Three days later, Jess stood outside Starlight House again, battling a rollicking case of anxiety. Nik’s SUV pulled into the lot, and she bit her lip while she waited for him to join her.

God, she’d missed him. That smooth swagger, those warm brown eyes, his hair just a little wild and ten kinds of sexy.

Inside, all she could think was, You came back. And it filled her with warm, gooey feelings she couldn’t yet name.

When he approached, she launched into business mode to keep from throwing herself at him.

“This is Starlight House,” she said by way of greeting, holding open the front door so he could enter. “It has been serving adolescent girls who are labeled as at-risk or victims of trauma since its founding in 1985. In 2016, it was updated to meet California’s new model for group homes, the Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs model.”

He looked around, taking in the decorations that were still up. When he met her eyes again, Jess pressed a hand to her chest. “I asked you to meet me here because this is the most special place on earth to me. When I talk about settling down, it’s not just out of complacency or comfort. It’s about growing roots. This place is part of that.”

His eyes softened as he listened, his focus intent on her. It was how he always looked at her when she talked. He listened, deeply. So, even though it was hard to reveal so much of herself like this, she kept going.

“Growing up in Chicago, I relied on community centers and free programs to further my interest and education in dance. When I heard about this place, I knew it was my chance to give back. Because for me, settling down is also about getting involved in the community.”

His silence was starting to unnerve her. Hell, she hadn’t even given him the chance to say hello. But her mouth kept going as her nerves hit the “ramble” button. “I wanted you to see this place, because it’s as much a part of me as The Dance Off, and you only know that side of me. And, well, because…I guess I want you to know all sides of me.”

Ugh, what a dumb ending. Why hadn’t she rehearsed what she wanted to say?

Just then, Mrs. Fernandez entered the lobby. When she saw them, her face lit up. “Oh, Mr. Kovalenko. Thank you so much for the gifts you sent. They really made the girls’ Christmas that much more special.”

Jess froze. The gifts? Nik had sent them?

Nik inclined his head, full of gallantry. “It was my pleasure.”

“Is Jess giving you the tour?” Mrs. F asked.

Smiling at Jess, Nik nodded. “She is.”

It was all Jess could do to keep a straight face. Her mind reeled at the revelation.

“Great.” Mrs. F took her seat behind the desk. “She’s been volunteering here for a few years, and she’s initiated some excellent fundraising efforts, as well as therapeutic dance classes for the girls.”

“She’s a gem,” he murmured.

Clutching his elbow, Jess beamed a smile at the older woman, then propelled Nik into the hallway so they could have some privacy.

Once they were alone, she released his arm and stared up at him. “You knew?”

“Of course. You post about this place on Instagram all the time. Since I didn’t think you’d want me buying you a Christmas present, I sent gifts here instead. It seemed like that would mean more to you anyway, and besides, Christmas is about community and giving back.”

Inside, her heart shattered, then reformed. When she spoke, her voice was tight with emotion. “I don’t know how to thank you. I was here when they opened the presents. I wish you could have seen the joy on their faces, the fun they were having.”

His lips twisted, and there was something wistful in his eyes. “There’s always next year,” he said softly.

All traces of doubt she’d ever held about him vanished. This man was kind, conscientious, and most of all, understood her need to stick around and give back. He was serious, and he wasn’t playing games with her.

She could trust him.

He took her hand, holding it gently. “Jeshka, I…I’m sorry I rushed you.”

She opened her mouth to contradict, to thank him for rushing because moving fast was the only way to bypass her defenses before she could create new ones, and really, yes, she did want this, when someone else spoke.

“There you are.”

Their heads snapped up to where Naomi strode down the hall toward them with a big smile on her face.

Jess handled the introduction. “Nik, this is Naomi. She’s one of the counselors here.”

Nik shook her hand. “I remember seeing you at Rhianne’s party. I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself properly then.”

Naomi chuckled. “No worries. Your mind was busy. Thanks again for the gifts you sent.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Then she turned to Jess. “Before you get started, I have some news.”

Jess frowned, hoping nothing had gone wrong with the day’s plans. “What kind of news?”

“Don’t worry, it’s good news. We want you to join the Starlight House board.”

Jess’s pulse thumped, sure she’d misheard. “The what?”

“The board!” Naomi pulled Jess into a hug. “You’ve done so much over the last year, between fundraising efforts and donating your time to teach and hang out with the girls. So, you’re officially being invited to join the board of directors to help ensure Starlight keeps moving in a good direction.”

Wow. Board of directors. Part of her felt like she was too young for such a responsibility, but Starlight House and the girls it served meant the world to her, and the thought of stepping into a more official role and being able to help even more gave her a feeling of…rightness. Yes, this was the kind of thing she’d been looking to do more of.

“I’m…I’m speechless.” Jess hugged Naomi back. “And honored. Thank you.”

“That’s wonderful news, Jeshka,” Nik said quietly at her side, and Jess turned to see him beaming a proud smile at her. She was so happy, both from Naomi’s news and just from having Nik here with her, she wanted to throw herself into his arms and squeeze him tight. But if she did, Naomi would tease her mercilessly.

Oh, what the hell.

Jess wrapped her arms around Nik’s midsection and hugged him hard. When he enveloped her in his warm, solid embrace and his spicy-sweet scent, she was sure she’d never felt anything so perfect.

When she released him, Naomi didn’t laugh, but she did gesture down the hallway.

“By the way, everything is set up. We’re ready when you are.”

When Nik shot Jess a curious look, she slapped a hand to her forehead. “Shit. I forgot to mention one other thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I told everyone you were stopping by to teach a dance class. The girls are very excited, so you can’t say no.”

“Teaching with you?”

Of course he’d focus on that part. “Yeah.”

His face lit up, and he didn’t ask any more questions. Slinging an arm around her shoulders to tuck her in against his side, he smiled down at her. “I’d love to.”