“This particular dance is a swing number.” He directed his next comment to Devyn. “The bride and groom are into forties music. But most people will fake it. I doubt there will be many swing dancers in the group.”
She shrugged. “You may be surprised. A lot of people like big band music. Me included.”
“It’s not ballet, though.”
“No, but my dance knowledge is broader than classical ballet. I do know a few other moves.”
“There you go.” Gramp slapped him on the back.
This situation was getting out of control.
He had to take a firm stand. Now.
If the merethoughtof holding the woman across from him in his arms sent his pulse skyrocketing, there was no way he could actually do it without causing a serious cardiac issue.
“I could never learn enough before the wedding to pull off a dance.” He put as much conviction into his voice as possible.
“Don’t sell yourself short.” Gramp spoke to Devyn again. “What do you think? Could you teach a guy with two left feet a few moves to get him through one dance?”
“Gramp.” He gritted his teeth and laser focused on the olderman. “She already agreed to give me a ballet studio recommendation. That’s more than sufficient. I’ll just disappear for that dance at the wedding.”
“The bride won’t be happy.”
“She’ll survive. Besides, you have to have a partner to dance. I’m off the hook.” Because he didn’t have a date, as Gramp knew. Despite pressure from the groom to find one.
“Wouldn’t you rather be prepared, just in case? What if they pair you up with a cousin or another wedding guest at the last minute—before you can escape?”
At the notion of being forced to make a fool of himself with a stranger, his blood ran cold.
Gramp nodded. “Thought so. You’ve got that deer-in-the-headlights look. So what do you think, Devyn?”
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly as uncomfortable with the idea of a dancing lesson as he was. Perhaps for the same reason, if the energy sizzling in the air between them was as strong on her end as it was on his. “In a teaching situation, it’s important for students to be willing. I have the distinct impression that dancing isn’t a top priority for Aaron.”
“It will be the night of the wedding if he gets caught unprepared.” Gramp took Isabel’s hand. “Why don’t you two discuss this? We’ll meet you in the car, Aaron. Come on, honey.”
“Can’t we wait for Dad?”
“Nope. They have to talk about dancing lessons. Thank you again, Devyn, for a spectacular performance. Makes me want to book a ticket to New York to watch you on a real stage.”
“Me too.” Isabel smiled at her. “See you Thursday.”
As Gramp hustled his great-granddaughter toward the exit, Aaron faced Devyn. “Sorry about that. Gramp can be persistent. Forget about the swing lesson. A studio recommendation, however, would be much appreciated. Isabel was right. I wouldn’t know where to start in terms of evaluating them.”
“No problem.” She smoothed a hand over her filmy skirt, indecisionflaring in her irises as she caught her lower lip between her teeth. “It sounds like you could be in an awkward position at the wedding if you get pulled into that dance.”
“I’ve survived worse.”
“I know what it’s like to be caught unprepared at a performance, though. It’s happened to me on occasion.”
He hiked up one side of his mouth. “The difference is that very few people will be watchingme. If I flub up, no one but my unlucky partner will probably notice.” Still embarrassing, but he’d live.
“Well, if you change your mind and want a fast swing lesson, let me know. We could work it in one night after rehearsal, like we did with the short performance tonight.”
“I’ll think about it. And I appreciate the offer—even if you were railroaded into it.”
Her lips quirked. “I like Ben’s spunk. I also expect he had good intentions.”
“Except a certain road can be paved with those.” He waved a hand toward the door. “Are you ready to leave?”
