Page 28 of A Brambleberry Manor Christmas
‘Shall we?’ His kind eyes crinkle into a smile under hisbushy grey brows and he holds out his hand.
Laughter bursts out of me. ‘I’d be delighted.’
I feel safe and secure in Bob’s firm hold, and he sweeps mealong, not seeming to mind when I accidentally step the wrong way or squish histoes, which seems to happen far more regularly than I thought it would.
‘This dancing lark is actually quite tricky,’ I say, smilingup at him, and immediately standing on his foot because I’m not concentrating.‘Oops, sorry. Again.’
‘You’ll get the hang of it.’ He smiles. ‘You already are.You’ve got good timing.’
‘I love this kind of music. I thought I knew all the steps,just from watching every episode ofStrictlya hundred times over. Butit’s a different matter when you’re trying to perform them. Do you and Rhodatake classes?’
He shakes his head. ‘We’ve just always danced. I suppose wecome from the generation that remembers the predecessor ofStrictly. Itwas simply calledCome Dancingand it was a real favourite when it wason TV in the 1950s. It ran through the 60s and 70s as well, but it was nevercelebrities learning to dance. It was the country’s top dancers competingagainst one another for the trophy.’
‘Well, this is lovely.’ I smile up at Bob, getting into theswing of the dance, loving the Big Band music, and finding I can actually dothe moves without having to look at my feet. ‘I hear you’re an artist? Thatyou’ve won prizes for your art installations? I’d love to see them. You must beso talented.’
‘That’s very kind of you to say so. I was an engineer for along time, but I used to like making sculptures in my spare time.’ He grins.‘Rhoda got so fed up not seeing me from one mealtime to the next at weekends,she decided she’d learn to paint. So now we share a studio.’ He sends his wifea heart-meltingly fond glance. ‘She’s actually very good, but don’t tell her Isaid so, or her hats won’t fit her anymore.’
I laugh and he twinkles at me, then he twirls me aroundwithout warning. Amazingly, I manage to stay upright and end in the rightplace. Laughing with delight, I glance over at Rhoda and Noah, and Noah givesme a thumbs up of approval. He must have seen my twirl, and my heart takesflight as we exchange a smile.
All too soon, the music draws to a crescendo, and at theend, Bob performs a solemn bow and I do my best attempt at a curtsy.
My heart is racing as Rhoda walks over with Noah to join us.He looks so attractive, especially now that he’s loosened his tie. I only wishI was wearing something a little more glamorous than black trousers and a blacktop. But it almost doesn’t matter because Noah’s smile, combined with the buzzI got dancing with Bob, are making me feel more alive at this moment than I’vefelt in a very, very long time…
‘Well.’ Rhoda smiles at Noah. ‘Now that you’ve learned thebasics, it’s probably time you took Jenny for a whirl around the floor,wouldn’t you say?’
I smile nervously and I’m about to say, ‘You really don’thave to do that,’ when Noah takes a step towards me. His eyes burn into mine ashe holds out his hand and murmurs, ‘Shall we, Jenny?’
My heart is beating crazily as I take his hand and he pullsme into hold rather dramatically, a wicked glint in his eye telling me thathe’s hamming it up a little for Rhoda’s benefit. I’m crushed against him,feeling like I’m about to do a seductive Argentinian tango, rather than asedate waltz, and the feel of his strong, muscled body and the masculine scentof him makes my head spin.
‘Ready?’ He positions his hand more firmly on my lower back.
Laughing, I look boldly up into his eyes. ‘Ready.’
‘Let’s do this.’
‘Okay.’
‘Ah, there you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.’
Melanie’s voice cuts into our moment, breaking the spell. Weboth turn towards her, and she says, ‘Sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt, but…well,there’s something I need to tell you, Noah.’ She turns slightly and lowers hervoice. ‘I tried earlier, when we went for that walk, but I wasn’t brave enough.I really need to talk to you.’
‘Right now?’ Noah asks, although he doesn’t immediately letgo of me.
‘Sorry, yes. It can’t wait any longer.’ Melanie looksanxiously at me, and I nod.
And Noah releases me.
‘Another time?’ he says, looking into my eyes, and I nod andattempt a smile. Then I watch as they go off together, Noah guiding Melanieaway, deep in conversation even before they get to the door…
‘Oh, what a shame,’ says Rhoda. ‘You’ll have to take a raincheck on that dance, the two of you.’
‘Whatareyou up to, wife?’ chides Bob, grinning.
‘Nothing at all.’ Rhoda attempts a look of innocence butjust looks comical instead, and we all start to laugh.
*****
I set off home, feeling light as a feather, as if I’mfloating on air.
