Page 26 of Love's Instant Replay
“Whatchu know about holding penalties, Ms. Ky?”
“More than you seem to know about salsa.” Kyelle laughs, and the sound vibrates through me as I nod. “Don’t think . . . just feel. Let the music guide you.”
Nodding, I relax my shoulders ready to conquer these moves like I do defensive plays. “Alright. Let’s do this, my baby.”
“Let’s. All vibes, no thoughts,” Kyelle tells me, giving me a smile that seems to light up not only the dim room but my world as well.
Locking eyes with Kyelle, I smile when the instructor calls another move, a quick step and spin. With my teeth holding my bottom lip captive, I perform the move smoothly causing Kyelle to light up.
“You did it! You did it!”
“You won’t be clowning me for stepping on your feet the whole class.” Pulling her closer, my heart rate increases when the heat from our bodies bounces off each other as the song fades and another slower, more sensual one begins.
Without thought, I do what comes naturally, moving to the rhythm more than the instructions given by the instructor.
“This is what I was seeking from the beginning. I’ve always wanted a man to dance with me in an intimate setting like this.”
“Well, you officially have one. If this corny shit is what you want us to do, then me and my rhythmically-challenged ass will happily take position in your arms.”
“I could get used to having you in my arms.”
“As you should. I know we’re in it for the long haul, my baby.”
Our feet continue gliding as the other couple’s laughter and conversation fade around us. No one else matters but Kyelle and me because now that the music has taken over my movements, our rhythm increases.
Damn, I’m tired, but I hate to admit that it was an enjoyable experience I would have never seen myself doing.
“That was fun. But I had no idea how much my feet would hurt.” Kyelle gently slips her feet out of the tap-like shoes she’s wearing.
Tapping my lap, I verbally express my request. “Give me your feet, but I hope they aren’t stinkyandachy.”
Kyelle giggles, doing as she’s told while flexing her toes once her foot is in my lap. “Stinky or not, I hope you still remove the ache.”
“Yeah, you earned this after not complaining when I stepped on these puppies during two songs. This is me showing my gratitude.”
My hands begin rubbing her left foot slowly as my thumbs press in the arch with ease and gentleness causing Kyelle to exhale. My eyes roam around the room to see that everyone is lost in their own worlds, not paying us any attention. I thought for sure the men in attendance would bombard me with autograph requests once the class was over. But thankfully, no one has attempted to do anything but enjoy their partners, allowing me to breathe and enjoy my lady.
“Ooh, who knew you also moonlight as a masseur in your spare time. Your hands are?—”
“Made to love you,” I tease.
“That song used to stay on repeat when I found myself in love wi?—”
My eyes harden, and I frown as I immediately cut off whatever Kyelle is about to speak. “If you’re not speaking inthe present tense concerning your feelings for me, your spiel is irrelevant.”
A half-laugh, half-moan falls from Kyelle’s lips as my hands continue moving over her foot. My eyes are on her, but my hands haven’t faltered despite the storm brewing within my stomach that her words cause. My touch is tender yet firm and a complete contradiction to the urge of wanting to beat the ass of the man who once held Kyelle’s heart.
“You don’t have to worry about him . . . He’s dead,” Kyelle says after several minutes of silence between us.
“Good.”
“Wait, what?” Kyelle’s mouth opens and closes while her eyes blink continuously upon hearing my single-word response.
Shrugging, I pat her left foot, returning it to my lap before moving on to give her right the same treatment. “Means I don’t have to figure out how to kill his ass and can remain one of the Bobcats’ defensive weapons.”
“K-kill—for what?”
“For having you open enough to obtain the part of you I’m after.” My hands slow when my eyes peer intently into Kyelle’s wide and assessing eyes.
