Mae blinks rapidly. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard all night.”
I chuckle as I pull us into the crowd. People going faster stay on the outside, while other couples who are a little slower stay on the inside.
Pulling her close, but still staying respectful. I swear she shivers in my arms as I bend over to whisper in her ear, “Follow my lead. I promise I won’t drop you.”
“Drop me?” she shrieks.
“I’ve been told I’m a good dancer.”
“Good because I’m not,” she says.
“Maybe you haven’t had the right partner,” I tell her.
Mae looks down at our feet, and I gently grab her chin, pulling her eyes to mine. “Don’t look down, you’ll get us all tangled up,” I tell her.
Her rosy cheeks bloom a little more, and I wonder if I’m the cause of it.
“I’m going to spin you. Get ready.”
“What?” she asks, confused, as I grab her hand, spinning her out and then bringing her back into my chest before dipping her lightly over my knee.
Pulling her back up, her hair springs with her, and she curses.
“See? I got you,” I tell her.
She stares at me, following as I lead.
“You’ve got something alright,” she mutters.
I grin, tugging her a little closer. “I could say the same about you.”
The corner of her mouth tips up, and she avoids eye contact.
“So how would you feel about getting to know each other?” I ask her.
“You’re annoyingly persistent, aren’t you?” she asks.
“I am when I know what I want.”
“I’m not sure you want me. Look at my track record,” she says.
“I know what I’m asking for, Mae.”
She smiles tightly as I guide us in a circle. “But you don’t really know me. Why the … pursuit?” she asks.
I look down at her as we two-step. She peers up at me with soft brown eyes, and I realize it’s not a sassy question. Nor is she fishing for a compliment. She’s genuinely asking.
The song changes and slows down a bit as I search her eyes. “You’re right, I don’t know you well. But I want to. And before you ask me why … is it okay if it’s simple?” I ask her.
She nods, waiting for me to explain.
“I saw you here a few weeks ago, and I thought you were beautiful. But then when you met Naomi, and it was a little interaction, I get that, but… it made me curious.”
Her eyes glitter and I swear she’s about to cry, but then she blinks and it’s gone. “Morgan. My name is Mae Morgan,” she rasps.
“Well, Mae Morgan, as silly as it sounds coming out of my mouth, there’s something about you begging me to know a lot more,” I tell her seriously.
“That’s simple, huh?” she asks.
