He sent me a grateful smile. “I’d like that.”
We arrived at the studio as twilight settled, the mountains now silhouette against the darkening sky. The town was quiet,but the dance studio buzzed with an energy that felt like a world away from the quiet wilderness where I found solace.
“Ah, you must be Howell and Onno. Welcome!” Our dance instructor, José, greeted us with a flourish as vibrant as the flamboyant scarf looped around his neck. He was a whirlwind of encouragement and enthusiasm, moving with the grace of someone who had dedicated his life to the art of dance.
“Come, meet the others.” José beckoned, sweeping us into the studio, where soft music played and couples chatted in loose groups. “Everyone, these are our new dancers, Howell and Onno.”
A murmur of welcoming “Hellos” and “How are you?” followed. Tiago Banner was there with his boyfriend, Cas. Cas had done a stellar job fixing my bathroom two years ago. Tiago and his twin brother, Tomás, were Forestville’s most famous residents, though both former top models had now retired. They were still extraordinarily handsome men.
The polished floor of the dance studio gleamed under the warm lighting as Onno and I stepped into place among the other couples. José’s voice, clear and melodious, cut through the soft hum of music, guiding us to stand face-to-face, our hands tentatively searching for the right positions.
“Relax your shoulders, Howell,” José said, and I obliged. Some of the tension of the unfamiliarity ebbed away under his encouraging gaze.
“Okay, gentlemen, let’s start with the box step,” he said, demonstrating with fluid ease. “Forward, side, together, back, side, together.”
I mirrored his movements, hyperaware of Onno’s presence. We stumbled, our feet tangling in a clumsy shuffle. Onno’s chuckles, a sound so genuine, coaxed a smile onto my lips.
“Sorry,” he murmured, but his eyes showed no real apology—just sparkling amusement.
“Hey, no worries. We’re both learning.”
José paced before us, tapping the rhythm softly against his thigh, and gradually, we found our stride. One-two-three, one-two-three—the numbers looped in my head like a mantra, syncing with the steady thump of my heart every time our gazes locked.
“Look at you two!” José said after a while, clapping in delight. “You’ve got the basics down already.”
“Thanks to you,” Onno replied, his blue eyes crinkling, shining with a warmth that hadn’t been present when we’d first met, a softening around the edges. And something inside me swelled with an emotion I couldn’t name. His nervousness had also lessened as if he wasn’t as scared of disappointing me or others.
“Shall we try it with music now?” José asked, and without waiting for an answer, he started a melodic waltz that tempted the dancers with its lilting invitation.
As we danced, the world beyond Onno’s gaze seemed to fade. What was left was his hand in mine, firm and reassuring, and his other hand on my shoulder, following my lead confidently. Our steps flowed more naturally, the initial awkwardness melting into a rhythm that felt as easy as breathing.
“See? You’re a natural,” I said.
“Then so are you.”
“Maybe we’re just a good match…”
Our smiles became a silent language, the growing connection between us pulsating to the cadence of the waltz. I reveled in feeling Onno’s body moving with mine, the dance crafting an intimate space where words were unnecessary and the past held no sway.
“Good job, guys,” José praised again as the song neared its end, but I barely heard him. All I could focus on was Onno, whose eyes never wavered from mine. Electric current chargedthe air as our hands remained clasped even after the music stopped.
As José called for a water break, Onno and I slipped away to a quiet corner of the dance studio. The mirrors lining the walls reflected the flushed faces of the other couples, but all I could see was the blue in Onno’s eyes, bright against the sheen of sweat on his brow.
“Didn’t think I’d work up a sweat from dancing.” Onno ran a hand through his locks, damp at the temples.
I wasn’t sweating, but then again, my daily activity level was several steps up from his. “Consider it a bonus. You get to learn to dance and exercise at the same time.”
“You know, I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I am.” He held my gaze, earnest and unguarded. His honesty was like an open door, inviting me into the warmth of his presence. “It’s…nice to feel connected to someone again. To laugh and move together. It’s been a while.”
“Same here,” I said. “Dancing with you feels natural. Right.”
He smiled, a smile that reached his eyes and made my heart beat a little faster. “Glad to hear I’m not the only one who thinks so.”
Before we could delve deeper into the conversation, the music beckoned us back, the rhythm promising a chance to further explore our burgeoning affinity. As we rejoined the group, José clapped, setting the tempo for the next dance.
“All right, let’s take it from the top!” José said. “Remember, it’s all about finding your rhythm with your partner.”
Onno’s hand found mine again, this time with confidence. A jolt of excitement surged through me. Our bodies moved in unity, the waltz steps becoming second nature as we glided across the floor. With each turn, twirl, and twist, the world narrowed to just the two of us, our breathing synchronized, our hearts beating as one, our movements a mirror of each other’s.
