Page 103 of Heart of The Night

‘With a view like this, I’m surprised you’re looking for a new flat,’ I said after a while, taking a sip of wine.

‘Well, I’m not in a hurry. I won’t move until I find a flat with a view that can compete with this.’

I nodded, momentarily overwhelmed by the fact that he could afford to be so discerning.

‘Though,’ he murmured, ‘the most beautiful view is undoubtedly right beside me.’

I smiled coyly, my cheeks heating at his compliment.

‘I can’t wait to see you in that red dress,’ he said, leaning closer until his lips brushed across the shell of my ear. ‘I keep imagining how stunning you’ll look dancing in it at the gala. The dress will flow and shimmer with your every move, turning you into poetry in motion. All eyes will be on you.’

I blinked in surprise, my heart missing a beat. ‘Dancing?’

The breath of his chuckle fanned my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. ‘Yes.’

I leaned slightly away, facing him. ‘I didn’t know there would be dancing.’ I’d only done partner dancing once before, years ago. Panic bubbled up as I imagined myself stumbling through a formal dance. ‘I’m not sure I can do that,’ I said, my pulse beginning to race.

William’s arm tightened around me, his voice soothing. ‘It’s just dancing, Cara. Nothing to worry about. We’ll have fun.’

‘Fun?’ I shook my head, feeling the anxiety rise. ‘I’m sure the others will have loads of fun – when I mess up over and over.’

William smiled, his eyes sparkling with affection. ‘You won’t. And even if you do, we’ll laugh it off. It’s not about perfection. It’s about enjoying the moment.’

I bit my lip, still unsure, even though the idea of dancing with William made my heart flutter. ‘I’m really not confident about this. I’m not exactly keen on being a laughing stock.’

He cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing my cheek. ‘I won’t let that happen. I’ll guide you through it. Just follow my lead and trust me.’

‘I can manage the trusting. The following, on the other hand…’

‘Then how about a dance right now?’ he suggested, taking my glass from my hand and setting it on the table. ‘Just a little practice, to ease you into it.’

‘Now? I hardly think we’ll be dancing to slow tunes like this one.’

He climbed out of the chaise longue. ‘It’s just to get an idea. Better to start slow. You’ve got to learn to walk before you can run.’ He extended his hand to me, a crooked smile on his face. ‘Cara, may I have this dance with you?’

I blushed, my whole face growing unbearably hot. For a moment, I could only stare at him. Then, a small smile bent my lips, and I took his hand. ‘Fine. I can’t believe I’m doing this.’

Grinning widely, he led me to the centre of the room. Once we reached the open space, he pulled out his phone and tapped the screen a few times. The sleek, modern fireplace flickered to life, casting a golden glow around the room. The warm light danced across William’s features, making him look even more ethereal.

‘Now, let’s start with your hands,’ he said, keeping my right in his left. ‘Your left hand goes on my upper arm, right beneath my shoulder,’ he instructed, guiding it to rest there. ‘And I’ll put my right hand on your back.’

His touch was gentle but assured, his hand resting on my left shoulder blade. The warmth of his palm seeped through the fabric of my T-shirt, accelerating the speed of my already racing heart.

‘Now, for your left elbow,’ he continued, his tone patient. ‘Keep it slightly raised and firm, but not too stiff. It will help us move with more control.’

He demonstrated by adjusting my arm, his fingers brushing against my skin, sending sparks of pure desire through my veins.

‘Good,’ he murmured, his eyes meeting mine with a smile. ‘Now, just follow my lead. We’ll take it slow.’

Lana Del Rey’s soothing voice continued weaving through the air, providing a gentle, rhythmic backdrop to our dance. William raised our linked hands and began to move, guiding me with grace and confidence, each step perfectly synchronised with the music.

‘See? You’re doing great,’ he said, his voice a soothing melody in itself. ‘Just feel the music and trust me to lead.’

I focused on his eyes, trying not to look down at our feet as I strove to match his movements. Slowly, the panic that had bubbled up earlier began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of confidence and connection. The world outside faded away as we swayed to the slow tempo of the song, lost in the moment, the music, and each other.

‘I’m glad you came over, Cara,’ he said after a while, his gaze burning with an intensity that made my chest ache.

‘Me too.’ I swallowed hard. ‘I’ve missed this – missed you.’

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