“Good. Now move, Mr. Caldwell. Don’t worry about the steps or any dance procedure, just allow the music to carry you forward. Miss Casey, you are to imagine that this man has enchanted you, changing you into a floating leaf that flutters in the wind. Feel the movement of his body and flow with it.”
And suddenly, Timothy and I were dancing. My feet kept politely on the floor, or at least, following his movements, not mashing or kicking as they’d always done before. We pirouetted, backed, and turned. I could feel Timothy’s body’s and moved with it, almost as if I were that leaf Chris had spoken of, and I was swaying in the wind.
The musical piece ended and neither of us broke a part. The magic had sealed us together. A frozen embrace, perhaps.
Chris applauded. “Oh, you two are unique, so natural, so unified in movement. It will be a pleasure to guide you through the more formalized dances, if that is what your wish.”
Timothy ignored the dance instructor and seared my lips with his. As kisses go, it was soul deep and the most wonderful moment I’d ever known. I forgot about the presence of Chris, standing no more than a couple of yards’ distance away. I forgot about my doubts and about all my indecision. I wanted Timothy carnally, in a way I’d never wanted any guy before.
If Timothy had lifted me up in his arms and carried me up to his room, I would not have protested. My body had sent out roots, anchoring me to this wonderful man. Timothy was right; we were meant to be together.
When Timothy’s lips lifted, I whimpered. I wasn’t sure I could take such a severing. I might die from the agony, from the piercing of my heart.
“Sh, my darling. It’s okay. I won’t let you go. I promise I will hold you forever.”
That kind of statement should have sent chills through me. I should have retreated back to safety, but it was exactly what I wanted to hear. I felt at peace.