I had finally told her my concerns. I had even confessed to the dance lessons, albeit a slightly abridged version. After her laughter faded, she had kissed my cheek and assured me we would be fine. I would be fine.
Once the dinner was over, the amusing and mercifully short speeches made by Aiden and Maddox, the dancing began. I watched Bentley and Emmy twirl around the floor, his steps confident and assured. Maddox and Dee were elegant; although they slipped away not long after the music began. Aiden wasn’t as smooth as the other two, but Cami made up for it, and he beamed down at her with a look of adoration on his face. Richard had returned to town for the wedding, his wife Katy with him. He pulled her onto the dance floor fast, holding her close as they moved to the music. Each man had his own style and for him, it worked. Now it was my turn to find my style.
I swallowed and caught Becca’s gaze. “You want to risk it, BB?”
She smiled and squeezed my hand. “I would love to dance, but not if it makes you uncomfortable.”
I stood and offered her my hand. “I apologize in advance for my feet and my lack of skill.”
She took my hand with a shake of her head. “We’ll do it together. You’ll be fine.”
She was right.
She slid her arm around my shoulder, letting me wind mine around her waist to draw her close. I spread my fingers wide across the bare, silken skin of her back, caressing the warmth. I relaxed as our clasped hands rested on my chest, over my heart, enjoying having her so close. I grinned at her. “Ready?”
She winked. “I got you.”
We began to move. Slowly at first, then it happened. I felt the music, felt Becca against me. She fit under my chin perfectly, and I laid my cheek on her fragrant hair. She hummed with the music, letting me lead her. I wasn’t Bentley or Richard, who covered the dance floor with intricate steps, but we shuffled and rocked, and not once did I step on her feet. That was my style.
She squeezed my shoulder. “See, not so bad.”
I chuckled. “We’re not moving much.”
She nestled against me. “I don’t mind.”
The music transitioned into another song, and we stayed on the dance floor, moving and swaying to the dulcet sound. Becca glanced toward our table and giggled.
“What?”
“You really need to look.”
I turned us so I was facing our group. Richard, Aiden, and Maddox all held up pieces of paper, grinning widely. I got an eight from Richard, eight point five from Maddox and Aiden gave me a nine. He thumped his chest when I met his eye.
“Look how well I taught him!” he stated to Richard and Maddox. They both rolled their eyes and gave me a thumbs-up. I had to laugh at their antics.
We danced for several songs, each flowing into another. I grew more confident, moving more fluidly, tucking Becca tight, and gliding my fingers in long strokes along her back. I decided I loved dancing. It meant Becca was close.
She tilted back her head. “I don’t think you gave yourself enough credit. You’re doing so well, Reid. I love dancing with you.”
I chuckled. “Trust me, I wasn’t like this with the guys. Although, I think I figured out why now.”
“Tell me.”
“I haven’t been touched a lot, Becca. No hugs as a kid and all that. I don’t really like being close to many people—except you. Having you in my arms, close, relaxes me. I like touching you. The dancing part comes easy with you.” My long exhale of air ruffled her hair. “Everything comes easy when I’m with you.”
Her eyes shone. “There you go again with your words.”
I chuckled.
“I like touching you too,” she added.
Our eyes locked, the heat that always pulsated just below the surface beginning to bubble between us.
My steps faltered. Becca’s gaze grew intense.
“I want to touch you everywhere, Reid.”
I dropped my head to her hair. “I want that too.”
She tucked herself tighter to my chest. “Soon?”
I wanted to grab her hand and drag her out of there now. Glancing toward our table, I saw people watching us intently, and I knew it wasn’t the right time. Being together in every sense of the word was private. I didn’t want people gossiping about us or specifically about Becca. Today was about Bentley and Emmy. Enjoying our first real date. Spending time with our friends. Letting her dance as much as she wanted. I didn’t want to rush her out of here and have sex. I wanted to take my time and discover her. Have her all to myself for hours. We already had plans for the morning tomorrow with Richard and Katy, and I knew if I took her home tonight, those wouldn’t happen.
I pressed a kiss to her crown.
“Soon,” I promised.
The week passed quickly. The office was quiet with Bentley gone on his honeymoon. It had a pace and heartbeat when he was there, the atmosphere electric and charged with his energy. It dimmed in his absence.
Richard stayed for a couple of days, and we had dinner with him and Katy. It was obvious how fond of Becca they both were, and I was glad he seemed to like me since his opinion meant a great deal to Becca. I hoped it would help sway her father when the time came.
Katy and Becca went to the ladies’ room, leaving us alone at the table.
“You two look pretty close,” Richard observed, sipping his scotch.
“We’re getting there.”
“This might seem like a forward question, but is she a means to an end for you?” He paused. “Because I would hate to have to beat your ass if you hurt her, and believe me, I would. Contract or no contract.”
His directness didn’t bother me. I was glad Becca had someone who cared about her that much.
I scrubbed my face. “I know I don’t have a lot of experience with women, but Becca is more than a way to lose my virginity. I like her a lot. She likes me.”
He nodded. “She does. More than I have ever seen her like anyone.”
“I don’t plan on hurting her.”
“Okay. Just so we’re clear.”
“Yep.”
“Now—” he cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable as he shifted in his chair “—are you covered?”
I frowned. “Covered?”
He waved his hand. “Safe. You know about being safe, right?” He waved his hand. “Condoms?”
I gaped at him. “I am not having this conversation with you, Richard.”
“Yes, you are. Do we need to take a trip to the drugstore? Or have Aiden and Maddox already done that with you?”
“I’m not fifteen,” I hissed, leaning forward and keeping my voice low. “I know all about safe sex, condoms, and making my partner feel good. I’m a virgin, not an idiot. Just because I haven’t had sex doesn’t mean I haven’t paid attention to the world around me.”
“So I don’t need to talk to the guys?”
The image of a trip to the drugstore with Aiden, Maddox, and Richard came to my mind. They would discuss condoms, listing off the pluses and minuses of the different brands. Aiden would ask loudly if I needed a small or medium. He would probably offer to show me how to use one with a banana. There would be a great deal of teasing and laughter for them—and embarrassment for me.
“Definitely not.”