Dancing

Their fingertips hooked lightly over each other and they stepped to the side with the other dancers. A little hop, half turn, turn back and onward. Torin’s dimple deepened. His dark eyes shone in the bright lights from the chandeliers. Sunshine smiled up at him, delighting in his company.

She had been pleased to realize the dance was one she knew and she was even more pleased that her partner showed such grace and style. He moves like a cat, she thought. Like quicksilver. He flows through the steps. She found herself striving to match his fluid movements. His smile said she had succeeded. More than that, the other dancers slowly dropped out, leaving them in the center of the dance floor.

Sunshine faltered when she noticed they were alone and being watched by scores of eyes.

“Steady, dearest,” he murmured. He made the next full turn, his hair swirling around his shoulders and arms. She spun back toward him. Their hands made contact again and she lost herself in the dance, the warmth in his eyes, and took comfort from the intermittent touch of his hand on hers. His wink and smile gave her courage to continue until the music wound down and faded away.

They came to a stop. He bowed deeply to her. She dropped a nervous curtsey. Thunderous applause filled the room from the crowd around the edge of the dance floor. Sunshine felt her cheeks glowing and not merely from the exertion of the dance. Torin chuckled, bowed his head to the onlookers, and led Sunshine to one of the small refreshment tables.

“Oh my,” she said, as he pressed a delicate glass of fresh juice into her hand. She sipped the unfamiliar drink, decided it was just the thing she needed and drained the cup. She sighed.

Torin finished his own drink. “Shall we dance again, or would you prefer to watch this time?”

“I think I need a rest after that,” she said. “I’m not used to being the centre of attention. It’s–different.”

He tapped his scarred cheek. “I’m used to people staring,” he said. “But, yes, this was certainly out of the ordinary. I’ve never had that happen before. Of course, I’ve never had the perfect partner before, either.”

She laughed up at him. “You’re silly.” She watched the next dance taking shape as the musicians warmed up. “But we were good together, weren’t we?”

His smile made her knees turn to water and she fought to stay upright. “Yes,” he said. “We’re very good together.” He put his arm around her waist and they turned to watch the dancing.