by K. K. Allen
My eyes filled with tears as he made his way over to my air mattress, plopped down, then pulled me into his arms. I loved the closeness we’d maintained all these years. I loved how Shane had always been the one to push me toward my dreams and comfort me when things didn’t go as planned. So yeah, I was terrified for all of that to go away. And I could feel it in the air; the time was coming.
Shane lived life full out. Nothing scared him. Nothing was worth backing down for. That might have been what I loved most about him. He’d faced all kinds of adversity, from his sexual orientation to surviving a toxic home life to always being considered freakishly tall compared to the rest of our peers. And all that was mixed with the ridicule he’d received for being a male dancer among our adolescent peers. He never let anything stop him from reaching what he wanted.
Shane and I were opposites.
Doer versus dreamer. Life of the party versus wallflower. And for some reason, we loved each other more for it all. We balanced each other. Or rather, he balanced me.
When Shane spoke next, my head was tucked safely under his chin.
“You might never feel ready, Lex. You just have to take a leap at some point. It might as well be now. It’s time to fly, baby girl.”
CHAPTER 2
Lex
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The next audition didn’t appear on the bulletin board in Gravity's community area until a couple weeks later. “You’re coming with me to this one,” Shane had demanded that night over a homemade platter of meats and cheeses.
I hadn’t put up an argument since the Janet audition was a sore subject. Shane hadn’t even made it past the first round of cuts, but at least he had tried, which was a hell of a lot more than I had done since venturing with him to LA. Maybe he was right about auditioning for the experience. When I thought about it like that, the outcome didn’t seem so intimidating.
We were lined up in the hall, waiting to register for a music video for up-and-coming urban pop artist, Dominic Rivas, when a couple of girls in front of us started to whisper.
“Oh my God. He’s here.”
“Who?”
“Theodore Noska.”
A gasp.
“Where?”
“He just walked in the front door.”
As soon as the words left the girl’s mouth, the world around me began to spin in slow motion. Voices played through a vacuum, muffled and quiet, conveniently drowning out their gushing. And my movements decelerated, as if I were being dragged through quicksand.
“Ho-ly shit.” Shane’s voice pulled me to the surface. He’d spotted Theo too.
Refusing to turn toward the rising commotion, I looked up at Shane just as he peered down at me. The sight of his whiskey eyes and jaw agape was enough to warn me that Theo Noska was every bit as delectable as he appeared in the media.
My body began to quake, a ridiculous reaction to a celebrity, but Theo wasn’t just a celebrity. He was everything. He was all that I aspired to be and the one person whose opinion would mean the most, if I was ever lucky enough to have it.
Shane’s warm fingers landed on my shoulders and swiveled me to face front. He turned my head toward the dance god himself.
The first thing I noticed was wild sandy blond hair—a perfect display of controlled chaos that one could happily sink fingers into in the throes of passion. Because clearly, there was only one good reason to have hair that sexy. Paired with the dark shades that masked his eyes, a leather jacket wrapped around his upper body, and ankle-length black jeans, he was every bit as intimidating as his choreography.
“Absurd.” Shane groaned, and I could have sworn drool was pooling in his mouth.
Sure, Theo was all kinds of gorgeous, but it wasn’t his looks that had made me fall in love with him from afar. I’d obsessed over his YouTube channel since its inception and had perfected every single one of his routines that I could lay eyes on.
He was hip-hop and contemporary fused with elements of ballet, jazz, tap, Bollywood, and every other dance style I could think of. His choreography could be epically dark and twisted or immensely beautiful and romantic, sending an audience to the edge of their seats while tears streamed down their faces.
All of America had watched the episode of Dance Idol where he came on as a guest choreographer and taught a contemporary partner routine to the finalists. The dancers executed the number flawlessly, but it was the emotionally charged choreography that made the video clip go viral. I remembered watching the routine and knowing that if Theo Noska wasn’t a household name before that day, he would be after.
My heart beat like crazy just thinking about it.
Theo had put Gravity Dance Complex on the map, so it wasn’t a complete surprise he’d shown up. I even hoped he would offer a class or two so I could mark that one off my bucket list. But I studied the weekly schedules as if that were my job, and Theo’s name never appeared on any of them. So, what is he doing here now?
My eyes followed as he inched his way down the corridor in my direction then stopped briefly and collected a few fist bumps and one-armed hugs. He didn’t stop for long or smile for anyone as he drew closer.
“Yo, Theo. What’s up, buddy?” someone behind me called.
Theo was only a few feet away when he did a quick sweep of the line before giving an uptick of his chin to whoever had greeted him.
Then his head dropped slightly, his gaze connecting with mine—I thought. Theo’s glasses hid everything, so I couldn’t be entirely sure. It was just a second, a flash, but I felt it—a connection I don’t think I could have made up despite my fierce crush on a man I knew only from his interviews. I wanted to stretch time to stay a little longer in the moment because the instant it was gone, I knew I would never get it back again.
I was lost in my thoughts when I felt fingers splay across my back. A shove thrust me onto my toes, tipping me off balance.
What the—?
I shot forward, my hands reaching in front of me, ready to catch my fall, when I realized only one thing was there. Or one man, rather.
Theo’s arms reached out, his expression unchanged, as if catching me were the most natural thing in the world. My palms slammed against his chest just as his arms wrapped around me. Then he stood me up, his grip firm as I stared into his glasses, desperate to see past the reflection of myself.
All I could think about was the sturdiness of his form, the strength of his hold, and how absolutely consuming his rough, calloused hands were as they skimmed the bare skin of my shoulders and arms.
“Think you can be more careful next time?” He grumbled the words over my shoulder, snapping me back to the present.
Shane. A snare shot off in my chest. He pushed me. It had to have been him. But I didn’t want to pull away from Theo long enough to confirm my suspicions.
“This is a dance studio, not a mosh pit.” Theo’s accusing tone was filled with raspy disapproval. He shifted me slightly, scenting the air with fresh apple cinnamon and leather, an intoxicating mixture that left me dizzy. “You don’t want to be responsible for shortening this young girl’s career. Apologize.”
I turned then, ready with my glare as I caught the eyes of my best friend.
I’m going to kill him.
“I’m sorry, Lex.” Shane’s tone was sincere, but there was no denying the hint of amusement it carried. Theo’s arms left me, forcing me to stand on my own. I turned around, ignoring Shane and offering my savior a polite smile.
“Thank you for catching me.”
He didn’t smile. In fact, his brows stayed dented in the center. “Glad you’re okay.” He didn’t ask whether I was, and he didn’t wait for me to reply. Instead, he aimed one final look at Shane, the crease lines in his forehead expressing his annoyance.
“It was just an accident,” Shane pressed, pulling me into his arms in what I’m sure was meant to be an apologetic hug.
But as Theo backed away and continued down the corridor without another pause, I was certain it wasn’t an
accident at all.
“I should murder you.”
I was patient enough, waiting until we’d left the dance studio later that day to let Shane have it. We had just started our ten-block walk to our place, and I felt as if I would burst if I didn’t say something.
His laughter started, and I threw an arm out, knocking him in the stomach. He cringed and swooped me up cradle-style, despite my flailing limbs.
“Put me down, you big, giant asshole.”
His laughter never ceased and only grew louder. “You should be thanking me. And I’m not letting you down until you promise to keep your hands to yourself. You heard what Theodore said about being careful. Oh, and what else? Shortening the life of this young girl’s career.” He burst into another fit of laughter. “He thinks you’re twelve.”
I was mortified and completely furious at my best friend.
“Let me down, or I’m moving back to Seattle.”
“Oh, stop it. You would never.”
“You have no idea what I’m capable of doing right now, Shane Masterson. And right now, you are not my best friend. You’re this evil thing of a person sent to earth to destroy me. Right now, I hate you. I can’t believe you did that to me. Why? I just want to know why you felt the need to embarrass me in front of the one person—the one person—I care about impressing.”
Shane put me down, leaving a hand on my shoulder. I shook myself away, and his laughter finally silenced. “Oh, Lex. I’m sorry. If it makes you feel better, I think I’m officially on Theo’s shit list. He was mad at me, not you.”
“No,” I squealed. “That does not make me feel better. We’re in this together, remember? Don’t make me regret signing up for tomorrow’s audition.”
“Okay, okay. But at least you got to touch him. How did he feel? Please tell me his skin is as soft and velvety as it looks.” His head snapped toward me. “Oh my God. How did he smell? Like sunshine and roses? No. I bet it was more like dandelions after a warm rain shower.”
It was Shane’s heavy, dreamlike sigh that broke the spell. I laughed, because laughter was so much easier than staying mad at my best friend.
“Thank God,” Shane said, clearly noting my amusement. “I cannot handle angry Alexandra. You remind me of your mother, all spun up and spewy, like a whacked-out sprinkler system.” He shook his head as if disturbed by whatever visual had played in his mind. “Hey, let’s go out to eat.”
The change of subject happened so fast my brain did a complete three sixty.
“No. Not until you explain to me what the fuck you were thinking back there. You thought that was how to get Theo to notice me? Really?”
He gasped and held up a finger, tsk-tsking me. “Cussing sounds dirty coming from your mouth. Don’t do it.”
“Shane,” I shot out. It was my final warning.
“Fine. He was standing right there in front of you, and I could practically see the little Theo and Lex babies running around in the background. It was this sixth sense. I pictured the entire epic love connection. You know, the ones you see all the time in movies, where the couple makes eye contact for the first time and these little stars and hearts start fluttering around the air.”
“Yeah, pretty sure I’ve never seen a movie like that.”
He stomped his foot and placed his fists on his hip. “Whatever. You’ve only been in love with the guy for the past decade. I was trying to help you out.”
“How’d that go for you?”
He pursed his lips, as if deep in thought. “At least you can count on the guy if you ever decide to play ‘Trust Fall.’ He caught you, didn’t he? And then he asked if you were okay.”
I rolled my eyes as hard as I could. “Wow. Yeah. I think it’s love. Maybe he’ll fly me to his summer house in Spain and propose to me there.”
Shane’s eyes grew wide. “He has a summer house in Spain? Is it nice? I’m sure it’s—”
“Shut up!” I growled.
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Thank You
Once again, I’m a blubbery mess as I look back at all the love and attention that went into the publishing journey of The Trouble With Gravity. I consider myself extremely blessed to have such an incredible team who devotes their time and energy to my books. These aren’t just stories to me. They are pieces of my heart and soul that bloom thanks to the very best support.
First, I want to give a big shout out to my family in (and from) Hawaii, especially to my mom and dad, who gave me the best bragging rights imaginable because I get to call myself a Hawaiian. Well, okay, a hapa haole (part Hawaiian). It was fun to put a little bit of my culture and memories into Kai.
I also want to thank Princess Cruises, for giving me one of the coolest jobs ever when I was in high school and college. All that inside knowledge came in handy while writing about the Royal Athena. Some of my favorite memories ever took place while cruising, and writing this book only gave me the itch to get back out there.
Sammie, you already know by now, but I’m so in love with you and that brilliant mind of yours. You are always there for me with your tough love and constant support. I crave your honest feedback during beta reads like it’s oxygen. Thank you for always being there for me and supporting all my book babies like they’re your own. I don’t know what I would do without you!
Lindsey, the best boss/assistant/babe ever. I tell you I love you practically daily, but I’ll say it again since this is getting printed. I LOVE YOU to the moon and back. Your unwavering support is everything.
Renee, one of the highlights for me this past year was meeting you and bonding over all things books, FRIENDS, crappy memes, and social media. I love you.
Patricia, Brenna, and Richard. I have the best beta reading team ever. Thank you is not even enough to show my appreciation. Y’all put in the time, gave me the tough feedback when it was needed, and I’m just so grateful to you.
Michelle, Mahalia, and Kathy = my AMAZING Aussie beta readers. Thank you for giving your valuable feedback so that Sebastian could be as authentic as he feels in my heart. Love you ladies!
Len Webster! My babe. You were the first one to step up to lend a helping Australian hand, and I just adore you for it. I can’t wait to ride another slow elevator with you again!
Heather, Harloe, and Kate. You’ve given me a true home in the book world and I love you ladies so much for it. Genuine friendships are hard to come by, and I love that I can trust you beeches with my heart. I’ll even share my nachos with you. Love you all so much.
Lynn and Kelly at Red Adept Editing, it’s always a pleasure to work with your team. Thank you for always working with my timelines and communicating like true professionals. I’m so happy to have found you.
Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations, I’m starting to lose count of the number of book covers you’ve designed for me. Your work is incredible, and I can always count
on your to deliver magic.
Lauren Watson Perry, you are a brilliant photographer/magician, whatever you want to call it. Thank you for finding me the perfect Kai and Sebastian and giving me a cover image that has become my favorite ever!
To the entire team at Give Me Books PR, wow. The level of detail and excitement you put into promoting my novel gave me daily happies. Thank y’all so much for everything.
To my Angsters, Booksters, and BBFs, thank you so much for helping me spread the word about The Trouble With Gravity! Y’all make promoting so much fun.
To my Forevers in Forever Young on Facebook. It’s truly a dream to have a small part of the www where I can just be my random self and have fun with y’all. Love you guys so much.
To every blogger that came out to support The Trouble With Gravity by reviewing, sharing, whatevs. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Writers would be nothing without you pushing our books.
And finally … THANK YOU, the reader, who for some reason decided to give my book a try. I am, and always will be, forever grateful.
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Much Love and HEAs,
K.K. Allen
XOXO
Books by K.K. Allen
Emotional Romance Standalones
Up in the Treehouse
Under the Bleachers
Through the Lens (Coming in 2020)
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Rock Star Romance Duet
Dangerous Hearts
Destined Hearts