“Ezra teaches a dance class for kids around the neighborhood once a month,” Stacie answered. “It’s a charity thing. Everyone chips in with what they can for the kids, it makes for an entertaining night. It’s fun you should come.”
I moved my eyes to Ezra. He sat back in his chair with his hands linked behind his head. His lips rounded upwards. “It’s nothing big. A few kids from the community that have it rough. And, to be honest, they barely pay any attention to the class.” He chuckled. “It’s mostly goofing around. What gets them hyped up are the treats at the end. Stacie’s right you should come. The more the merrier.”
The news didn’t entirely surprise me. The fact that Ezra could dance was well-known. He never hid how much he enjoyed it. Yet, I was thrilled to know he had it in his heart to help the less privileged. When I was about to answer, his phone lit up. The name Rowan flashed on his screen. Unexpectedly, I pictured Rowan as the man who dropped by the office the other day. Swiftly, Ezra pushed forward, silenced the phone and flipped it around.
“Are you coming?” Stacie pressed.
“Um, yeah, sure. Do I need to bring anything?”
“Whatever you can,” Ezra said, “snacks, drinks, toys, clothes, really anything.”
“Oh, and wear something comfy,” Stacie emphasized, “we’ll be on our feet a lot and Ezra sometimes makes us all participate in whatever routine he is teaching.”
Nodding, I made a mental list of what I could take.
I carpooled with Stacie and Frank. By the time we reached the venue, Ezra, Sienna and the other volunteers were already there. There were about thirty kids lined up in five rows at the center of the space. Closer to the walls, surrounding the kids, were tables set up with food and drinks. At the far end, I saw two orange papers stuck on the wall that read: TOYS. Stacie guided me around the hall, introducing me to everyone on our path. I aided where I could and once all was set, I told Stacie I was going to drop off the stuffed animals I’d bought in the toybox.
I was almost reaching the box when all of a sudden, the kids clapped and cheered. Pivoting, I managed to catch Ezra stepping onto the dance floor in a pair of black sweatpants and a white shirt. He positioned himself facing the kids and took a bow. With a hand motion, he asked them to settle down. It took a while before they did.
Once Ezra had the situation under control, he welcomed the kids and shouted, “Who’s ready to get sweaty?”
“Meeee!” The children yelled, jumping up and down.
“Soooo ... Let’s. Get. Started.”
More ecstatic noise came from the dancefloor. Ezra nodded to a guy on his right and an upbeat salsa rhythm took hold of the atmosphere. The melody had a brightness to it that stimulated the room. The waves of the tune commanded my body and automatically my hips swayed.
Chuckling, I stopped myself and dropped the toys in the box. More shouts of excitement filled the air. I reclined against the wall taking in the show. Seeing all those overstimulated kids reminded me of home.
My chest squeezed tightly. I missed my brothers and sisters. They were loud and messy but spending every night in an empty apartment wasn’t as enjoyable as I thought it would be. There was too much stillness—a foreign concept to me that I was adjusting to.
Ezra, with the help of Sienna and a few others, managed to get the kids settled down and into the lineup. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside, uncovering a black sleeveless vest with a very low neckline. Through the mirror, I caught sight of his well-designated back and I gasped, completely mesmerized.
Every inch of the exposed flesh on his back had tattoos etched on it. Some were bright red, but the majority were drawn in black on his olive skin. I made out a rose and half a musical note. I peeled my gaze from the mirror and my eyes locked on his chest. Beneath his collarbone stood more ink. The calligraphy was narrow and elegant, curving in tendrils over his skin almost seductively. It was exquisite and hard to not stare at.
Ezra turned his back to the crowd clapping as he counted the kids in. Our eyes met through the mirror fleetingly and he winked. A flash of heat rushed up my neck and face. Ignoring the blush, I raked a hand through my hair and continued watching as his body moved effortlessly with the rhythm.
Ezra called a stunning woman to assist him and together they moved as a unit. She was good but not as good as he was. They twirled like liquid immersed by the tempo, flowing in graceful arcs, limbs in constant motion. So effortlessly and beautifully.
“Hey.” Stacie stood next to me. “He’s good, isn’t he?”
Absentmindedly, I said, “So good.”
Stacie giggled and I blinked, shifting my gaze to hers. “I mean he’s okay. I’ve seen him dance before. He’s a good dancer, um ...” I cleared my throat trying desperately to regain composure. “The guy can dance.”
“Here.” She handed me a napkin.
I scowled. “What’s this for?”
“To clean your mouth, honey. You’re drooling.”
I set my lips to a firm line. “Don’t,” I warned, shaking my head.
“But you gotta admit, he is fine.”
I rolled my eyes and moved away from her, towards the beverage table. It was hot all of the sudden, and I needed a drink. I pulled a plastic cup from the stack and filled it with water. I ogled the table replenished with the most delightful treats. I inhaled, trapping the breath in my lungs and stormed past it with my eyes closed.
Once I was on the other side, I breathed and opened my eyes that all on their own wandered to Ezra. He was so good with the kids.
“Everybody partner up,” Ezra announced.
A rough throat cleared behind me, and forced me to turn. It was Frank and his bright smile. He offered me his hands. “Wanna be my partner?”
With a frown, I scanned the room searching for Stacie. She was at Ezra’s side.
“She dumped me for the best dancer,” he gushed. “I may not be the best but I’ve got moves.”
I placed my hands on his and he wasted no time pulling me close. The entire room had coupled up and was following Ezra’s count. “One, two, cha-cha-cha ... three, four, cha-cha-cha ...”
“Ouch,” I cried when Frank stepped on my toes. I cocked my head to look at him. “You can’t dance for shit. No wonder Stacie bailed on you.”
Frank laughed
“Freestyle everyone,” Ezra’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Grab your partner and go craaazy.” He stretched out the word. “Forget the rules and just have fun.”
Before I could stop Frank, he whisked me off my feet and spun me around like I was a paper doll. I chortled, taking in the moment. It felt good to let go. When we were on the dancefloor, amid the fervent children, he set me down and did the moonwalk. I cheered him on and did my best to keep up with him. Frank swaggered back towards me, held on to my hand and twirled me round and round. I was getting dizzy and when he let me go, my front collided with Ezra’s hard, sweaty chest.
Without giving me a chance to protest, Ezra took my hand and placed it on his shoulder. His other hand snaked around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I gazed up at him. He had a beautiful grin. His dark brown hair was tousled, thick and lustrous. I’d never paid attention to the vigor of his features, as if chiseled from granite. His firm hands, slightly rough guided me as we swayed. His body was warm and toned as he hugged me. His touch delicate and his gaze held mine. I couldn’t help but blush. Again. His smile inched wider.