Page 19 of Last Call Lindy Hop
He gawked, then rewarded me with the tiniest chuckle.
That single laugh felt like a hard-won prize that I would cherish forever.
“That depends on if you like spicy food or not. If you don’t like spice then pad thai, but if you do then your options are more open. Can’t go wrong with curry though.”
I grinned. “Any favorite places?”
“Umm…”
“Actually,” I interrupted. “We should get some together.”
“I… I don’t know.”
“My treat,” I offered.
“It’s… it’s not that. I just…” he sighed and stared at the floor. “I don’t get out much.”
“We can order in,” I tried. “You can come over, we can watch movies or play video games, and I can try Thai food.”
The tiny smile was back, and I knew I was on to something. Whatever had happened, had made him nervous around people. It was probably taking everything in him to come out to dance.
I could work with that. I just needed to learn what made him uncomfortable, and avoid what would make him close himself off again.
Lance finished tying his shoes, and I held out a hand. “There’s a quiet corner over there. May I have this dance?”
He stared at my hand for a few seconds, then nodded. “Ok.”
He took my hand and I guided him to the quieter spot I had in mind. “Do you want to lead, or shall I?”
“You please,” he murmured, settling into follow position.
I nodded, and rested my hand at the small of his back. It was the same, and yet everything was different.
Maybe it was Amber’s teasing, but I was hyper aware of everything: the warmth of him against me, the subtle scent of his cologne, the way tension seemed to leave his body as the music started.
It was a swing cover of some pop song, but that was probably safe. It meant I wouldn’t have to face the inevitable teasing if it had been a love song.
I was trying to figure out another safe topic of conversation when I glanced at Lance’s face. His eyes were closed, he completely trusted my lead, and though I’d only met him the week prior, there was so much relaxation etched into his features that I dared not disturb him with idle chatter. Instead I kept our moves to basic steps in closed position, where he didn’t have to worry about bumping into anybody else.
It was clear that he needed a moment of emotional peace, and it seemed that I could give that to him.
All too soon the song came to an end, his eyes opened, and that blanket of pain seemed to settle over him again.
“Another?” I offered, desperate to alleviate his torment.
Lance glanced at me, and a slight blush dusted his cheeks. “I… I shouldn’t monopolize your time,” he murmured.
“It’s my time to give,” I argued. “I’m giving you the right of first refusal.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Positive.”
He licked his lips, which I noticed were slightly chapped and ragged from biting. I had the strangest urge to kiss them, but that was absurd.
Wasn’t it?
“Ok,” Lance finally answered.
