The song was the same one Emma had been practicing earlier. But this time, her voice played with the inflection, the ballad more sultry than before, as if Emma was finally honing in on her strength, letting the music accompany her instead of the other way around. Exactly what Lucy needed to do with ValleyStart. As the rest of the bus became entranced by Emma, Lucy sank deeper into the seat, mentally rehashing the past few days while sipping the sangria.

So by the time they walked through the door of the same club Lucy had been at little more than a week ago, she was well on her way to floating to the rafters above. Half the busload had partaken of the refreshments, but Lucy was the only one aiming for the dance floor instead of the buffet of free food. Even Delia and Maddie were heading toward the taco station, forcing Lucy to reluctantly trudge along behind them.

She leaned against the wall, surveying her competitors.

Unfazed. That’s how she wanted to be seen.

Which is why when Gavin passed by, she grabbed his shirt and tugged him all the way to the dance floor. Gray jeans, a white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, he was dressed not like a Valley wannabe but the way he had in high school. Part of what had attracted her to him then. And that she hated still did now.

It only took a second for Gavin to kick into gear. His hands cradled her waist, and he flung her low into a dip. She giggled—purposely, loudly—as she righted herself. He held her close, using their bodies to shield a can of PBR in a red koozie.

Lucy tucked herself into Gavin and accepted the can. She took a swig, gave it back, and he polished it off, circling their fused bodies to the side of the dance floor where he stashed the empty. Gavin had showered since he’d been in her room, and he smelled like the redwoods like he always did. . . . Why does he have to smell so good and why does his hair feel so soft against my skin and why, why is he such a good dancer?

His arms were strong and her feet were quick and they were both so damn cocky that they didn’t care if they were the only ones dancing. The song ended and another began and they dug in deeper. Their rhythm was smooth and effortless, and anyone watching should have been able to see this was not the first time they’d moved in sync. Lucy’s eyes shot open. She jerked back, searching for Ryan.

He was at the end of the buffet, talking to Eric’s group. His head shifted and his eyes met hers. She slowly backed away from Gavin. He cocked his head, and she tilted her own toward Delia.