Page 28 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

“I’ll lead, you follow.”

I couldn’t stop giggling. Noah looked unbelievably adorable. He guided my left hand onto his shoulder and slipped my right hand into his. I trembled when his fingertips traveled down the curve of my spine. We kept dodging furniture—a couple of lamps and a table as he led me around the room until we finally planted our feet next to the window. The sun had set, and the city looked so alive in the darkness. We slow-danced in rhythm with the music while Sinatra sang his lyrics in that smooth, vocal jazz. I laughed when Noah twirled me around like a ballerina. His moves were impressive. How was he so flawless in everything? Did he even realize the way he was constantly charming me?

I breathed out slowly when he pulled me in closer to his body. The atmosphere felt so romantic all of a sudden as our movements slowed down to become gentle steps side to side.

“You didn’t step on my feet,” he murmured.

“Were you expecting me to?”

“Maybe.” Noah chuckled. “I pulled some pretty advanced dance moves on you before I brought it down a couple levels. Did you take ballroom dancing or something?”

I smiled and shook my head. “Not exactly.”

“I catch a few episodes ofDancing with the Starsevery now and then,” he said. “Those dancers are real pros—amazing choreography.”

“Yeah, that show is definitely entertaining and funny at times.”

“You mentioned being experienced in Latin dance,” Noah said. “Which dances, exactly?”

“Salsa, samba, and my favorite is bachata.”

“Bachata? Wow, that’s a very sensual dance. Who taught you?”

“Jade’s mom is a dance instructor and has a private studio in her basement. The first time I went over to Jade’s place, she gave me a full tour, and when we went downstairs, her mom was teaching a class. They were all beginners and mostly people my age.

“There was this cute guy whose partner hadn’t shown up, so Mrs. Riviera asked me if I could volunteer for a couple minutes and dance with him … and I did. Apparently, I really impressed her, since I learned the steps very quickly. She said I was a natural and encouraged me to participate in her classes. When I told her I couldn’t afford it, she offered to mentor me for free. I was reluctant at first, but eventually I accepted. This was last year.”

“You never cease to amaze me.”

I was flattered by his compliment.

“I believe that anyone can dance,” I said. “It just takes practice and dedication.”

“I disagree,” said Noah. “Dancing is an art form. Not everyone is blessed with that talent, nor can they emulate the passionate expression of dance. It’s the same with singing and acting. Sure, you can learn, but it doesn’t mean you master it.” He gently brushed his hand down my lower back, and I shivered.

“Are you cold? I can turn up the heat.”

“No, I’m fine.”

Damn it, he noticed.Before I could say anything else, he spun me around and dipped me.

“Oh my God!” I laughed, clutching his shoulder. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

He grinned. “You have the cutest laugh.”

“I love your laugh,” I confessed, as he held me in that position. I wondered how many women had said that to him—probably hundreds … thousands?

Ugh, how original, Aria,I thought in dismay.

“You’re too sweet,” he said. Noah’s eyes were penetrating me, and he didn’t utter another word as his lips formed into a dashing smile.

Am I being too sweet? Maybe I should tone it down,I kept thinking.

He slowly guided me back up on my feet and kissed my forehead. The song had ended.

“Let’s put the pizza away and watch a movie or something,” he suggested.

“Sure, I’m down.” I smiled and followed him.

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