Page 27 of It Takes Three To Tango

The music stops abruptly, and I halt mid-step. Rafe nearly bumps into me, but I hold him steady. When I look at him, his gaze is directed at the piano. Constantin is staring at us, his expression intense, dark eyes glittering lustfully. It only lasts a couple of seconds and then Constantin closes his eyes and starts playing again. This time, he starts singing, and I can’t help but let out a small, huffed laugh, partly in relief.

“What is it?” Rafe whispers.

“You were right, Constantin is a romantic,” I say quietly.

“Why?”

“This song is a tango classic. It’s called “Todo es Amor.” Everything is love.”

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Rafe says, and I don’t disagree. I just want to add,so are you.

“Shall we dance for him?” I ask.

I could have danced all night.I laugh as the words fromMy Fair Ladyinvoluntarily erupt from me while I’m getting ready for bed. It’s true, though. I enjoy dancing, which I didn’t expect, certainly not as much as I do. The lessons have been great, but tonight was something else, and I can see why, regardless of country or culture, dancing is a worldwide language. There’s something about moving your body to a rhythm that speaks at a soul level. I pull my T-shirt over my head.

I sing the second line, the words dying on my lips as I come to a halt in front of the mirror. Am I spreading my wings? Doing things I’ve never done before? Since coming to Spain, I’ve stood up to my agent, I’m learning Spanish, and how to dance—with a guy.

With. A. Guy.

The words spring to the front of my mind. I don’t mind it at all. In fact, I like it... a lot. Is that weird? It doesn't feelweird to me. Florencio made a joke about kissing tonight. It has to be a joke, right? Like the joke he made the first time I met him about fucking him. I know Florencio is flirty and likes his fun, and doesn’t take life too seriously, so it was most certainly a joke.

But . . . would I kiss him?

I wonder what it would feel like to have his lips on mine. Would they be soft? Would they be warm and wet, or cold and dry? I’ve certainly not thought about kissing anyone in as much detail before.

I laugh at the thought of it. I know it’s not likely to happen. A small voice pipes up in my head.I wish it would.

A warmth spreads through me, along with a tingling sensation.

Yes, I would kiss him!

It certainly fits in with the things I’ve never done before.

I look at myself in the mirror, wondering whether I look any different now I’ve had this realisation. I can’t see anything different. Good. Then maybe he won’t notice tomorrow when I see him. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep my cool, at least on the outside. Inside I might be a wreck, as my stomach is already starting to churn.

I keep to myself for most of the morning, primarily working on my Spanish.

I definitely wasn’t working out how to say, “I know you were joking, but yes, I would like to kiss you.” Well, maybe I was, but there’s actually no way I’d say it, in EnglishorSpanish.

I’ve also been working on my idea. After checking mynotes on my laptop, it’s time to put my plan to Estrella. I’m really excited at the prospect of doing this—okay, a large part of the excitement is the research, but I think it would be really popular. I just hope she agrees. I get my opportunity on the terrace after lunch. Florencio and Constantin are there. I haven’t told them of my plans either, as I want it to be a surprise.

“Estrella, has anyone ever written your biography?”

She turns her head and regards me.

“Why would anyone want to do that?”

“You’ve led an interesting life, have so many stories to tell, and met every star imaginable. People would love to know more about that.”

“My dear, you are sweet, but no one cares enough anymore. Who would care about me? In this modern world, no one cares enough about anyone anymore, do they? No one cares enough to come to see me now I’m dying.”

“But—” Florencio starts to speak but Estrella cuts in.

“Hush, child. Did you come because you wanted to? No, you came because you were sent. Your father didn’t care enough to come himself. He only sent you to make sure I haven’t spent his inheritance or left it to a dogs’ home.”

She pauses and Florencio frowns.

“Don’t look so glum, child. I’m not blaming you. I pity you. You’re young and who cares enough about you? After all, you were the one they could spare.”

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