Page 12 of It Had to be You

He nodded, understanding. In their industry there were always fires that needed to be put out. Still… "Can you wait to answer them after we’re done here?"

She gave him a wide-eyed look. "Really? You want me to wait?" Blair stepped back and put her free hand on her hip. "I thought you understood- that you would understand."

He didn’t want to argue. Not there in the class where it would make things uncomfortable for the others who were having a good time. "Are you going to try to come back after you finish with the call?"

Her eyes narrowed at him and he thought she looked confused. "You’re going to stay here?"

Gesturing at the group, he shrugged. "You already know how to waltz. I guess I have something I need to learn.

She looked down at her phone and then back up at him. "I could teach you later."

Alexander looked across the room at Tatum who was finishing up with Ben and Pearl. "She said we’ll have an opportunity to dance tonight. I think you’d rather dance instead of taking the time to show me the basics."

He knew the suggestion made sense. Blair wanted to dance and it made sense. She was a beautiful woman who loved to dazzle the crowd. She’d been doing it all her life.

Blair’s phone vibrated in her hand and the decision was made for them both. "Okay. I’m going to take care of this and when I’m done, I’ll call you."

He gave his pants pockets a pat with his hands. "I left my phone in my room. I thought we were spending the day together."

"Okay. Okay…" he could see how torn she was, "then I’ll find you when I’m done."

Nodding, he agreed. "All right." What else could he say?

She walked past him toward the door, and he was left standing alone on their area of the practice floor.

It was then that he second-guessed the idea of staying. Remaining on his own, he might make it awkward for the others. He didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to entertain him. Being a single on a matchmaking cruise, he was going to stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

He made his decision to leave and had taken a couple of steps toward the door when he felt a hand on his arm.

Looking in that direction, he saw Tatum looking up at him with concern written in her features.

"Hey, was it something I said?"

Shaking his head, he cleared his throat and quickly explained why Blair had left. "I was going to leave too. Being the lone dancer here would probably make everyone feel uncomfortable."

Her expression changed instantly.

"What? Stay." She lifted her hand from his arm. "I can use your help if you’re willing."

"Help?" He shrugged. "Comic relief is all I can offer."

Alexander could see the look in her eyes, but he wasn’t sure he understood what it meant. He knew he couldn’t leave. Not just yet.

"I know this is crazy to ask, given that we met last night," she lowered her chin and then lifted it again so she could meet his gaze, "do you trust me?"

"Yes." He should have been surprised at how fast the answer fell from his lips. He wasn’t a man who gave trust easily. “I do."

"Good." She sighed in relief. "Then stay and help me and I promise you’ll be able to make a good impression on the dance floor tonight."

"Miracle worker as well as a dancer?"

"Nope." Tatum shook her head. "I’m really good at teaching."

He heard the confidence in her tone and knew by the sharp, intelligent look in her eyes that she meant what she was saying.

"All right then. I’ll be your assistant."

She gave him a look and nodded. "I promise you won’t regret this."

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