The Dance Committee meeting was scheduled right after school in the multipurpose room.
Alex walked toward it with a knot of nerves twisting in her stomach.
She kept rehearsing excuses in her mind.
Maybe I should say I joined by mistake.
Maybe I should run home and forget this whole committee exists.
Maybe I should pretend to be sick—
Her anxious thoughts snapped when someone fell into step beside her.
Max.
Of course.
He didn't say anything at first. He just walked with her, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.
She risked a glance.
His eyes—dark, sharp—were softer today.
"You're quiet," he said finally.
"I'm nervous," Alex admitted.
He stopped walking.
She blinked up at him.
Max studied her face carefully, like he was trying to read every thought she wasn't saying out loud.
"Don't be," he said. "I'll be there."
Three words.
Three simple words.
But they steadied her more than anything else had all day.
Inside the Multipurpose Room
The committee was bigger than she expected. Almost thirty students filled the space, buzzing with excitement.
Music played from speakers.
Colorful flyers covered the whiteboard.
Everyone chatted loudly about dance themes, playlists, budgets.
Alex hovered near the door, overwhelmed.
Max noticed immediately.
He reached out, lightly touching her elbow.
"You're fine," he said quietly, guiding her toward the sign-in sheet. "I'm here."
Her heart did a dangerous flip.
The committee leader, a cheerful senior named Tamsin, clapped her hands.
"Welcome, everyone! Today we're doing partner assignments!"
Alex's breath froze.
Partners?
Max leaned down. "Relax. You're with me."
She exhaled shakily—until she heard a voice behind them.
"Hi! Is there still space on the Dance Committee?"
Ryan.
Alex's heart dropped.
He'd actually joined.
Tamsin smiled. "Yes! We can always use more dancers."
Ryan's eyes found Alex instantly.
Then Max.
Max didn't look pleased.
Ryan stepped closer. "Alex. Can we talk—"
"No," Max cut in.
Ryan glared. "I wasn't asking you."
Alex swallowed. "Ryan… maybe later—"
Before more could be said, Tamsin handed out sheets.
"Okay! Partners are determined by drawing!"
Alex felt dread strike.
Max shrugged. "If we aren't paired, we'll fix it."
She wanted to believe that.
She really did.
One by one, names were drawn.
Pairs formed.
Laughter filled the room.
Then—
"Max Steele and… Alex Rowan!"
Her head snapped up.
People groaned.
A few girls whispered.
"Seriously? They get to be paired?"
"They're already basically glued to each other."
"This is so unfair—Ryan's going to explode."
Alex's cheeks burned.
Max just smirked.
"See?" he murmured. "I told you. You're stuck with me."
The First Lesson
Tamsin instructed everyone to find an open space.
"Okay, partners! First, we're practicing basic slow-dance holds."
Alex froze.
Slow dancing?
With Max?
In public?
Her heart was going to combust.
Students around them paired up, some giggling, some awkward.
Alex just stared at Max.
He raised a brow. "Come here."
She didn't move.
Max stepped closer, voice low enough that only she could hear.
"Alex," he murmured, "it's just dancing."
"It's embarrassing," she whispered.
He shrugged. "Then be embarrassed with me."
Her pulse jumped.
Slowly, she lifted her hands.
Max took them gently—surprisingly gently—and placed one hand on his shoulder.
Then he rested his hand on her waist.
Her breath caught sharply.
He noticed.
A smirk tugged at his lips. "Relax."
"I can't," she whispered.
"I know."
His hand slid slightly lower on her waist—not inappropriate, just firm enough to steady her.
Alex's face flamed.
"Look at me," Max said.
She did.
His eyes felt too close.
Too intense.
Too much.
"Follow my lead."
The music started.
He guided her effortlessly—
one step forward,
one step back,
turn,
pivot.
She expected to trip.
But with Max's hand steadying her, she felt like she was floating.
"How are you this good at dancing?" she whispered.
"I'm good at everything," he said casually.
She rolled her eyes, and his smirk widened.
"You're thinking too much," he murmured.
"I'm trying not to think at all," she said.
"Then stop looking at your feet."
"I'm going to step on you," she warned.
"Then step on me," he said, eyes glinting. "I don't mind."
Heat shot through her chest.
This was too much.
Way too much.
But she couldn't pull away.
He made her feel seen.
Protected.
Wanted.
And that terrified her.
Trouble Arrives
Of course, the moment felt too perfect.
Because the door slammed open.
Chloe.
And she was not alone.
Three other girls entered behind her—the queen bees of the school.
Chloe crossed her arms, smirking. "Well, well. What do we have here?"
Max stiffened.
Alex felt his grip tighten against her waist—protective, possessive even.
Chloe tilted her head mockingly. "I heard Ryan joined, so I came to support him."
More whispers started spreading.
Students paused their dancing.
Chloe stepped closer, eyes locked on Alex.
"You don't belong here, you know," she said sweetly. "This committee is for people who can actually dance."
Max stepped forward smoothly, placing himself between them.
"Say that again," he warned.
Chloe blinked innocently. "I'm just helping! Everyone knows Alex only joined because she's desperate to keep a boy's attention."
Alex inhaled sharply.
Max moved.
Fast.
"Watch your mouth," he said.
Chloe scoffed. "Why? Are you going to fight me? Hit me? Is that how you defend your little—"
Ryan suddenly rushed in, face pale. "Chloe, stop."
But it was too late.
Max's expression darkened—dangerously quiet.
And before anyone could react—
Tamsin called out:
"Max, Alex—pair demonstration, please! Show the class the basic form."
Chloe froze.
Ryan blinked.
And Max… smiled.
A slow, dangerous, victorious smile.
He turned to Alex, offering his hand.
"Come on," he said, voice soft only for her. "Let's show them."
Her heart hammered.
As she placed her hand in his, Max leaned close and whispered—
"Stay with me."
Then he pulled her onto the center floor.
Everyone watched.
Everyone whispered.
And for the first time—
Alex wasn't afraid.
Because Max was holding her like she was the only person in the room.