A/N: I totally blame DJE and his photos from the Bahamas for parts of this chapter!
ALL2Dance Studio
2030 Hours EST
Jillian hits the shuffle button and "You put the lime in the coconut" starts to filter out of the speakers.
All Harm can do is stare at Mac as she starts to swivel her hips in a hula dance. He had absolutely no idea she could move her hips that rhythmically. His groin immediately starts to tighten again, at the mere thought of her moving her hips over him that way. Deciding he needs a distraction; he glances around the room to see what the other dancers are doing. Another couple around Harm and Mac's age are strutting, and rolling their arms in a circle in front of them, fists tightly clenched. The man with the blonde woman grabs his stomach like he is going to be sick, so the blonde lady sticks her thumb to her ear and her pinky finger to her mouth to "Call the doctor." Jillian resists laughing out loud at those two. She does get folks from all walks of life in her classes.
Mac realizes that Harm is pretty much rooted in place, so she moves closer to him and starts circling around him instead. Still moving her hips in a typical hula, she also extends her arms out to her side, in a waving motion. As she waves, she lightly brushes her hands against his chest, hoping for some type of reaction. Her simple, light, teasing touch is almost his undoing. He steps back as if burned, but then he notices the pained expression behind her eyes, and lightly grabs both of her hands in one of his, trying to convey a silent apology for his reaction.
Jillian must notice the anticipation hanging in the air, as she hits the button to shuffle to the next song. Harm is thankful for the reprieve, and also thankful that the song has shifted to something he is more comfortable with. As notes of Strauss fill the air, Harm pulls Sarah closer, but not too close, and assumes the frame for a traditional waltz. This will be easier; it will be just like they rehearsed last night. He silently thinks, 'I can handle this. I get to lead, and I already know how to anticipate her moves.'
Soon they are moving flawlessly together around the room, their eyes locked on one and other. All of the other couples have moved off to the side, giving Harm and Mac the entire floor to move around on. They are simply mesmerized watching the magic that is occurring in front of them. Harm and Mac don't notice anything, they are totally wrapped up in the music, in the moment, and in each other.
As the song drifts to a close, Jillian announces that it is time for a break. She invites everyone to adjourn to the small room next door for refreshments, and advises where the restrooms are located. "Please feel free to mingle, grab something to eat, and introduce yourselves to the others in the class." She motions to Harm and Mac, "Would you two mind hanging back for a moment?"
Jillian waits for all the other patrons to exit the room before she addresses the couple standing in front of her, "It's quite obvious that the two of you have danced a waltz together before. You move together perfectly, and you make a beautiful couple. You also do not belong in the beginner class. Even outside of the waltz, I can tell that you know how to anticipate each other's moves. With your permission, I would like to move you up to the intermediate class first, and see how you fare there. I don't necessarily want to put you in the advanced class just yet, as that is normally reserved for couples who compete professionally. What do you think?"
Harm and Mac both raise eyebrows at that thought. They compete professionally all the time, isn't that what landed them here in the first place? The only difference is, their forum is the courtroom vice a dance hall. However, they are both starting to realize that they if they stop competing, and move together, they are unstoppable.
Mac bites her lower lip so hard, she is afraid her teeth are going to come out of the other side. She quietly tells Jillian, "We aren't a couple. We are partners at work. Have been for around seven years."
Harm adds, "We've had to learn how to anticipate each other's movements in some pretty dicey situations. It just comes naturally at this point."
Jillian shakes her head, "You could have fooled me! Your lines are beautifully executed, and you were both totally lost in each other."
Not getting any further verbal response from either of them, Jillian suggests, "Just so you know, it is often a good idea to practice together outside of class too. Go out to a club where you can just let loose, and you don't have everyone watching your every move. Or go home and put on some music, any kind of music, and just let the notes lead your steps. The dance doesn't require form, or structure, or direction; just let your bodies move in time to the harmony. You might be surprised in the direction it leads you."
Mac is the first to break out of her own little world. She nudges Harm with her shoulder, "What do you think, Flyboy, could you handle a night of clubbing with me?"
Harm gives her a smile, "Hey you know us jet jocks, we like to go fast, and like 9-G turns too. As long as I get to spin you around, I can handle the club music!"
Mac gives him a grin back, before turning her attention back to their teacher. "When is the intermediate class?"
Jillian responds, "We have one tomorrow at 7:00 if that works for you?"
Harm replies for both of them, "Sure, we'll be here at 1900 hours."
Jillian laughs, "Ah, military folks, that explains the perfect posture. Well, you folks have a good night and I will see you tomorrow evening."
Harm instinctively reaches for Mac's hand, slightly unhappy that the night of being able to touch her at will is ending earlier than he anticipated. As she readily slips her hand into his, he realizes that maybe he isn't the only one not ready for this night to end.
They tell Jillian good night and thank her for her time, before heading out of the studio for the evening.