Page 41 of It Had to be You

Not because it didn't come with top ratings. It did. And the Miracle Matches staff assured him that it was an incredible experience, the issue was that he didn't know what he was going to do with himself. He wanted to treat Tatum, but he'd never gone to a spa as a customer.

"Alex?"

He turned and smiled.

"You look... amazing."

She blushed and her steps slowed as her hands smoothed over her sundress. "Thanks. I had a little debate about what to wear. I had dresses to wear to the dance classes on board, and some evening wear for dinners, but my excursion outfits were... a little limited."

He moved closer to her and held out his hand, wanting to touch her.

Tatum took his hand when they reached each other. "I know you're probably used to women with a better wardrobe than I have."

He lifted a brow at her. "I'm more than happy to treat you to anything you'd like from the boutique."

She winced slightly, hesitating before she answered.

He knew that his words hadn't gone over well, but he'd meant them.

"I just don't want to embarrass you wherever we're going today."

He held out his other hand and she mirrored the movement she'd done when she'd taken his hand.

Now, he held both of her hands and Tatum felt something settle inside of her.

Alex was her anchor.

"You could never embarrass me, Tatum. You have an innate beauty that everyone around you can see. The fact that you're as beautiful inside as you are outside only reminds me how grateful I am to have you near me. That you're spending time with me."

She smiled brighter and he was suddenly basking in it like people did in the sun.

"I was more than a little worried earlier," he spoke to her in a softer tone not wanting everyone to overhear, "that you’d see me in swim trunks and realized that I’m not nearly as fit as the men you’re used to dancing with.”

Tatum's brow lifted up at his words. "Really? Why would you worry about that?”

“You’re…” He couldn’t help the way his gaze swept over her figure. She was always beautiful and the clothes she wore only accentuated how fit she was. “You’re incredibly fit. And while I’m active and do my share of physical activities. I can’t possibly compete with the men you’ve been around for years.”

He saw a blush steal across her features.

"I... I don't want you to think that I'm trying to be inappropriate," she licked at her lips and suddenly, he was hanging on her words more than he'd been, "but while we've been dancing and... uh, holding each other," her blush intensified and he wondered if she'd already had too much sun for the day, "I know what your body feels like. If you’re worried about being attractive to me, don’t. Are you physically attractive to me? Yes.”

He heard the soft, husky tone in her voice and her soft laughter made him feel warm all over.

“You’re very handsome.”

Tatum leaned in closer.

“It’s the man who you are that’s quickly stealing my heart. You’re kind. You’re thoughtful. And the way you look at me, the way you touch me… I’ve never felt so touched before. Cherished.”

Alex had never felt this way before. He’d opened his heart to her, given her the ability to cut him to the bone with her opinion. She didn’t look at him as descriptors as many had before. She didn’t see him as rich. She didn’t see him as powerful. She saw the flesh and blood man who cared for her. That was a gift.

And he was going to keep opening himself to her, building this connection with her as he would dedicate himself to do for the rest of their lives if she wants him.

Tatum couldn't help but feel as if she was on the verge of something special.

Well, she slipped a look over at Alex sitting on the seat beside her, every moment with Alex was special. Likely, what it came down to was how much she wanted him to find her attractive.

She'd spent years and years studying dance and keeping her body in top shape so that she could compete. Ballroom dancing was a great cardio workout. Jive was one of the dance specialties that she enjoyed dancing when she just wanted to enjoy herself. The kicks and high-stepping moves made her feel like she was a kick-ass dancer. It was also one of the dances she felt worked the best with a flirty kick to it.

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