Written for Christoper Scott's February challenge: Valentine's Surprise.
There's a link on my profile for Tiana's dress, in case you want to see what I had in mind. It's sweet and simple, just liker her.
A Dance Just for You
Tiana and Naveen walked hand in hand down the boulevard, each enjoying the other's company. Naveen found he was gently leading Tiana towards the faint sounds of a jazz band.
They rounded a corner to find the Firefly Five jazz band playing for all its worth. Naveen laughed when he saw them and eagerly pulled Tiana towards the crowd.
"Come on!"
His hand slid out of hers as he went to join the people dancing. It was only when he was about to start into the Charleston that he noticed that Tiana had stayed back.
Naveen walked towards her with an extended hand.
"Dance with me?"
Tiana looked down, ashamed. "Naveen, you know I can't dance."
"Dance? No, no, no, I meant will you join me and sway in time to the music?"
Tiana smiled and placed her hand in his.
A week later, it was Valentine's Day and both Tiana and Naveen agreed not to work on the restaurant. Tiana spent the morning doing errands with Charlotte and Naveen had to meet with several ambassadors. At least that's what he told Tiana as he walked out the door in suit with a briefcase in hand. In truth, he had packed a set of workclothes in the briefcase and headed towards the restaurant to finish Tiana's present. Now when she walked into the restaurant, she would see a brand new, sparkling kitchen. Naveen had made sure that the kitchen would be done in time for Valentine's Day instead of two weeks later, as Tiana had planned.
Naveen polished the last appliance then changed back into the suit to head home.
"Tiana? I'm home!"
Naveen stepped into their small apartment and walked into the kitchen, expecting to see Tiana. The kitchen was empty, save for a bubbling pot of gumbo and a table set for two.
"Tiana? Where are you?" He walked towards the bedroom when he heard the Victrola start playing in the living room. "Tiana?"
The furniture had been pushed back and in the middle of the room stood Tiana, dressed in a simple yellow dress with a low waist and the hem line fluttering just above her knees.
She stepped towards him. "I'll take that dance now, Naveen."
He took her hand, spun her around, and pressed her back to him just as a tango started tinkling out of the Victrola. Together, they stepped in time, feet perfectly placed. He turned her and dipped her halfway to the floor before bringing Tiana up nose to nose. Naveen spun her out and as he brought her back in Tiana stepped daintily over his outstretched leg and slowly drew her heel up his thigh and back down again. Naveen breathed deeply as he thought that whoever had taught Tiana to dance had certainly done their job well. She dropped his hand and drew her hand across his chest as she paraded around him. When she came back around, he grabbed her and dipped her until the stray strands of her hair brushed the floor. Taking its cue, the tango petered out into a scratchy silence.
Naveen leaned closer until he could whisper in her ear.
"Where did you learn to dance, princess?" He whispered.
"Where did you find that stove I wanted?"
Naveen almost dropped her. He had worked so hard to keep the kitchen a secret.
Tiana laughed. "You don't think I know everything that goes on in my restaurant?"
"I hoped."
A slight pause.
"Charlotte taught me. I was 'shamed that I couldn't dance with you that other day when you asked me so I learned. I learned to dance just for you."
Naveen abruptly brought Tiana back up so that they were pressed together, once again nose to nose.
"Then let's see what else you learned."
The Victrola croaked out a sigh since it knew it would be working the whole night long.
Reviews always welcome.