Virtually in Love Read Online Free Page A

Chloe.” Maya smirked at me. “And your partner can be my dear cousin Kaz.”
    â€œWhat?” I put a hand to my heart, feigning horror. “But I like my toes!”
    Carlos shouted with laughter. “Good one, Chloe!” he exclaimed, high-fiving me.
    Meanwhile, Kaz stepped up to me and swept into a gallant bow. “Shall we, milady?” he said, holding out his hand.
    â€œWe shall.” I dropped a brief curtsy and then took his hand. When he just stood there for a second, I decided to take the lead, twirling him around toward me, which made everyone laugh. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed even Aidan had finally cracked a small smile. Score!
    That made me ham it up even more. “Time for a dip, dippy,” I announced.
    Kaz knew exactly what to do. When I yanked him toward me, he let me dip him, collapsing into my arms afterward.
    â€œOof,” I said. “You’re heavier than you look!”
    We wobbled, and a second later Kaz landed on his rear end at my feet. He clutched my legs, pulling himself up with exaggerated effort. That cracked the kids up even more, though Maya was rolling her eyes.
    â€œEnough of the vaudeville act, you two,” she said. “Maestro? Let’s get started.”
    She pointed to one of the other cheerleaders, who was manning the sound system. A moment later classical music poured out of the speakers.
    â€œWhoa, what is this?” Carlos exclaimed, wrinkling his nose.
    â€œMusic,” Kaz informed him as he swept me into waltz position. “We’ll be creating more of it later. But for now watch and learn, munchkins.”
    â€œWatch my toes get squashed,” I added.
    Shani giggled. “Be careful, Kaz!” she said. “Don’t squash her toes!”
    â€œI can’t make any promises,” he replied, straight-faced.
    To my surprise, though, my toes were safe so far. “Hey, have you been practicing your waltzing?” I asked as we twirled around the room. “I don’t have any broken bones yet or anything.”
    â€œI’m full of surprises.” He smiled down at me and waggled his eyebrows.
    I smiled back, a little distracted, as I suddenly noticed he was taller than the last time we’d danced together. When had that happened?
    Meanwhile, Maya was talking to the kids, explaining what we were doing and using one of her friends to demonstrate the proper position. “Now, you guys, go ahead and try,” she urged. “Grab a partner and waltz your little heinies off!”
    She and the other volunteers made their way out onto the dance floor, offering to dance with any of the kids who seemed interested. Carlos made a beeline for a passing cheerleader, leaving Aidan stranded. Some of the other kids were already pairing up with one another.
    I glanced around for Vanessa, knowing she’d be the perfect person to bring Aidan out of his shell, but I couldn’t see her. Meanwhile, Shani was coming toward us. She poked me on the hip as we waltzed past.
    â€œHey, I want to cut in,” she announced.
    Kaz stopped short, clutching me to him so tightly, I couldn’t breathe. “Oh no!” he exclaimed with exaggerated dismay. “You want to steal my partner, Chloe, away from me?”
    Shani giggled and tugged on one of her braids. “No, silly!” she exclaimed. “I want to dance with you !”
    â€œOh!” A wide, goofy grin spread across his face, though he didn’t loosen his grip much. “In that case, I guess it’s all right. Just let me give her one last big hug, okay?”
    â€œOkay,” Shani agreed, though she sounded slightly impatient.
    Kaz squeezed me even closer. I was a little breathless by then—lack of oxygen, I guess—and a little confused, too. What was he doing?
    He lowered his face to my ear. “Check out Mr. Carrot Top over there,” he whispered, his warm breath tickling my cheek. “Think he could use a