Page 13 of Burn for Me
“It’s a surprise.”
Stepping out of the lift, Gray guided her over to his car. Unlocking the car with the fob as they approached, he opened the passenger door and handed her down into her seat. He closed the door and headed around the hood to the driver’s side.
* * *
“Dessert for the lady?”The waiter asked, giving Kitty a toothy smile as he removed her dinner plate.
Gray frowned, not at all pleased the man had subtly been hitting on Kitty all through dinner.
“Oh goodness, not right this second, thank you. Dinner was absolutely wonderful, but I need to let my food settle a bit.”
“And for sir?” His far more dialled-down smile disappeared completely when he caught the look on Gray’s face.
“Not right now, thank you. We’ll let you know when we’re ready.”
Dipping his head in acknowledgement, he left with their dinner dishes.
Turning his attention back to Kitty, he saw her looking over at the band. They were busy tuning their instruments in readiness for their set. Leaning back in his chair, he studied her. She was exquisite. She had her hair up in some complicated-looking updo that showed off her graceful neck and showcased her beautiful face.
She’d done something smoky with her eye makeup that made her big eyes seem impossibly larger. Siren-red lipstick rounded out a look that was guaranteed to bring a man to his knees.
“Is that a dance floor in front of the band?” She turned her head to look at him as she spoke.
“Yeah, it is. One of the reasons I love coming here. They play jazz, swing, and salsa music here, and you’re invited to dance if the mood grabs you.”
A look of surprise crossed her face. “You dance?”
“Sure. I love to. My mom taught me from a young age. She believed men should know how to cook, clean, and dance.”
“Sounds like your mom’s a really smart lady.”
“That she was,” he replied.
At his words, Kitty leaned forward, resting her chin on a palm. The look she gave him seemed to see all the way into him. Gray shifted uncomfortably. It almost seemed like she saw too much.
“Was?” was all she said though.
He nodded. “My mom passed a few years ago.”
“Oh, Gray, I’m so sorry.”
Just then a voice announced that the band was about to start and diners were welcome to dance. Conversation ceased for the moment as Gray and Kitty sat listening for a few minutes. After a short while, Gray leaned closer so she’d hear him over the music.
“Do you dance, Kitty?”
“Yes. Like you, I love to dance. My mom used to take me for ballroom and Latin American dance lessons as a child. And as an adult, I’ve taken random classes. You know, like line dancing, swing, and such.”
“So, tell me, do you salsa?”
“I haven’t in ages. I’m not sure I’d remember how to.”
“Come on. Let’s see if I can jog your memory.”
Gray couldn’t wait to get her out on to the dance floor. He wanted those curves pressed up close. He just hoped he’d survive. Taking their place on the floor amongst the handful of other brave souls, she placed her soft hand in his. Pulling her in closer, he placed his other hand on the smooth expanse of her back. That slow burn flared a little higher.
Gray expertly led Kitty into the salsa as the band started a new tune. A little stiff at first, she slowly relaxed in his grip as they found their rhythm, immersing themselves in the sensual beat. Confident and sure in his lead, he put her through her paces. They twisted, turned, and spun in perfect sync.
When he inserted a thigh between hers and dropped her into a back bend, he felt himself tighten. He could feel her heat as she straddled his thigh, moving her torso sensually in time to the beat. As she pulled out of the dip he had her in, he took in her flushed cheeks and the way her dark eyes sparkled up at him. Good to know he wasn’t the only one affected. When the salsa came to an end, the band slowed it down to give the dancers a chance to catch their breaths. Gray took the opportunity to pull Kitty closer, savouring the feel of her in his arms.
