Page 53 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

Initially, Graciela and I were the only ones joining Marta, but, in the end, the guys decided to come along. They don’t want us to go alone, and, when we get to Guantanamera, I look over at Eric’s face and realize he doesn’t really want to be here.

Once in the club, we spy Anita, Marta and Arthur, and a few other friends already out on the dance floor. My German sister-in-law really knows how to dance. Eric watches her. He’s never seen her move like that, and he’s very surprised.

“Why is my sister making those faces?”

I’m about to say something when Marta sees us and rushes over to us, dragging her boyfriend behind her.

Back on the dance floor, I notice the guy dancing with Anita. Where did this piece of candy come from?

“Impressive, right?” says Marta when she sees where my eyes are going.

I nod, amazed by this incredibly sensual, dark man.

“We’ve decided to call him Mr. Perfect Torso.”

“I’ll say,” I murmur.

“His name is Máximo,” Marta whispers back.

“Who is he?”

“A friend of Reinaldo’s.”

“Is he Cuban?”

“No, Argentinian, and he’s to die for, right?”

“I’ll let you know.”

But it’s obvious that denying it would be one of the biggest lies ever told.

We’re just kind of stunned, watching Anita dance salsa with this Argentine, when I feel Eric by my side.

“Your drink, Jude.”

When I take the drink, I realize he’s overheard the conversation, and he’s not happy.

Oh, my baby, he gets so jealous.

I smile. He doesn’t smile back.

I kiss him.

“I only like you.”

“And Máximo,” he says.

In the end, after I just keep kissing him, I manage to get him to smile and kiss me back. As we all chat, I realize Dexter and Eric communicate with a look whenever a woman they find attractive goes by. I laugh. I can’t get mad. I have eyes too.

I begin to move slowly and gently to the beat of the music and watch as my husband scans me with his blue eyes. He likes the very short dress I’m wearing; he bought it for me on our honeymoon, and I know it tempts him.

“C’mon,” I say, “let’s dance.”

He arches his brow and shakes his head.

The only thing missing is him saying “No way!”

We’re back in Germany, and all the easy ways from our honeymoon seem to have vanished. I’m sorry about that. I like uninhibited Eric very much.

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