by Nikki Urang
I don’t know what’s going to happen when the song ends or when we stop dancing. I don’t even know if the fragile relationship we have will survive the break between semesters. But there is one thing I’m certain about at this point in my life.
I won’t give up.
Luke leans down, kissing my shoulder. Goosebumps trail down my arm at the soft touch.
“I know I don’t deserve it, but let me be your exception.”
I press a kiss to his lips, burning the memory and his words into my mind forever. His request is sweet, but it’s pointless for him to ask.
He’s always been my exception.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Writing this book has been a journey and there are so many people who have helped along the way.
The biggest thanks to my readers, for taking a chance on my debut novel. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. I hope Sadie and Luke inspire you to go after your dreams, no matter how big.
To Josh, for being the supportive husband even when I was crazy on deadlines. We’ve been through a lot in the last year and a half and you’ve never failed to be there for me no matter what. I love you.
Thank you to my mom, for putting me in ballet class to improve my balance. I don’t think it worked, but all that experience fueled this book so that’s something, right? Your unwavering support and love over the years has made me the person I am now. There’s nothing I can say to thank you for that.
Huge thanks to my agent, the wonderful Nicole Resciniti, who has supported me through this process. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me already and look forward to where we go from here. To my agency siblings at The Seymour Agency, for your wisdom and guidance. To Danielle and the rest of the team at Spencer Hill Contemporary, for your endless support and enthusiasm. I am so grateful to you.
To Kate Brauning, for reading this book multiple times and still loving it, putting up with my insecurities, and for keeping me grounded during this process. You are invaluable, bestie! To Lizzy Charles, for coffee outings, Google Chat dates, and just being you. Your optimism is infectious. To Dahlia, Brandi, Amanda, and Delia, for reading early versions of this book, giving excellent feedback to make my writing better, and falling in love with my characters. To my peeps at MNYA, for being there to listen and share in this journey with me. To Heather and Sarah, for getting me out of the house and away from my computer. You guys have no idea how much you’ve helped this process. Love you! And to Tiffany, for being an amazing photographer and all around awesome person.
And finally, to everyone else who has supported me throughout my life. I appreciate you. This book is for every single one of you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikki Urang grew up loving books, so it’s no surprise she started writing them. When she’s not writing, she works as a chemical dependency counselor to help people overcome their struggles with opiate addiction. While she doesn’t dance anymore, she enjoys all things related to it, especially ballet. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two stubborn cats.