“Leah, come on. One dance. It won't kill you.”
It might.
He raised an eyebrow and I rolled my eyes.
“One dance.”
Grinning, Radleigh stood up. I followed him to the dance floor where he gently but confidently snaked his arms around my waist.
The last time we were this close, we were kissing, and the last time he was this close to Taylor, he -. I forced myself to stop. It was only a dance after all. I couldn't help but breathe in the scent of him, though. He always smelled amazing.
“You really do look gorgeous tonight,” he said, breaking into my thoughts and bringing me to my senses in one breath.
“Okay, let's cut to the chase,” I said, looking him in the eye. “This is the part where you tell me that I've got you all wrong, and you're just a poor misunderstood boy, right?”
Radleigh smiled roguishly. “You're good.”
“I’ve had plenty of experience with men like you. I know all the tricks, I've even fallen for them.”
“The tricks or the men?”
“Both.”
“I'm sorry.”
“Cut it out,” I told him, unable to stop myself laughing at the fact that he was still trying.
His arms tightened around me, almost like a challenge, but instead of backing away I relaxed against him. For the first time ever, he’d sought permission before putting his hands on me. Although I wasn’t even close to trusting him, it felt good that he was treating me with a little bit of respect for once.
He felt so different to Miguel. McCoy was taller, his body more firm. Miguel was fit but not nearly as toned. Hugging him was like hugging a cushion.
“So,” I said, looking up at Radleigh again, “what about you? Have you ever been in a relationship?”
I don't know what made me ask but it was worth it to see the look of surprise on his face.
“Sure I have,” he answered.
“Any that lasted longer than twenty-four hours?”
“Yes. But not for a while. I haven't been serious with anyone for a few years.”
“Why not?”
“Haven't found the right woman.”
“How could you possibly know that when you don't spend more than one night with anyone?”
“Well,” he grinned, “I haven't found a woman who is good enough in bed that makes me want to call them again.”
“Urgh. You really are disgusting, aren't you? Has it ever occurred to you that life isn't entirely about sex?”
“No,” he answered, with mock thoughtfulness. “Actually that hasn't occurred to me.”
I stomped hard on his foot to express my indignation, and he winced in pain. “What was that for?”
“For being such a pig.”
“Well I'd hate to disappoint you, Leah. I mean, what would happen if you actually started to like me?”