Page 7 of Dance With Me
As they ate, Seb asked him how the arrangements for the wedding were coming on, and while Joe told him about the cake tasting, he was able to study the man in more detail. How his blue eyes were flecked with silver, and his blond eyelashes were so pale it was as if they weren’t there. He had lightly tanned skin but not from the sun. Maybe it was his natural colouring.
Seb managed to shake himself from his blatant ogling to hear Joe say how he needed to lose a few pounds before going for his next suit fitting.
“I probably shouldn’t have had that muffin, so if we could keep that to ourselves, that’d be great.” Joe chuckled, and Seb thought he was just about perfect as he was.
“Your secret is safe with me,” Seb said and winked at him. Joe grinned and his dimples did something to Seb. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach. Shit, he really needed to get a hold of himself. This wasn’t a date, as much as he’d like it to be.
Deciding to change the subject, Seb asked Joe how he and Clare had met. He had to get this conversation back on safe ground before he said something he would regret.
Joe related the story of how they met, but he wouldn’t meet Seb’s eyes and didn’t seem exactly enthusiastic about it. Seb was puzzled by his manner and couldn’t understand why his innocuous question would have caused this change in Joe.
“A blind date then. You were fortunate. She could have been really awful, but it seems you lucked out with Clare.”
Joe shrugged. “It certainly looks that way.” He looked away from Seb. “Would you…?” Joe started. “No, it’s stupid. Forget I said anything.”
“No, go on. What is it?” Seb was curious now to hear what Joe had to say.
“I was wondering if you could give me some extra dance lessons, outside of the ones we’re doing with Clare. I’ll pay you, of course.” Joe looked at his hands, seemingly embarrassed by his request.
“Of course I can. I’d love to help out. When were you thinking?” Seb picked up his phone. “I can do most lunchtimes during the week, or I have a couple of evenings free if you’d want to do it then.” Seb couldn’t believe his luck but wanted to help Joe as much as he could to impress Clare.
Joe got his phone out. “I’m free lunchtimes too and most evenings, especially when Clare’s working, so what suits you best?”
“How about we schedule in one lunchtime and maybe an evening session on a Thursday? I can do a Wednesday during the day.” Seb tapped away on his phone, putting Joe’s name in his planner.
“That would be fantastic. You’re a lifesaver. Clare wants this big dance to impress everyone, but there’s more chance of me making an impression by falling on my arse.” Joe groaned.
“Well, I’d teach you to fall with style if that would help, but believe me, you’ll wow everyone with your smooth moves. It’ll be my personal mission to make sure you’re the best dancer there.”You’ll certainly be the best looking, he thought, but he kept that comment to himself.
Seb looked at his phone, surprised to see that they’d sat there talking for the better part of the afternoon. Time had passed so quickly in Joe’s company.
“Wow, look at the time. It’s almost three. I’d better get back to my boy.”
Joe looked at him questioningly. “Your boy? Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you so long. You have someone at home waiting for you?” For a second, Seb thought he saw disappointment cross Joe’s face.
“Oh no, nothing like that. I’m single at the moment, unfortunately, but I do have a beautiful dog waiting for me at home who’s probably crossing his legs at this point. Do you mind if we get going?” he asked. “Or I could just get a taxi. I don’t want to put you out.” Seb would have loved to have stayed longer but Rocco needed him.
“No, honestly, I don’t mind taking you. You just need to tell me where to go.” Joe stood and picked up his keys and phone from the table. Seb noticed a message had come through from Clare. It was probably for the best anyway that he went home. He shouldn’t have taken up all of Joe’s time.
Seb put his holdall over his shoulder, and they walked out to Joe’s car. “Some car you have here. It’s a beauty.” Itwasa beautiful car, and Seb ran his hands down the side. He’d love something like this.
“Certainly is. She’s my pride and joy. I’d wanted this model for ages, so I decided to treat myself when this one came available.”
“Treat yourself? With a car? When I treat myself, I buy chocolate,” Seb joked. “But she certainly is stunning.”
They got in, and Seb stroked the smooth leather interior. “Gorgeous,” he said, his voice soft.
“Yeah,” said Joe huskily.
Seb looked over to him, but Joe wasn’t looking at the interior. His bright blue eyes bore into his. They stared at each other for a beat, then Joe looked away and started the car. Seb couldn’t help wondering what that was about, and he continued to stare.
“Do you have your postcode? I can put it into the GPS.” Joe coughed, his voice still sounding thick.
Seb was thrown for a moment but got a hold of himself and gave Joe the details. Fifteen minutes later, they sat outside his apartment.
“Thanks for the lift. It was really great of you to stay with me and buy lunch too.” Seb touched his arm. “See you Tuesday?” Seems he couldn’t stop touching him.
“I’ll be there, two left feet and all.” Joe looked over at him and grinned. Seb loved his smile and Joe had just the cutest dimples, Seb just wanted to lick them.
