Page 43 of The Wedding Planner's Manny
“A retriever. He's my son's dog, really, but he's part of the family.”
“What about Sauron?” Kade asked, nudging his partner. “We should take Sauron to the top of a lighthouse and let him look out.”
Now I was confused. “Who's Sauron?”
“Our cat,” Kade replied. “He likes to perch on top of a shelf and stare down at us.”
“I see,” I said with a short laugh, adding another line to my notes.
And then finally, the rest of my clients arrived—along with Rhys. I greeted them all amicably, and though I wanted to grab Rhys and drag him into a quiet corner where I could ravage his lips, I limited myself to shaking his hand. But even that small contact was enough to get my heart racing. I was really in deep, wasn't I? I hoped nobody else noticed, though. I had no idea how much Rhys had told his brother, if anything.
“Shall we head inside?” I asked the group, making myself step back from Rhys. For now. I was looking forward to dancing, but at the same time, I couldn't wait until we were done here so I could have my omega to myself. The kids were out tonight and it had been a long time since my bedroom had seen any action.
Inside the spacious studio with its vinyl floor and wall-length mirrors, we were greeted by the instructor who'd been awaiting us. I brought Sarah a lot of clients, so she always welcomed me with the biggest grin. She'd even tried getting with me once, shortly after my wife left. In the end, though we'd both agreed that was a stupid idea. Still, there was no better dance instructor in town. No one who could match Sara's passion for music and the art of moving your body to it.
“Who are you bringing me today?” she asked, eyeing the two couples and Rhys. I'd told her when making the appointment, of course, but I introduced her to everyone by name now. “I see, I see,” she said when I was done. “Have you thought about what song you want to have your first dance to?”
“We haven't really been able to agree yet,” Nick spoke up. “If we let my partner decide we'd be dancing to the opening theme of Game of Thrones if you can believe it.”
“Oh, don't pretend you don't like that show. You're glued to the screen every time it's on, just as much as I am.”
“Well, excuse me if I don't want to have a red wedding,” Nick quipped. “I want something fun and upbeat. Something I can move to.”
“I see, I see.” Sarah brought a hand up to her chin. “What do the others think?”
“I wouldn't mind a slow song,” Shane spoke up. For some reason, this made Nick glare at him.
“Maybe we'll try both and then we'll see what you like better,” Sarah suggested. “I think I know just what to start with. Let me just...” Still talking, she wandered off into the back of the room.
I stood a little closer to Rhys while we waited, breathing in his scent. I’d missed that burned caramel scent while I was out of town. “Good to see you again,” I said in a hushed tone of voice, even though no one was paying attention to us. My clients were all discussing what songs they might like to dance to. So far, it seemed Kade was the only one withanyformal training.
“Good to see you too.” Rhys gave me small smile, eyes downcast as if he was feeling shy—or nervous—about something. Was it because we weren’t alone? Or had he changed his mind about us between Christmas and now?
I tried to think of something I could say or do to find out, but before I managed to come up with anything, Sarah returned and started instructing us.
“We’ll begin with a simple foxtrot,” she said. “I will show you the steps, but I’m going to need one volunteer to help me with the demonstration.”
“I’ll help.” Nick stepped forward. “I’m a klutz, though. I apologize in advance.”
Sarah waved him off. “That’s fine. These feet have been trampled on so many times they don’t know what pain is anymore.” She turned the stereo system on as she spoke and swing-style music started filling the room. “Okay, everyone, watch closely, and then try to mimic with your partner what I’m doing with this young man.” She shot Zander a glance. “I’ll return him to you in a moment.”
“Keep him,” Zander joked. “I’m still looking for a stunt double to perform the dance for me at the wedding.”
I had to laugh at that, but only until Rhys took my hand. Right, we were supposed to dance. I focused my attention on him. He was wearing a hoodie again today. This one even larger than his other ones.
Had he borrowed it from his alpha brother? It didn’t fit him at all.
“I’m sad to see you’re not wearing your Christmas sweater today,” I said, resting my free hand on his hip. He glanced at it as if the contact was making him uneasy.
What, was I not supposed to touch him?
In front of us, Sarah cursed under her breath, momentarily distracting me. “God, you really are a klutz,” she said.
Nick gave her a sheepish smile. “Sorry.”
While I had my gaze averted, Rhys let go of my hand.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, turning back to him.
