Page 68 of Doctor Second Chance

I reach across the table and take her hand. "I am. We'll figure it out as we go. Weekly calls, alternating visits when we can. It'll be an adjustment, but I think we're both up for the challenge."

As we continue talking, I feel a sense of hope growing. Elle's approach to relationships differs from what I'm used to, but it feels right. We're not rushing into anything, but we're not holding back either. It's a delicate balance, but I’m eager to explore it with her.

The familiar opening beats of The Embers’ quintessential beach music song, “I Love Beach Music,” drift through the speakers. Elle bursts into laughter, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.

"Oh my god, Shep! Do you remember this one?"

I can't help but grin. "How could I forget? We must have danced to this song together a hundred times, easily.”

Memories flood back—lazy summer nights on Florida beaches, the sand between our toes, and Elle in my arms as we danced under the stars. Without thinking, I stand and extend my hand to her.

"Well, Miss Klass, do you still have it in you?"

Elle's eyes sparkle as she takes my hand. "Let's find out, Dr. Duncan."

I pull her close, our bodies falling into a familiar rhythm. The moonlight casts a soft glow on her face as we begin to dance. Elle's hand fits perfectly in mine, just like it did all those years ago. We move together, our feet remembering the steps we practiced countless times on those beach nights.

We both sing along to the familiar and nostalgic lyrics, "I Love Beach Music. I always have, and I always will. There ain’t no other kind of music in the world that gives me quite the thrill…”

I'm amazed at how quickly the steps come back to us. Elle's hand rests lightly in mine as we move across the pool patio, our feet gliding effortlessly over the warm blue stone tile. The starry night sky above us feels like a canopy of memories, each twinkling light a reminder of our happy and connected past together.

I lead Elle into a turn, and she spins gracefully, her hair fanning out behind her. When she comes back to me, there's a sparkle in her eye that takes my breath away. We fall back into the basic step, our bodies in perfect sync.

"Remember that time we danced until sunrise at Daytona Beach?" Elle asks, a hint of laughter in her voice.

I chuckle, recalling the memory. "How could I forget? We were so tired the next day, but it was worth it."

As the chorus hits, we pick up the pace. I guide Elle through a series of quick steps and turns, our feet moving in perfect harmony. The shag isn't just a dance; it's a conversation between two people, and right now, Elle and I are speaking volumes without saying a word.

We pivot and slide, our bodies close but barely touching. Elle's smile is radiant as we execute a particularly tricky move, and I can't help but grin back at her. The music flows through us, and for a moment, it feels like we're back on those Florida beaches, young and carefree.

As the song winds down, I pull Elle close for a final spin. She twirls under my arm and then settles against my chest, both of us slightly out of breath but exhilarated. We sway gently as the last notes fade away, neither of us ready to let go of this moment.

I'm struck by how right this feels. Elle's head rests on my shoulder, and I can smell the faint scent of her shampoo. It's intoxicating, bringing back a rush of memories and emotions.

"You haven't lost your touch," I murmur into her ear.

She laughs softly. "Neither have you, Duncan."

The cool breeze, the moonlight, and the music all together create a perfect moment. I hold Elle a little tighter, savoring the feeling of her in my arms. It's as if no time has passed, yet everything has changed.

As we move together, I realize how much I've missed this - not just the dancing but the easy connection we've always shared. Elle looks up at me, her eyes shining, and I'm transported back to those carefree college days when our whole lives stretched out before us.

As the last “I Love Beach Music” notes fade away, Elle remains in my arms, her body warm against mine. The speakers transition seamlessly into "Cool Me Out" by LaMont Dozier, and its smooth rhythm is perfect for this moment.

I gaze down at Elle, taking in every detail of her face. Her eyes sparkle in the moonlight, and a soft smile plays on her lips. Without thinking, I lean down and capture those lips with mine.

The kiss is gentle at first, a tender exploration. Elle's hand slides up my chest and rests on my shoulder, pulling me closer. I deepen the kiss, pouring all the emotions of the past weeks into it—the fear, the joy, the rekindled feelings.

We sway gently to the music, our bodies moving in perfect sync. The world around us fades away, and all I can focus on is the feel of Elle in my arms, the taste of her lips, and the scent of her hair.

As we break apart for air, I rest my forehead against hers. Elle's eyes flutter open, and the look she gives me sends a jolt through my body. I've missed this connection, this intimacy that we once shared.

"Shep," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the music.

I brush a strand of hair from her face, letting my fingers linger on her cheek. "Elle," I respond, my voice equally soft.

We continue our slow dance, our bodies pressed close together. The cool night air contrasts with the warmth radiating between us. Elle rests her head on my chest, and I can feel her heartbeat matching the song’s rhythm.

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