Chapter 25 #2
He placed one of her hands on his chest right above his heart, and covered it with one of his.
Courage seemed to flash in her eyes as she slid her other hand up his arm, coming to rest at the top of his shoulder, not losing eye contact.
She was so close he could feel her body's heat and hear her breath intake.
When her fingers flexed and touched the stray hairs at the back of his neck, goosebumps were set alight all over.
He slid his free hand around her waist, swaying them both gently side-to-side. He was lost in the music, the words, and her intoxicating scent.
Her eyes burned through him like a glass of good whiskey, making his chest tight. He couldn’t read her expression, but her eyes never left his.
When the song ended, he could see Sofia in his peripheral, her hand over her heart as she lay her head on his dad’s shoulder while they watched.
He didn’t want to stop dancing when the song ended, but reluctantly took a step back.
“Aria–” Alex started to say with a whisper, lost in the moment he had wanted for so long.
Suddenly, a client of his father’s came by to shake his hand and ask for a picture. Not wanting to be rude, he released her and took the picture quickly.
When he turned back to her, she had left. Alex’s heart thumped in his chest. He was about to go look for her when Sofia stopped him.
“Hey, she’s in the restroom. What happened? She said she’d be right back when I asked if she was okay.”
Alex rubbed his forehead and said, “I don’t know. I mean, we were dancing and I thought there was a moment. Maybe I moved too fast, but I know I can’t be alone in what’s happening between us, Sofia.”
“You’re not doing anything wrong. I don’t know, keep going slow. No sudden movements, you know? If you’re right and she feels the same attraction, she might have gotten spooked.”
“You’re right. Oh, here she comes,” Alex said as he walked toward Aria.
Her face held conflicting emotions. Her smile looked genuine, but her eyes revealed sadness.
“Aria, is everything okay? Did I do something to upset you?”
Shaking her head vigorously, Aria answered, “No, Alex. You didn’t do anything. It’s, it’s just been a long time since I danced.” He barely detected a wince when she said the words, but he saw it.
“I think I may need to call it a night, though. But I can get a taxi, so you can stay with your family,” Aria said, her voice slightly strained.
“Not a chance, Aria. Let's go tell them we're leaving, and I’ll take you home,” Alex insisted as he took her by the hand. He hadn’t meant to do it, but he feared she would just take off.
Saying their goodbyes to Leonardo and Sofia, they headed for Alex's car, and he helped her into the passenger side, then climbed into the driver's seat.
“Thanks for a wonderful night. Sorry I cut it short,” she said as she fidgeted with her purse that laid on her lap.
“Hey, we listened to boring speeches, ate good food, and I got to dance with you. I call it a win.”
Alex forced his eyes off her, started the car, and pulled off into the night. She looked out her window as they drove away from the city, deep in thought.
“The stars are so bright tonight,” Aria mused as she gazed into the night sky from her window.
“If you like to look at the stars, you have to see them from my boat. Are you free tomorrow night?” Alex asked, hoping whatever she felt hadn’t put her off him entirely.
Aria turned and answered excitedly, “It’s been forever since I’ve gone out on a boat at night. I’d love that.”
“Great, I'll pick you up at 6:00 if that’s okay. We can have dinner on the boat and then take her for a spin if we have time. I still want to have you over to my house so I can cook for you. Another night, though.”
“Sounds great.”
It was a short drive to her house, and once there, Alex got out and went around to help her get out of the car. His intention was to ask Aria out as many times as she allowed.
He followed as she walked slowly to her door. She hesitated so he stopped, waiting as she faced her door, not saying anything.
“Aria?”
She turned to face him, her expression flickering with a blend of emotions he couldn’t read.
Reaching for her upper arms, face etched in worry, Alex whispered, “Aria, what is it? Please. Tell me so I can fix it.”
Leaning into him, she placed her cheek to his chest.
“I, I just…” Her voice stuttered and she took in a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re killing me, Aria. Sorry for what?”
“I’m saying this wrong,” she said as she pulled away and saw the pain in his eyes.
She placed her hand on his cheek, making him inhale sharply.
“Alex, I, I really liked being with you tonight. Dancing with you. Like I said, it’s been a long time.”
Alex could feel the panic start to ease. He sighed in relief.
Huffing and laughing at the same time, he answered, “Aria, I really liked being with you too. And I’m glad I didn’t step on your feet.”
With a soft chuckle, she said, “Tell Sofia she did well.”
“So, you’re happy?” he asked.
Nodding her head, she answered, “Yeah, I’m happy. Good night.”
She whispered the last sentence and turned back to put her key in the door.
He watched her open the door, take one last look at him and slowly close it.
Rubbing the ache in his chest, he started to walk away. How could he miss her already?
Looking back at her closed door, he fought the urge to ring the doorbell and take her in his arms and kiss her.
Squelching that desire, he headed to his car, joy pulsating through him.
She liked being with me, liked dancing with me. I can work with that.
He was certain she was starting to open up to him and unless he was reading her wrong, it was in a ‘more than a friend’ way. One thing was sure. He wanted tonight’s dance to be the first of many.