Chapter 13: A Skater Named Marcus

Week ten brought visiting athletes to Ridgemont Academy.

Including Marcus Delray.

Marcus was everything Dominic wasn't.

Outgoing.

Charismatic.

Effortlessly social.

Within twenty-four hours he knew everyone's name.

Within forty-eight hours he was flirting with Nadia.

"You know," Marcus said one afternoon, "I had the biggest crush on you when I was seventeen."

"That's unfortunate."

"For you or me?"

"Probably both."

Marcus laughed.

"I like her," he told Dominic.

"Congratulations," Dominic replied.

"That's all you're going to say?"

"What else would I say?"

"I don't know. Threaten me?"

"Why would I do that?"

"Good point."

Marcus walked away.

Nadia returned to training.

But something had changed.

Dominic seemed quieter afterward.

More focused.

More intense.

"Are you okay?" Nadia asked.

"Fine."

"You're not fine."

"I'm fine."

"Terrible liar."

"I've been told."

The answer sounded automatic.

Which told Nadia everything she needed to know.

The realization sent an unexpected warmth through her chest.

And that should have terrified her.

Instead...

It made her smile.