He chuckled. “Whatever, kid. You suck at this, but we’re gonna keep trying. Follow my lead.”
“That’s another thing. How am I supposed to learn if I’m following your lead? Won’t Becca expect me to lead? Maybe we should try that?”
He shook his head. “I lead. I’m the guy.”
“I want to be the guy.”
“Not right now.”
“No, let’s try it my way.”
“No! I’m the guy! I’m too big to be the girl. That’s your job!”
“I’m tired of being the girl!”
A voice made us both freeze.
“Is this what happens after hours around here? Maddox, you’ve been hiding things from me.”
Aiden and I separated, then faced the door.
Maddox and Richard VanRyan filled the doorway. They had their arms crossed, amusement written all over their faces.
“How long have you been there?” Aiden demanded.
“Long enough. I think the question is how long have you been at that?” Maddox responded.
Aiden glanced at his watch. “An hour or so.”
“I was practicing before he got here,” I piped up.
Richard’s expression said it all. My practicing hadn’t helped.
“Um, what are you doing here, Richard?”
He grinned. “I was in Montreal. My flight had a stopover, and there was a mechanical malfunction that grounded us for the night. I called Maddox to see if he wanted to meet for a drink, and he insisted on coming to get me.”
“And you’re here in the office because . . . ?”
“I heard they were auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance. And I wanted to come to see it for myself. By the way, the answer to the question is no. You can’t dance, Reid.” He started to chuckle. “In fact, both of you suck.”
“Hey!” Aiden frowned. “I’m a good dancer. Cami says so.”
“Uh-huh.”
“She never complains.”
Maddox burst out laughing. “Because all you do is crush her to your chest and fling her around. She hangs on for dear life.”
“If you think you can do better, be my guest.”
Maddox lifted an eyebrow. “You wanna make a little wager?”
“Sure.” Aiden put his hands on his hips. “Bring it.”
“Hey!” I objected. “I only want to dance with Becca at the wedding. Not be part of some sort of contest.”
Richard smirked, ignoring my words. “I’ll accept too. Double or nothing.”
“That confident, are you?” Maddox returned his smirk.
“When I first knew her, my wife could, and often did, trip over air. She’s gotten better, but she still finds being vertical a challenge at times,” Richard laughed. “When Katy dances with me, she’s grace personified. I think I have a lot to do with that.”
Aiden chuckled. “Okay then, I think we have a challenge. You each get a chance with him, and whoever shows him how to dance the best, wins.”
“Um.” I scratched my head. “I really don’t want to dance with anyone else tonight. I think I’m good.”
“What’s the wager?” Maddox asked, ignoring me as he looked between Aiden and Richard.
“A thousand bucks.” Aiden rubbed his hands together. “Whoever teaches him to dance gets the cash.”
My eyebrows flew up.
Richard shrugged off his jacket. “You’re on.”
“What do I get out of it?” I asked.
Richard held out his arms. “The safety of my embrace,” he deadpanned. “Now, let’s go.”
I groaned. This was not how I planned to learn how to dance.
* * *
Forty-five minutes later, I shook my head. “Forget it, Richard. Obviously, this is not my thing.”
He furrowed his brow. “You literally have no coordination. Or rhythm.”
“This doesn’t bode well for punching your V-card, Reid,” Aiden sang from the desk. “You need lots of rhythm for that.” He kicked up his feet on my desk and made a lewd gesture with his hips. “Becca is gonna expect some moves in the bedroom.”
Richard’s eyes grew round. “You’ve never? Really, I mean, no offense, but how can that even be possible?”
“It just is,” I said, feeling defensive. “Becca’s good with it. In fact, she finds it hot.”
He grimaced. “I don’t want to think of Becca and you . . . yeah, never mind.” He laid his hand on my shoulder, suddenly serious. “Treat her right, or you’ll deal with me.”
“Understood.”
“Do you need any, ah, pointers, in that direction?”
I held up my hands. “No. Just no.”
“Okay, simply asking. Back to business.” Richard huffed a sigh. “You got any ideas, Mad Dog? The kid has the rhythm of a block of cement.”
Maddox stood, draining his beer. He’d gone out, grabbed some pizza and a case of beer, and brought it back. He had returned to the office full time after his accident, and he was almost back to his old self. He and Aiden had been eating, drinking, and critiquing, while Richard did his best to teach me to dance. As with Aiden, it was a total failure.
“One,” Maddox drawled, and handed Richard and me each a beer. “You keep telling him, but does he even know what he’s trying to do? What it’s supposed to look like? It’s Reid, our computer boy. Graphics, games, code. He’s all about seeing. He needs a visual.” He indicated the monitors behind me. “And not like that. Live.”
Richard took a long swallow. “You’re right.”
Maddox chuckled. “You willing to take one for the team?”
Richard drained his beer and wiped his mouth. “Let’s go.” He tilted his chin. “Music.”
I hit the play button and grabbed my beer. The bottle froze partway to my mouth as Richard and Maddox began to dance. Richard took the lead, with Maddox following his steps. They were loose and relaxed, their bodies swaying, feet moving to the beat. I watched, actually seeing how they simply allowed the music to move them. I studied their feet, wondering how they didn’t trip over each other, but neither seemed to have that issue.
“You two look beautiful together,” Aiden mocked. “So in sync.”
Maddox flipped him the bird and kept going. “Do you see?” he asked me. “Concentrate on your partner, not your feet. Stop thinking. That’s not how it works. Feel the music. Guide her by pressing on her back, gently urging her in the right direction.”
I frowned.
“Like your game controller.” Richard smirked.
A light bulb went on.
“Yes!”
“Okay, you try.”
“Can I lead?”
“Yes.”
I took Richard’s place. I took in a deep breath, blew it out, and concentrated on the music. I ignored the fact that it was Maddox and someone was watching us. I didn’t trip. I didn’t stumble. I wasn’t very graceful, but I stayed upright, earning a round of applause.
“I think that’s as good as it’s going to get,” Richard observed.
I grabbed a piece of pizza and wolfed it down. “As long as I don’t maim Becca, I’m good. She’s graceful enough for both of us.” I sighed. “I think I’ve had enough lessons for tonight.”
“Thank God,” Richard muttered.
“What about up-tempo dances?” Aiden asked. “I’m better at those.”
I shook my head. “I can barely go slow. I am not trying fast. I’ll sit those ones out.”
Aiden scrolled through my music, pressing play. “No, really. You can do this. Watch me.”
Maddox dropped his head with a groan. “Not again.”
Aiden started to move.
Grinding, pushing out his chest, and thrusting to the heavy Latin beat. He circled his hips, popped his pelvis, dropped to his knees, and jumped up again. He rolled his shoulders, his pecs, and his hips. It was almost obscene. He grinned the whole time, stroking his chest and making lewd gestures with his hands. He grabbed the back of the chair, grinding against it.
“Usually, I have Cami for this. She loves it—she thinks it’s hot.”
I gaped, meeting Richard’s eyes.
“I can’t do that.”
He began to laugh. Big, loud guffaws that echoed in my office. “And I can’t unsee that. It will forever be seared into my brain.”
“Welcome to my world,” Maddox muttered. “He used to practice in the living room at the house we shared. Time hasn’t improved it.”
Aiden winked, and suddenly we were all laughing. He stopped dancing and turned off the music. “You guys have no appreciation for my talent.”
“Is that what you call it?” Richard quipped.
I chuckled. Aiden ignored him.
“I guess you won the bet, Mad Dog. I owe you a thousand bucks.”
“Yeah, me too,” Richard chuckled. “Worth it, though.”
“Promise me you won’t ever make me watch you dance like that again, Aiden, and we’ll call it even.” Maddox waved at Richard. “We can have a guys’ night out on you next time you’re in town.”
“Works for me.” Richard lifted his hand for a high five, and Aiden flashed a grin.
“Done.”
Reid
I fussed with the sleeves of my shirt, tugged on my suit jacket, and studied my reflection in the mirror. Maddox went with me to help pick out the suit, making sure I had it tailored properly. I wanted to look nice for Becca, so she’d be proud to have me as her date. Although we hadn’t made a big thing of being together at the office, and planned to be low-key today at the wedding, it was still a date for us. I was looking forward to spending the evening with her.
The suit was navy with a fine pinstripe. My shirt white, the tie and pocket square Maddox insisted on, red. The suit was the most expensive thing I’d ever purchased, although I knew it was a drop in the bucket compared to what Maddox or Bentley paid for a suit. Still, it looked good, and I had actually enjoyed the shopping trip with Maddox. We kept it between us in case Aiden decided to tag along. After the dance lessons, I wasn’t sure I could handle his input on my clothing choice as well.
I slipped on the new shoes Maddox claimed I had to purchase, and my phone buzzed, announcing the arrival of the car service I had hired. I grabbed my keys and hurried out the door, anxious to get to Becca.
* * *
I kept staring at Becca most of the evening. I couldn’t help it. She was always pretty and elegant, but today, she was stunning. Her hair was an intricate weave of curls and small glittery beads, wound together at the base of her neck with some long tendrils around her face and neck. Her dress was red, matching my tie, a simple cut that was off the shoulder and swirled around her knees as she walked. But when she had turned around to get a shawl, I gasped. The back was a deep cowl, showing off the creamy expanse of her skin. Skin that I could touch as I escorted her to the car. That I could stroke as I sat next to her, my arm draped across the back of her chair. Softness that had been driving me crazy all night in anticipation. All of a sudden, dancing had become something I needed to do with her.
I had finally told her my concerns. I had even confessed to the dance lessons, albeit a slightly abridged version. After her laughter faded, she had kissed my cheek and assured me we would be fine. I would be fine.
Once the dinner was over, the amusing and mercifully short speeches made by Aiden and Maddox, the dancing began. I watched Bentley and Emmy twirl around the floor, his steps confident and assured. Maddox and Dee were elegant; although they slipped away not long after the music began. Aiden wasn’t as smooth as the other two, but Cami made up for it, and he beamed down at her with a look of adoration on his face. Richard had returned to town for the wedding, his wife Katy with him. He pulled her onto the dance floor fast, holding her close as they moved to the music. Each man had his own style and for him, it worked. Now it was my turn to find my style.
I swallowed and caught Becca’s gaze. “You want to risk it, BB?”
She smiled and squeezed my hand. “I would love to dance, but not if it makes you uncomfortable.”
I stood and offered her my hand. “I apologize in advance for my feet and my lack of skill.”
She took my hand with a shake of her head. “We’ll do it together. You’ll be fine.”
She was right.
She slid her arm around my shoulder, letting me wind mine around her waist to draw her close. I spread my fingers wide across the bare, silken skin of her back, caressing the warmth. I relaxed as our clasped hands rested on my chest, over my heart, enjoying having her so close. I grinned at her. “Ready?”
She winked. “I got you.”
We began to move. Slowly at first, then it happened. I felt the music, felt Becca against me. She fit under my chin perfectly, and I laid my cheek on her fragrant hair. She hummed with the music, letting me lead her. I wasn’t Bentley or Richard, who covered the dance floor with intricate steps, but we shuffled and rocked, and not once did I step on her feet. That was my style.
She squeezed my shoulder. “See, not so bad.”
I chuckled. “We’re not moving much.”
She nestled against me. “I don’t mind.”
The music transitioned into another song, and we stayed on the dance floor, moving and swaying to the dulcet sound. Becca glanced toward our table and giggled.
“What?”
“You really need to look.”
I turned us so I was facing our group. Richard, Aiden, and Maddox all held up pieces of paper, grinning widely. I got an eight from Richard, eight point five from Maddox and Aiden gave me a nine. He thumped his chest when I met his eye.
“Look how well I taught him!” he stated to Richard and Maddox. They both rolled their eyes and gave me a thumbs-up. I had to laugh at their antics.
We danced for several songs, each flowing into another. I grew more confident, moving more fluidly, tucking Becca tight, and gliding my fingers in long strokes along her back. I decided I loved dancing. It meant Becca was close.
She tilted back her head. “I don’t think you gave yourself enough credit. You’re doing so well, Reid. I love dancing with you.”
I chuckled. “Trust me, I wasn’t like this with the guys. Although, I think I figured out why now.”
“Tell me.”
“I haven’t been touched a lot, Becca. No hugs as a kid and all that. I don’t really like being close to many people—except you. Having you in my arms, close, relaxes me. I like touching you. The dancing part comes easy with you.” My long exhale of air ruffled her hair. “Everything comes easy when I’m with you.”
Her eyes shone. “There you go again with your words.”
I chuckled.
“I like touching you too,” she added.
Our eyes locked, the heat that always pulsated just below the surface beginning to bubble between us.
My steps faltered. Becca’s gaze grew intense.
“I want to touch you everywhere, Reid.”
I dropped my head to her hair. “I want that too.”
She tucked herself tighter to my chest. “Soon?”
I wanted to grab her hand and drag her out of there now. Glancing toward our table, I saw people watching us intently, and I knew it wasn’t the right time. Being together in every sense of the word was private. I didn’t want people gossiping about us or specifically about Becca. Today was about Bentley and Emmy. Enjoying our first real date. Spending time with our friends. Letting her dance as much as she wanted. I didn’t want to rush her out of here and have sex. I wanted to take my time and discover her. Have her all to myself for hours. We already had plans for the morning tomorrow with Richard and Katy, and I knew if I took her home tonight, those wouldn’t happen.
I pressed a kiss to her crown.
“Soon,” I promised.
* * *
The week passed quickly. The office was quiet with Bentley gone on his honeymoon. It had a pace and heartbeat when he was there, the atmosphere electric and charged with his energy. It dimmed in his absence.
&n
bsp; Richard stayed for a couple of days, and we had dinner with him and Katy. It was obvious how fond of Becca they both were, and I was glad he seemed to like me since his opinion meant a great deal to Becca. I hoped it would help sway her father when the time came.
Katy and Becca went to the ladies’ room, leaving us alone at the table.
“You two look pretty close,” Richard observed, sipping his scotch.
“We’re getting there.”
“This might seem like a forward question, but is she a means to an end for you?” He paused. “Because I would hate to have to beat your ass if you hurt her, and believe me, I would. Contract or no contract.”
His directness didn’t bother me. I was glad Becca had someone who cared about her that much.
I scrubbed my face. “I know I don’t have a lot of experience with women, but Becca is more than a way to lose my virginity. I like her a lot. She likes me.”
He nodded. “She does. More than I have ever seen her like anyone.”
“I don’t plan on hurting her.”
“Okay. Just so we’re clear.”
“Yep.”
“Now—” he cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable as he shifted in his chair “—are you covered?”
I frowned. “Covered?”
He waved his hand. “Safe. You know about being safe, right?” He waved his hand. “Condoms?”
I gaped at him. “I am not having this conversation with you, Richard.”
“Yes, you are. Do we need to take a trip to the drugstore? Or have Aiden and Maddox already done that with you?”
“I’m not fifteen,” I hissed, leaning forward and keeping my voice low. “I know all about safe sex, condoms, and making my partner feel good. I’m a virgin, not an idiot. Just because I haven’t had sex doesn’t mean I haven’t paid attention to the world around me.”
“So I don’t need to talk to the guys?”
The image of a trip to the drugstore with Aiden, Maddox, and Richard came to my mind. They would discuss condoms, listing off the pluses and minuses of the different brands. Aiden would ask loudly if I needed a small or medium. He would probably offer to show me how to use one with a banana. There would be a great deal of teasing and laughter for them—and embarrassment for me.
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 12
