Chapter Six
Allison
“Morning Hooker, it’s your daily morning commute call,” Morgan chimes into the phone when I answer.
“Perfect timing. I just poured my coffee and my toast is almost ready.”
“And let me guess, the honey, PB, and banana are waiting to be added on top?”
“Of course! Ever since I read that book where the main character ate it all the time, I had to try it, and now I’m sort of addicted to it,” I defend. Morgan laughs.
“It is good. I just can’t do it every morning. Anyway, what’s the latest in your world? It’s your day.” We alternate days on who gets to dish the dirt since her commute isn’t very long.
“Well, you won’t believe this, but I ran into that Oliver guy again.”
“Again? What’s that, like three times now?”
“Yep. Crazy right?”
“Totally, so where was he?” When my toast pops out of my Hello Kitty toaster, I plate it and start adding the fixings but stop to finish my story.
“At Rose and Pat’s. We played a game of tug-o-war with the last individual meal. I won, so he suggested we have dinner together. We ended up getting a few things and took them to the park. He called it a date and paid for everything.”
“Holy crap, why can’t I just fall over a guy like that?”
“Technically I fell into him, but get this, are you sitting down?”
“No, you know I’m walking to work, just tell me.”
“HE’S THE OLIVER HUDSON!” I scream.
“OMG! You suck. I can’t believe you’re dating the greatest crime novelist of all time!” Morgan screams back. I have to hold the phone away from my ear.
“It was one date,” I say, putting the phone back in place.
“What’s he like?”
“Very nice, sweet, charming, and definitely doesn’t hold anything back.”
“That’s so awesome. Do you think he’d sign my books for me?” she asks.
“I’m sure he would, I told him he needed to come sign mine, so if that happens, I’ll let you know when to come over.”
“You better!”
“Of course I will, you’re my girl.”
“I’m almost at work so I’ll let you go,” she says.
“Okay, have a good day. I’ll call you after my dance lesson.”
“Oh shit. I forgot that was today! Damn woman, what are you going to do with all these men?”
“I’m sure I can think of something. You did say I needed to have some fun.” I waggle my eyebrows even though she can’t see me and laugh.
“I’m sure. Bye.”
“Bye Morgan.”
I take theafternoon off and prepare for my lesson with Daveed. I had a great time with Oliver, but I’m keeping my options open and want to look nice. I throw on a red dress that’s fitted at the top and flows at the waist so that I can twirl in style. As I walk into the dance studio, I can hear different types of music flowing from the rooms lining the hallway behind the front desk. I approach the receptionist and give her my name. She lets me know Daveed will be with me shortly. I take a seat in the waiting area and the receptionist hands me a small bottle of water to drink while I wait.
I’m tapping my foot to jazz music when Daveed calls my name. It rolls off his tongue like a melody. When I look up, his gorgeous smile and bright eyes take me in. I know we didn’t quite hit it off mentally, but I have to say that with the look he just gave me, my girlie bits are getting a little worked up. I rise and follow him to one of the rooms.
“I’m so happy to see you again. Thank you for coming,” he says while twirling me into a classroom. There are full-length mirrors on one wall and the wooden floor creaks as we walk to the middle of the room.
“How could I resist a free dance lesson? I’ve got to keep my moves fresh!” I banter back with a laugh.
“Is that the only reason you came?” he asks, worry furrowing his brow.
“No! That isn’t the only reason,” I assure him, patting his arm.
“Good.” He sighs and relief washes over his face. “Now, where should we begin?” He thinks for a brief second and then claps his hands. “But of course! I shall teach you the tango.”
“I’m all yours.” I wiggle in excitement.
“Okay, place your arms up like this,” he instructs and I follow, holding my arms out to the side. “And I will hold you like this. He matches his hands up with mine. Then you just let me lead. Okay?”
“Lead away,” I whisper, mesmerized by his deep voice and dreamy eyes.
“Okay, right foot back. One, two, three, to the side, slide.” He looks down at me. “Good, let’s do it again.” We circle around the room and he continues to add steps.
“Now we will promenade.” He turns me so we are cheek to cheek and we continue our slow-quick-quick-slow steps. Once he’s done walking me through the steps, he starts the music and we dance around the room. I feel like I’m in Argentina dancing down a sidewalk lined with shops and cafés, transported by the music and the scent of his spicy cologne. My head spins, but I don’t falter as he steadies me in his arms. We continue for several songs, just dancing and staring into each other’s eyes, until he dips me with a kiss on the lips.
“You are amazing. Most people don’t pick this up so quickly,” he informs me, setting me upright.
“You’re just saying that.” I blush.
“Not at all. You’re a natural. I’d love to spend more time teaching you other dances.” He steps away and grabs us some water.
“I’d love that,” I say, taking in deep calming breaths while accepting the bottle of water he offers.
“Shall we schedule another date?” I know. I know what I told Morgan but this experience was kind of amazing and I think he deserves another chance.
“Yes. Friday night?” I offer, taking a sip of the cool water.
“I will pick you up at seven.”
“Perfect. See you then, Daveed.” I try to purr his name but I don’t think I manage to make it sound as sexy as when he says mine. He huffs out a laugh before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.
“Till then.” He takes my hand and walks me to the front door of the studio. When I step outside, I chug the rest of the small bottle of water to cool my flushed body and grab a cab.