Chapter 20 : Dance with me

Ella:

I looked up at the sky and I could see stars shining along the New York skyline which was quite a rarity in cosmopolitan cities. The rhythm started making me sway, moving my legs and hips from side to side. I should have been upset about what happened earlier but I was done.

I close my eyes experiencing freedom like never before. Like a free bird, I raise my hands up in the hair and sing, I don't care, go on and tear me apart. I did not care who was around me or who was noticing me. Men around were glancing at me over their girlfriend’s shoulders. My hands played around with my now messy updo. I was loving this carefree version of me, enjoying a night all by myself.

As the song ended, I went to the bar to get another drink, Hell they had to keep coming!

“One espresso martini, please you cute looking thing!” I slurred handing him her credit card.

The bartender smiles, swipes the card and it beeps, He swipes it again without any success.

“I am sorry Ma’am your card isn't working.” he politely replied

“And why do I expect things to be going my way?'' I mutter under my breath as I reach out for my purse.

“Here you go, Sam”, a man with this back facing me, casually drawls as he hands over his platinum card without even looking at me. Who did he think he was?

“Thanks but you didn't have to, How do I pay you back?” I replied half drunk but with full self respect.

“How about a dance?” He swirled around the bar-stool looking at me nonchalantly through his mask. Although it was difficult to see his face, I noticed his chiseled jaw twitching as his thin lips broke into a lopsided grin.

“Excuse me,” I said, shocked at his audacity as he tilted his head checking me out shamelessly.

“Well you wanted to pay me back, didn't you?” he smirks, amused by the look on my face as he acknowledged that he liked what he saw.

“I don't think you'd be able to keep up with me.” I replied openly challenging him. Having learnt and practised quick steps, jive, waltz and cha-cha since I was 19, there was a time when I just wanted to be the famous popstar Ciara Cyrus; I could kill to even be a fly on her wall.

“Well, we shall see,'' he says as he leads me on the dance floor. This guy was almost six feet tall and walked lithely with such confidence, it was difficult to ignore him. The ladies around me couldn’t as well. Looking at his backside closely, I was sure he broke into a sweat in the gym everyday. His toned physique fit perfectly into his tailored Armani as he turned around to face me.

He tugs at my hand, the sudden jerk forcing me to collide into him with both my forearms on his firm chest. He had a remarkable citrus fragrance with hints of cocoa and patchouli. Oh wow! I arched one of my brows pleasantly surprised. He gently grabs my waist and holds out his left hand indicating I place my right hand into his. I take a deep breath coming closer as our hands instinctively lock with each other.

I did mind the arrogance though, who did he think he was? I step on one of his toes deliberately and exclaim, “Oh, I am so sorry I can be clumsy sometimes!”

“No worries princess, I anyways like to exercise control,” he says as he pulls me closer tauntingly until there is barely any space between us.