She went downstairs to the informal living area and turned on the sound system. She put on a haunting love song and danced to it, letting herself get swept away by the lyrics and the music.
When the next tune started, she sat on the floor, her heart beating fast. Dance and song always connected her to her deepest emotions. Right then, she knew she was at a fork on the road.
On one path, she saw her exciting plans for her Sydney trip: playing tourist with Sam, spending time with her friends, enjoying that fling with a handsome stranger. When her holiday was up, it would be back to Melbourne, back to her demanding executive assistant job, and back to her fulfilling three-times-a-week role as a dance teacher. That path wasn't bad at all. In fact, she was quite happy with it.
The other path led her to Trey. Just thinking about it made her heart thud faster. It had an irresistible pull—alluring in spite of the danger she could sense. Somehow, she knew she wouldn't be strong enough to resist. It was something she really wanted even though she was very much aware she could so easily get her heart ripped out from her chest when it was all over.
She sighed. She had always listened to her heart—and her body, for that matter—more than her head. Life was too short to hold oneself back.
The doorbell startled her out of her musing. She got off the floor and ran to answer it. Geez. How excited could one get?
Her breath hitched when she opened the door and found Trey wearing a grey t-shirt that clung to his chest. She bet he would look even yummier when that shirt was soaked in sweat.
"Good evening, Miss McCann. I'm here for my dance lessons," he said with grave formality.
"Good evening, Mr. Andrews. Come on in. I'm glad you're on time," she replied, matching his tone.
Trey checked his watch as he stepped inside. "Actually, I'm six minutes early. I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be late."
She raised her eyebrows. "I'm pleased to see how eager you are, Mr. Andrews."
He grinned. "Just my way of showing how committed I am to my dance lessons, Miss McCann."
She chuckled, remembering their other deal. "Well, it's a good start. We'll see how you go for the rest of the night."
"Sure. I can even show you some more Trey moves."
"Really? There are more Trey moves in addition to the Trey Sway?"
"Yeah," he answered, biting his lip to keep himself from laughing. "If you let me dance with you horizontally, I'll show them to you."
She laughed and playfully punched his arm.
"You'll get your chance for a horizontal dance," she said in a sultry voice, batting her lashes at him, "if I'm happy with your progress with vertical dancing."
Trey snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "We can start with the Trey Sway," he whispered in her ear.
She wiggled away, chuckling and wagging a finger at him in mock rebuke. "You're already an expert in the Trey Sway. Tonight you'll learn another move."
He sighed. "Okay. I'm ready."
*
For the next hour and a half, Kris kept her dance teacher hat on. While she joked with Trey and kept the lesson fun for him, she made sure he was taking it seriously. One of her pet peeves was when a student of hers didn't show enough respect for the art of dance. She'd rather they didn't turn up for their lesson.
But Trey was true to his word. He paid attention and seemed really keen to learn. She worked on getting him to relax first, and to be comfortable with moving his feet without worrying if he looked awkward or uncoordinated.
After a while, she could tell he had started to really enjoy dancing to the music.
"See, I told you that you can dance," she said triumphantly.
"Thank you—but I know it's because I have a good teacher."
She grinned. "Are you enjoying it?"
"Absolutely, especially the last ten minutes."
She inhaled deeply. In the last ten minutes, the dancing had turned too sensual. She didn't plan it, but she just couldn't help herself. Trey's flirtations were impossible to resist.
"So, did I pass my first lesson?"
"With flying colours."
"Ooh. I know what that means," he said, moving closer to her.
She was rooted to the spot, mesmerised by the heated look that took over his eyes.
Trey caressed a strand of hair from her face. His fingers slid lightly down her shoulder and her arm. She tingled all over, her body responding to his. Involuntarily, she licked her lips.
"Kris," he breathed, before slowly bringing his lips closer to hers. She tilted her head up and met him halfway.
Electricity zinged through her at the first touch of their lips. His kiss was soft…gentle…sweet.
Her arms curved around his neck just as he pulled her closer to him, and their kiss turned passionate in an instant. She moaned as his tongue explored her mouth and his hands roamed her back. She pressed herself harder against him, desire shooting to her core as his erection dug into her belly.