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Nell twisted her mouth to the side. “I can imagine it was. These classes are about refining your dance ability, not your ability to leer at attractive women.”

“Without a doubt,” Kwon said. “I noticed the class a few weeks ago and couldn’t help but poke my head in and see what it was all about. So many beautiful women in one place had me intrigued.”

Rane shook his head and jabbed an elbow into Kwon’s ribs. “My friend means we both have an appreciation of dance.”

Kwon grinned. “That’s it. We both love beautiful dancers.”

Rane scowled at him. “Don’t you have somewhere you need to be?”

“I’m good here.”

Rane tilted his head toward the door. “I’m sure you mentioned a comm you had to send.”

Kwon grinned at him. “You’re thinking of someone else.”

Nell threw her towel to one side. “Well, you both can dance. I’ll give you that. This is a one-off, though. This class is for dedicated dancers only. I don’t like people dropping in and out when they like.”

“We can come every week if you’d prefer,” Rane said.

Nell raised her eyebrows. She’d meant the exact opposite. She didn’t need some bare-chested aliens distracting her. This was the one place where she felt free and could express herself.

“There are other classes better suited to you. This is for established dancers.”

“I’m sure there’s enough demand for more classes,” Kwon said. “I can ask around and get more guys interested. It could be fun to have an all-male dance troupe.”

His idea of fun sounded like Nell’s nightmare. “I’m too busy to teach any extra classes.” She noticed the way Rane studied her as she spoke to Kwon, as if she was a creature in a laboratory experiment. It made the hair on the back of her neck prickle. She turned and faced him. “What is it? Why do you keep staring at me like that?”

Rane continued to look at her. “You interest me.”

“Find something else to stare at.”

Kwon stepped back and glanced at Rane. “I just remembered that comm I need to send. I’ll wait for you by the door.” He strode away, glancing back with a curious look on his face.

Nell looked up at Rane, craning her neck back. This alien wasn’t giving up on the staring contest anytime soon. “Well, what is it?”

“I like looking at beautiful things.”

Nell snorted. “Then go take a look at your art.”

“You think my paintings are beautiful?”

“They’re not ugly. Don’t go fishing for compliments, though. I already said you’re talented.” She grabbed her bottle of water and headed toward the door.

“Wait, there’s something I’d like to ask you.” Rane walked along behind her.

Nell stopped and turned to Rane. “I’ve already said I don’t have space for you in this class. You’ll have to dance in your own time.”

“I will if you want to teach me one on one.”

“Not a chance.” The thought of being in a confined space with this big alien made Nell break out in a cold sweat.

“It’s not about the dancing, although I enjoyed that very much.” Rane moved closer. “I’d love to paint you.”

Nell’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”

“You’d make a perfect subject. You have a curious mixture of light and dark. It filters across your face.”

Nell’s nose wrinkled. “That’s supposed to encourage me to want to be painted?”