Page 32 of Why Not Me?

“Are we taking a lesson?” Allie’s eyes are shining with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to try it but didn’t have the nerve.”

“Well then, let’s try this out.” I grin. I remember her saying she wanted to try it years ago, I’m glad it still appeals to her.

Selena goes over some beginner moves. Figure eights, hip shimmy’s, and a bunch of other flowy moves that I love watching Allie master. She has a natural talent, her movements smooth and mesmerizing. Compared to her, I look like a robot, but I practice right along with her. I want this to be something we do together, not something I just watch her enjoy.

“It’s official, I have no rhythm.” I laugh at myself as I try to mimic the intricate footwork along with what we’re supposed to be doing with our hips and arms.

Allie laughs, her hips and feet moving in unison while her arms arc in a graceful pattern. “If it’s any consolation, there aren’t that many male belly dancers so you’re not the only one who struggles.”

“That or they’re not man enough to try it.” I flex my biceps while making a face, drawing a laugh from her again as she shakes her head. She’s always felt that it’s sexier when men don’t feel the need to flaunt their muscles.

“Oh God, that was super douchey.” She rolls her eyes, following Selena’s transition into the next move flawlessly.

Over the first half of the lesson, Selena focuses on teaching us the dance moves before moving into a basic routine. We have an absolute blast, Allie laughing as I try to remember the moves and the order in which we’re supposed to do them. Selena grins as we tease each other, allowing us our fun while still teaching us.

By the time we finish, Allie is glowing with happiness.

“You’re a natural.” Selena takes the hip scarves we borrowed from her, folding them as she addresses Allie. “I have a beginner class every Tuesday at eight. It’s full, but if you’re interested there is a spot for you.”

She hands Allie her card.

“Thank you, Selena. We had a great time.”

Allie tucks the card away, looking longingly into the studio one last time before we head to the car.

Before I can open her door, she puts a hand on my chest and pushes me until my back hits the metal. My hands find her hips as she presses into me, lifting onto her toes to brush her lips against mine.

“That was so much fun! Thank you for such an incredible and thoughtful date.” She tilts her chin up, her hand wrapping around my neck as she kisses me again. There is nothing soft about this kiss. I can feel her hand shaking as I deepen the kiss, taking control.

Until now, we haven’t pushed for anything too physical. Allie wants to take things slow, which I respect, but this kiss holds the promise of what’s to come. Every bit of need I feel for her is being channeled into the way my lips move against hers. The torture at being away from her for over seven long years escapes in the moans I can’t control.

Our breathing is erratic when we part, Allie’s lips wet and swollen. Her pupils are blown as her chest heaves, her hands still wrapped around me.

I push away from the car when she steps back, opening her door for her. “Dinner?”

She nods, sliding into the passenger seat. Shutting the door, I adjust myself as I walk around the car. My head knows we need to wait, my body hasn’t quite gotten the memo yet.

We settle on a quaint Greek restaurant, the low lighting and secluded booths perfect for a romantic dinner. After we order, I smile at Allie and lean in. This is our first official date and it’s long overdue.

“I’m so glad we’re finally doing this right.” She tucks her hair behind her ear, smiling at me. There is nothing hanging over us this time, and the difference in her is palpable.

“I was just thinking the same thing.” I smile back, but I can’t help the influx of guilt that surges through me. I’ve never done right by Allie. When we first started seeing each other, it was stolen moments and sneaking around. Then I pushed her when she told me she didn’t want to do the same thing to Brendan. This is my chance to make it right. Do things properly. The timing is finally lining up and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy.

“So, I was thinking . . .” I wait, smiling as she pauses in folding the napkin into a swan. “You’ve always wanted to go zip-lining, now that spring’s here and the snow is almost gone, we should plan a trip to the mountains. I found this amazi—” I stop when she flushes, her lips dropping into a frown. “What?”

She looks up at me and I’m stunned to see a sheen to her eyes. Her words are whispered, but they feel loud to me. “Brendan took me on our first date. It was our anniversary tradition.”

The server comes at that moment to bring us our food. Everything looks and smells delicious, but I’m still frozen, unable to appreciate the tasty looking dishes in front of us.

Allie looks up at me, her eyes betraying her worry that I’m upset. And I am, just at myself. It’s another example of something I missed out on for making the wrong choice. Something I missed out on because of my naivety. The past is the past, and hindsight is always twenty-twenty. It’s time to move forward. We have a ton of firsts ahead of us, it doesn’t matter that her first time zip-lining wasn’t with me.

“It makes sense that you would’ve gone. Who waits seven years to try something they want to do so badly?” I reach across the table and take her hand. “Maybe we could still go. I’ve never tried it, and I did find this amazing place in the mountains. You ride a gondola to the top of a peak and you zip-line down a series of lines until you’re back at the chalet.”

Her thumb runs over mine as her smile reaches her eyes. “I would love that.”

We dig into our meal, the awkward moment gone as we talk about her new cat. Allie was approved to adopt a special needs cat from a local rescue.

“When are you allowed to pick him up?”

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