into my company, I may just be on board with these extreme plans."

"These days, extremes in the right direction on this matter are exactly what we need. I hope you will consider that when you contact me with your offer."

"Believe me, I will."

Before I knew it we were back in the waiting room, and I guzzled three cups of water from the cooler before being not-so-politely dismissed by little miss sunshine behind the desk. I turned to face Cee in the elevator as we descended to the first floor. "She knows your dad?" I asked Cee when the elevator doors closed behind us.

"How else would I have secured a meeting with one of the biggest fashion moguls in California? He may have also just made a very generous incentive donation to Thorpe's charity endeavors."

"You are an evil genius, she-devil." Kai said, holding his hand up for a high-five, to my eternal shock, which Cee enthusiastically accepted.

"Hell yea I am!"

"I'm starting to regret letting you two live together," I said, but couldn't help but smile with them as we left the building.

Compared to the office, the atmosphere outside was vibrant and bursting with the lifeblood of downtown Los Angeles. The first thing Thorpe should do if she wanted to change was hire a new assistant and get some damn plants for that office.

Allie was scrolling on her phone when we walked out, leaning against the Subaru she shuttled us in. As the only one who'd gotten more than three hours of sleep the previous night, she was dubbed the designated driver of our corporate caravan. She looked up when she heard us approaching, a hopeful smile stretching across her face as she tucked her phone away. "Well?"

"She has to consider my offer," Cee explained. "But I was very convincing."

Allie squealed, throwing her hands around her girlfriend's neck, and hugging her tightly, "That's great!" She pulled back and gave her a long, lingering kiss, sneaking her hands into Cee's hair to pull out the clip. "You're going to change the world, I just know it."

"You should've seen her Allie," I chimed in. "She was like a crazy business tycoon in there."

"Really?" she took Cee's hands and stepped back, looking her up and down, "That's kinda hot."

"I'd be happy to reserve the outfit for future use." Cee winked.

I nudged her, jostling them both. "Cee, time and place!"

"I was thinking eight o'clock."

"Again—"

"For our movie night," Cee cut me off, rolling her eyes. "The collection is complete, and we're both graduating. Besides, even if I don't get this deal, I have the photos, and I'm sure once they go live, Ms. Thorpe, and everyone else in the fashion industry, will be begging me to represent their brand."

"How could they not with an awesome designer like you?" I said, giving her a hug of my own, overlapping my arms over hers and Allie's, "I'm so proud of you, Cee."

"That makes four of us," Kai said. He didn't join our hugging circle, but he gave Cee an almost brotherly pat on the back. "You were amazing."

Cee pulled out of our embrace, slugging him on the shoulder which he rubbed in mock pain, "Don't go getting all mushy on me now. It's creepy."

As Allie helped Cee load the extra garment bags in the car, Kai whispered in my mind, "Did you see her in there? She was scarier and more ferocious than any shark I've encountered."

"Let's hope Ms. Thorpe thinks so too."

Kai shrugged. "Water seeks its own level."

Sure enough, halfway through our drive home, interrupting Cee's latest playlist of driving tunes, her phone began to ring from a Los Angeles number.

It turned out Becca wasn't upset at all about me missing dinner. In fact, when Kai and I dropped by to deliver the news, it was to find her heading out the door herself.

"Another double-shift?" I asked.

"No," she said, too quickly. "Just a meeting."

I eyed the dress she wore suspiciously, doing a double take when I noticed the heels. Becca never wore heels, I was pretty sure there wasn't a single pair between us in the house until now. They did have that new shine to them…

A knowing smile crept onto my face. "A meeting with whom?"

"No one you need to worry about," she replied, shooing us out of her bedroom. "Go on, you two."

"Wait, what about dad?" I asked her.

"I left his food on the counter. I didn't want to disturb him…" she trailed off, and I followed her line of sight to the light filtering beneath the office door.

My eyes went wide. "He's in there?"

"Almost all day, and still typing away on his laptop," there was a fragile hope in her eyes that I'm sure mirrored mine. "He's got us both on speed dial and I'll only be a few hours. Now go have fun, future graduate!" she repeated.

I gave her a hug, noting the lilac perfume she'd sprayed against her neck, "Thank you,"

"Is this because of you, or his new medication?" I asked Kai as we headed back across the beach, thinking back to the day he had protected me and brought my father back down to earth.

He rubbed at his neck and admitted, "I was only thinking of protecting you."

"But you used your powers on him, the same way you did to those scientists." Only he'd reversed it somehow.

A shadow clouded his face, but he spoke without remorse. "No, what I did to them cannot be undone."

I nodded, deciding to drop the topic for now as the sand under our feet became the paved road to Cee's back door.

Toasts and photoshoot pictures were passed around as we'd cooked dinner in the kitchen, the rest of the staff dismissed for the night in favor of a more intimate gathering of friends, minus Johnny who was, as usual, still working. I was surprised how well they had turned out, especially the ones from the aquarium. Kai and I had posed in some intimate shots in other locations, but our kiss on the beach was different. I could see the tears glistening on my eyelids, back when I promised to keep Kai at arm"s length.

I almost smiled at the irony. I'd never felt this way about anyone, but it was pierced with a fierce melancholy as I looked at the ocean in the background he'd eventually have to return to. I didn't want to think about what those feelings would turn into when he left, I didn"t want to think about him leaving at all. So like the rational adult I was, I pushed the thought to the farthest corner of my mind and locked that bitch up tight. I'd deal with it later.

"Did you style his hair like that, or was it the wind?" Allie asked, holding up a particular picture of Kai swinging me into his arms.

"I think that was from Maren running her hands through it." Cee smirked.

"What's wrong with my hair?" Kai frowned. I knew he was genuinely curious, but it pulled off the vibe of ‘egotistical model' perfectly.

"Nothing," Allie assured him. "It's the perfect shade of blonde Brad was going for in Ocean's Eleven, but longer."

That's right. I'd almost forgotten that while I could see Kai for who he truly was, dark hair and magnetic blue eyes, to everyone else he looked like a young Brad Pitt with the body to match, even in photos. There was no way Reinhardt or the others would ever suspect we'd hidden him right under their noses.

Everything had been strangely quiet on that front, though I'd received word from Hughes that there was a position opening up that he would send me the application for. I hadn't heard from Alma, and there had been no further questions from Reinhardt about Kai's disappearance. Either they thought he escaped on his own or were following the bread crumb trail I'd left that Dennis released him out of spite, until they checked out whatever alibi he had the remainder of the weekend. By now I was sure we were in the clear. The last place they would think of looking for him would be with the people who captured him in the first place.

It was time to stop looking over my shoulder and focus on the future.

The movie room doubled as a sky-light amphitheater, for nights when one wanted to ditch the repetitive humdrum of anguished cinema and study the vastness of the universe instead. The printed photos were strewn all over the reclining couch, a testament to hard work that had finally paid off.

After dinner and a dessert courtesy of Allie's brother, we found ourselves fully reclined in the large observatory, pointing out visible constellations like a game of astrological jeopardy.

"That one's definitely Leo. I should know, cause I'm a Leo," Cee giggled, swirling her fingers in the vague pattern of the stars. "Leooooo,"

"No way, you can't see Leo from here this time of year," Allie corrected, grabbing for, and missing, her fingers.

"You can't tell me that isn't a lion's mane!"

"No babe…that's a cloud." Allie said, sending them into a fit of giggles.

"Leo's up there, but I'm pretty sure you were pointing to Ursa Major." I told her from my own reclined position observing the heavens..

Cee slapped her girlfriend lightly on the thigh, "See! I told you sooooo!"

"Oh please, you got lucky!"

"They are acting …stranger than usual." Kai observed, his head bumping against mine when I turned to face him. We had taken one of the oversized recliners, and Cee and Allie were cuddling on the other one. "Especially the she-devil."

"That's because they're high," I explained.

He craned his neck to look over at them. "They're not floating." He pointed out.

I chuckled, "No, not that kind of high," Sean's ‘special' delivery, which had come half-way through Pretty Woman, included Allie's overnight bag, and a plate of rich, chocolate brownies with a familiar, earthy smell. Considering they'd had two each, my best friend and her girlfriend had officially checked into the stratosphere for the night. "Just don't eat the brownies." I reminded him.

He entwined our fingers. "Noted."

I was just settled into the comforting warmth of him when-

"Maaarreeeennn," Cee whined, one arm vaguely searching for me while the rest of her body seemed to sink deeper into the plush recliner.

"Yea girl?"

"Come heeerrreee," she called again, her vowels extended and dramatic.

I sighed, disentangling myself from Kai, the recliner, and the blanket we'd thrown over us. I crawled across the cushions, resting my elbows on the arm of her chair, and tucked my chin on my hands. "You hollered?"

Cee cupped her hands around her mouth, doing her best impression of a staged whisper, which for stoned Cee, meant shouting as loudly as possible in my ear, "I want to have sex!"

I flinched, my eyebrows shooting up in amusement, "Have you cleared this with your girlfriend?"

Allie slapped a hand over her face and Cee looked momentarily confused. Three seconds later- which were incredibly long seconds since I had time to count them- her mouth formed an ‘o' shape before she collapsed in a fit of giggles. "No, no, no! She's the one I wanna have sex with,"

"I would hope so," Allie said around her hand.

"Of course," Cee twisted so she was facing her, pulled her hands away from her face, and leaned in for an audible smooch, "Just you and me babe."

"So why have I been dragged into this conversation?" I reiterated, smirking at Allie when she blushed.

Cee turned her head, the look on her face reminding me of a little girl about to ask her parents for an early Christmas gift. "Would you mind clearing out for a bit?"

Now I was the shocked one. "You can't even make it to your bedroom?"

"It's so far!" she whined.

"Please don't make me carry her," Allie agreed.

I rolled my eyes, "Alright, alright. We'll go find something to entertain us."

"Kai's room is the first on the right if you wanna do that entertainment on a bed." Allie said.

"Oh, she knows." Cee winked. "She's been…experimenting."

"That's our science girl!" Allie whooped, pulling up my wrist for a high-five. I turned my head, but Kai was still staring at the stars. However, the smirk on his face betrayed his hearing abilities.

"I will get you two back for that later," I promised, pushing back as they descended in a fit of giggles, legs and arms. That was our cue to clear out.

"Let's give them some privacy," I held out my hand for him and he wrapped our fingers together once more. The heat of his palm against mine was comforting as we meandered through the antiquated hallways. The carpeting had been refurbished, but the renaissance portraits and candelabras could definitely use an upgrade. There was even an honest-to-goodness suit of armor in the corner next to the ballroom, sword and all, with a crest embossed on the breastplate.

"Are you hungry for something other than pot brownies?" I asked.

"Maybe later. What is this room?" he replied, tugging me past the armored knight.

"You haven't been in the ballroom yet? Cee's dad holds charity events here, but it was originally used to host, well, balls."

He released my hand and walked towards the center of the room, his feet silent on the freshly polished floor. The lights of the three chandeliers were lit, but dimmed, their faux flicker bouncing off the accented walls. It was the first time I could ever remember the ballroom being so empty.

On his next step, Kai slid in the cotton socks he was wearing, but caught himself before he lost his balance. He frowned at his footwear, "Not very convenient for this floor."

"Depends on how you look at it," I grinned when he cocked his head. Backing up a few steps, I took a running start. Since my own socks were fuzzy, they slid easily across the ballroom before I lost my balance. I pin-wheeled my arms, finding my equilibrium, even as the endorphins rushed through me. "I haven't done that in years!"

He cocked his head to the side, "What are you doing?"

I shrugged. "I don't think there's a name for it. Your socks are slippery enough that you can slide across the floor without walking. You just take a running start, and…" I demonstrated again, heading in the opposite direction, my arms stretched out on either side to steady myself before I face-planted. "See?"

He frowned, glancing down at his own socks.

"You don't have to do it," I said, suddenly feeling self- conscious. It was a childish kid's game, after all. "I just thought—"

Kai took a running start, his long legs covering double the distance I had, then he crouched low, gliding across the floor in a stance similar to surfers riding a massive wave. A rush of wind followed as he passed, and he nearly slammed into the wall before he stopped. There was a new wonder in his eyes, a roguish grin lighting his face.

"That was thrilling!" he called from the other end of the ballroom. "Let's do it together!"

His joy was infectious. Who would've thought such a simple thing like sock-sliding would make his day? But I wasn't going to argue, it was fun, something I hadn't made time for in a while. But we had nothing but time tonight.

For the next twenty minutes we slid across the ballroom like it was an ice-skating rink. We took turns, slid together, and raced each other, which turned into unfair wins for Kai since he automatically had the height advantage. I taught him spinning tricks, one-footers, and how to land without breaking any bones if he fell.

On one particular slide, we approached each other from opposite walls, attempting to glide past each other, only we miscalculated. Instead of passing, we collided, tumbling to the floor in a heap of arms and legs. The breath knocked out of me as I landed on his chest, his arms wrapping around me to take the brunt of the impact.

"Shit, are you okay?" I asked, panting from the exertion.

He let out a breathless laugh himself, letting his head fall back to the floor. "That was the most unconventional way I've ever used legs." My laughter joined his own.

"Flipping your fins you don't get too far," I sang.

"Indeed," he smiled, but his voice was thoughtful, and far away. He started to rise, and since his arms were still a steel cage around my waist, he took me with him. "You said this room is typically used for dancing?"

"Yea…" I paused. "You know how to dance?"

Thatmade him smirk "I've learned quite a few skills from my times in your world, little star."

"Yes, but can you ballroom dance?" I challenged him, lifting one eyebrow.

"How about we find out?" Without another word, his hands slid into perfect position, one lined up at the dip of my waist, the other trailing up my back and down my arm. Clasping his hand in mine, he took a step, urging me with him, then forward. He released one hand, pushing my body away before tugging on my remaining hand and pulling me back in with a spin. I did my best to follow without my jaw hanging on the floor. He actually knew how to ballroom dance!

We fit into each other like a puzzle piece, from the grooves of our palms to the exhalation of our breathing, flowing in a synchronistic rhythm of sighing tides. He pulled me in the same way, even when I told myself I should be pushing back. I knew our time together was shrinking before my eyes, and my graduation day, the day I had once looked forward to, now mocked me mercilessly, its red circle on my calendar ticking down like a doomsday clock. I was foolish to think that I could have ever kept things casual between us. I didn't think it was possible for me to open my heart to anyone ever again, but Kai had taken up residence in the vacancy naturally, like he had always belonged there, like he was never going to leave.

I had been in love with him long before I let myself realize it. And now, it was impossible to deny.

I don't know when we stopped moving in traditional ballroom steps. Instead, we glided across the floor, our feet barely lifting from the ground though I would have sworn we were floating. The soft, tender movements, the way his eyes never left mine. For a moment I thought I might be dreaming, nostalgic for high school proms and winter formals. Our foreheads bumped as he leaned in to whisper in my ear, "We have company."

He turned us just as a mellifluous orchestra rendition of a well-known pop song began crooning through the surround sound.

I peeked over his shoulder, finding none other than Cee and her partner-in-crime, hair disheveled, silly grins on their faces. She wiggled a remote in her hands as Allie pulled her from the open doorway, flashing me a wink and a thumbs up.

I looked skyward but couldn't keep my lips from tilting. "Of course that was her idea. She's terrible."

"She wishes to see you happy. I think she and I finally found some common ground on that."

"Not your music taste?"

"Never."

I didn't know how to answer, not in any sophisticated way that wouldn't end with me crying, so I just buried my face into his shirt, inhaling the clean linen smell and the scent of the ocean, something so unique and utterly him, and thought I might cry anyways. I'd never smell anything like it again.

"Maren," he said gently. I tensed, he only used my name when he was about to get serious, and I didn't think I could handle serious right now. "I have to tell you something."

"Okay?" I rasped, a familiar burning sensation in my throat, but I swallowed it down.

"I asked Cee how you chose my name," he said carefully.

Oh. Oh.

Now I really couldn't look at him. "And?"

"She told me a story, I don't recall the name…"

"The Snow Queen," I mumbled into his shirt. "It was my favorite as a kid."

"Was?"

"Okay, still is. Shut up."

He laughed, and I felt the rumble against my cheek. "I asked her to explain and she wove a tale of a girl and a boy, how their fates entwined in the most unlikely of ways," I could hear the wry smile in his voice. "How she risked everything to save him." His hand slid under my chin, lifting my face to his. "I think you have much in common with her."

I remember Becca telling me something similar. I hadn't been listening to her at the time, but I held onto Kai's every word like I could imprint them into my memory, "I do?"

"You risked everything to save me, and you didn't know me."

"I know." I interrupted awkwardly. "You're grateful. I get it."

He shook his head. "You did something no one else would have dared. Your bravery, your intelligence. You're my—" He looked down, and I could swear in the dim light, I saw him blush. It was impossible, I'd never seen Kai blush. "I only hope it means that you care about me."

I nodded. It was at the tip of my tongue, the edge of my thoughts, to give him those three words. I wanted to, but fear froze me even as the melody continued to weave us in a ceaseless flow around the empty ballroom.

He smiled, and it was the only answer I needed. It was enough for him, for now.

Then he leaned in, and our lips met as the final notes of the song trailed off, beginning a new melody, one our souls were creating together.