Ben rows the boat back to the boathouse and the pair walk back through the park together hand in hand. As they walk, Rey leans her head against his shoulder. This makes Ben's heart flutter and beat rapidly beneath his broad chest. He squeezes her hand gently, making Rey blush and sigh in contentment.
"I would love to listen to you play sometime," she says softly.
He stops and pulls her close to his chest. His eyes capture Rey's and she melts in his arms. Without him holding her, she's sure she would have melted below the street into the world of the subways.
"Would…would you like to listen tonight? I have a piano at my place and I sound-proofed the walls so the neighbors won't be disturbed at this hour. But, if this is too forward…" Ben begins but is silenced by Rey's lips on his own.
"I would love it," she whispers against his lips.
They grin at each other and walk towards the nearest streetlamp. Rey holds out an arm at the exact same time as Ben to hail a cab. The synchronicity of their arms makes them giggle as a cab comes over to pick them up. Ben gives the driver his address and they are off. They stop just outside a beautiful apartment building just a few blocks down from the Natural History Museum. As they leave, Ben pays the driver and leads Rey up to his home on the 3rd floor of the apartment complex. He unlocks the door and they walk in together.
Rey looks about the small but comforting space and smiles. It feels warm and cozy, just like Ben. She trembles as she feels him step up behind her and tenderly place his hands on her shoulders. His warm breath beside her ear enthralls her.
"May I take your coat?" Ben asks softly.
She nods as Ben slides her coat off and carefully hangs it next to his on the coat rack. Rey looks around until her eyes land on Ben's piano in the corner. It is exquisite despite its size. She walks over to the instrument and gently glides her fingertips on top of the ivory keys.
"This is beautiful, Ben," Rey breathes.
Her gaze is captured by Ben. He smiles at her and walks over to join her. His lips graze her temple as he sits at the bench in front of his piano. Rey looks on as she watches him study the piece of sheet music and raise his hands to rest on the keys delicately. She sits down beside him, her body facing away from the piano as he begins to play. The music fills the space and envelopes both of them as the first few notes take off. Rey rests her head on his shoulder as he plays, humming along to the tune she's surprised to know.
"It only happens when I dance with you…that trip to heaven 'til the dance is through…" she sings softly.
Ben's heart sings as his fingers masterfully place the tune. Her voice is like angels singing and he longs to hear more of her sweet melody. He smiles widely, loving how she knows this classic tune.
"With no one else do the heavens seem quite so near…why does this happen dear, only with you?" Rey continues singing, smiling to herself as she listens to his beautiful playing.
"Two cheeks together can be so divine…but only when those cheeks are yours and mine," Ben joins in.
Rey pauses and lifts her head off his shoulder. Her heart beats quickly and she trembles from his gorgeous baritone voice.
"I've danced with dozens of others the whole night through…but the thrill that comes with spring when anything could happen…" he sings, turning his head to look into Rey's eyes.
"That only happens…with you," they sing together softly.
Ben leans forward and presses his lips against Rey's, smiling against her lips as she presses closer to him. Her arms wrap around his neck as his arms slide around her waist. Their kisses are soft yet full of passion. All of the emotions they've kept hidden for so long finally coming to fruition, no longer needing to keep it hidden from others. They are finally alone.
"I love this song," Rey breathes against his lips.
"Definitely one of the best songs from Fred Astaire," Ben whispers back, kissing her deeply.
Rey smiles and kisses him once again. She gingerly slides her hands up to the back of his neck and threads her fingers in his wavy, gorgeous locks. Ben rubs his thumb in circles on the small of her back as he pulls her closer to himself. Somewhere outside the apartment, bells from the local cathedral ring out into the night. It signals 11:00 pm. Rey and Ben pull away slightly, not wanting the night to end but knowing it is late. She takes a deep inhale but is stopped by Ben's kiss. He peppers her face with his lips and sighs when Rey kisses him back. Her lips leave traces of her care all over his face.
"Stay with me…please?" Ben breathes.
"Of course, Ben…there's no place I would rather be," Rey says in a breathy reply.
Without another moment passing, Ben skillfully slides his arm under Rey's legs and lifts her up off the piano bench. She giggles as he walks them to the bedroom and kicks the door shut behind them.