Song: Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not by Thompson Square
Knockin' Boots
Chapter 9
She's free for the next few songs and stays right where she is, with him. So close, they're almost one. They don't speak, just shifting with the music. Back, forth, left, right. She's pressed against him, his hands still gripping her waist.
Her radiant smile is so wide and full that her cheeks ache.
He's at the edge, the place where he's sure to fall. He can see it now—totally falling head over heels. She feels like perfection in his hands, like it's right where she's meant to be. He wants to pull her closer, but he resists, postpones. Now is not the time.
Alice stands off to the side watching them. She couldn't be more satisfied with Edward and Bella if they were her puppets and she was their master. Her plan is falling in place even better than if she had, well... planned it.
If only Edward and Bella knew what she had up her sleeve. By the time this night is through, if they don't act on their attraction, Alice may just have to lock them in a room alone together and hide the key. She giggles thinking that may not be a very bad idea.
But first, the music. All the songs she has lined up are for Edward and Bella. They're sexy and provocative and not too subtle. Tonight's the night for reckless and unruly.
Pete comes over the speakers and announces that all dancers need to grab a partner and head to the main dance floor for the Texas Two Step.
Bella's heart starts to pound. This is it. She wants him as her partner. She feels his hands squeeze her waist a little tighter and briefly wonders how this will go.
Edward wants to cuss Pete right now, his night had pretty much been sublime until just now. He knows the Two Step, she knows the Two Step, and they could probably do it pretty flawlessly together, but he doesn't dance. Not anymore. Doesn't she know?
She peps herself up. It's now or never.
She turns and takes one small step backward. She grabs one of his hands with both of hers and gives him a mild tug. Her eyes beg and plead.
He doesn't budge.
"Come dance with me," she mouths as she pulls on his hand a little harder. His shoulders lean forward but the look in his eyes is not encouraging.
He's stuck—damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
She steps one more step, their hands now barely reaching the other, "Please."
His back comes off the wall and his feet shuffle.
Shit, he wants to. If he doesn't go out there with her she'll ask someone else, she has to.
She feels him relenting by the give in his stance.
"Come on," she pulls harder and he folds.
She winks.
He shakes his head.
She links her fingers with his and breathes a sigh of relief.
He's going to dance with her.
He concedes and follows her to her spot on the floor. He waits for the guilt to kick in and quash his elevated mood but he only feels the sweetest of bliss.
He stands behind her, right arm draped across her shoulders and holding her right hand and their left hands also joined.
She's so excited. This is what she's been waiting for, a tiny stepping stone on their path to more.
The music starts and Edward glances up to see Alice standing at the deejay booth. She gives him the thumbs up as the circle starts to move. He rolls his eyes. Of course, she would have to pick this song.
~o~
We were sittin' up there on your momma's roof
Talkin' 'bout everything under the moon
With the smell of honeysuckle and your perfume
All I could think about was my next move
~o~
They make the steps like the seasoned dancers they are. From his spot behind her, he leads her like a king. Their hands separate so they can each turn and easily reconnect and grasp.
She loves the weight of his arm around her, the feel of her hands in his, the way he persuades her to move. She very well may be compelled by him as he twirls her fast yet steady, her hair billowing out and hitting against his arm.
They step and twirl and move together as if there was any other way to do it, no misstep between them.
She turns to him face-to-face and a mix of longing and merriment fills the small space between them. He notices that she's blushing when he realizes he was singing along. He smiles and wiggles his eyebrows.
~o~
Are we gonna do this or what?
I think you know I like you a lot
But you're 'bout to miss your shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not?
~o~
He doesn't stop singing because, hey—you never know.
Alice and her stupid, yet perfect songs.
Once the dance is over, she steps in and hugs him. She feels like she just hurdled one of his walls and it was easier than she thought. Progress.
He wraps his arms around her waist returning her embrace, pulling her closer. She's done more for him than she realizes.
"Thanks for the dance," she says against his cheek right before she places her lips there and chastely kissing him, lingering as long as she can.
She sniffs his rough skin, memorizing the texture and warmth against her mouth. If only time would still for just a moment.
She's forced to let go of his hand and walk away from him much sooner than she'd like but duty calls. She's due on stage in five for the next line dance.
He knows why she's walking away. He's also aware of the fact that he hates to let her go.
He stumbles back to his spot to watch the stage, his head still clouded and dazed.
He danced. He danced with her and it was perfect.
He thinks he wants to do it again…and soon.
And there was a kiss, just a tease of a kiss really, that left him wanting more.
Much, much more.
"A man who knows how to dance can make any woman feel good."
- Barbara Haller
