Page 17 of Marrying the Guide
Our smiles became a silent language, the growing connection between us pulsating to the cadence of the waltz. I reveled in feeling Onno’s body moving with mine, the dance crafting an intimate space where words were unnecessary and the past held no sway.
“Good job, guys,” José praised again as the song neared its end, but I barely heard him. All I could focus on was Onno, whose eyes never wavered from mine. Electric current chargedthe air as our hands remained clasped even after the music stopped.
As José called for a water break, Onno and I slipped away to a quiet corner of the dance studio. The mirrors lining the walls reflected the flushed faces of the other couples, but all I could see was the blue in Onno’s eyes, bright against the sheen of sweat on his brow.
“Didn’t think I’d work up a sweat from dancing.” Onno ran a hand through his locks, damp at the temples.
I wasn’t sweating, but then again, my daily activity level was several steps up from his. “Consider it a bonus. You get to learn to dance and exercise at the same time.”
“You know, I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I am.” He held my gaze, earnest and unguarded. His honesty was like an open door, inviting me into the warmth of his presence. “It’s…nice to feel connected to someone again. To laugh and move together. It’s been a while.”
“Same here,” I said. “Dancing with you feels natural. Right.”
He smiled, a smile that reached his eyes and made my heart beat a little faster. “Glad to hear I’m not the only one who thinks so.”
Before we could delve deeper into the conversation, the music beckoned us back, the rhythm promising a chance to further explore our burgeoning affinity. As we rejoined the group, José clapped, setting the tempo for the next dance.
“All right, let’s take it from the top!” José said. “Remember, it’s all about finding your rhythm with your partner.”
Onno’s hand found mine again, this time with confidence. A jolt of excitement surged through me. Our bodies moved in unity, the waltz steps becoming second nature as we glided across the floor. With each turn, twirl, and twist, the world narrowed to just the two of us, our breathing synchronized, our hearts beating as one, our movements a mirror of each other’s.
As the lesson continued, our coordination and rhythm improved, our steps and spins and spirals reinforcing the silent bond forming between us. The dance had started as a chance to learn, but now it felt like a language all its own—one that allowed us to converse through the push and pull of our intertwined figures.
As the final notes of the song faded like the softest of whispers, the room erupted in applause. We parted, breathless and flushed, joining the others in their appreciation. José approached us with a wide smile and clapped us on the back.
“Bravo, gentlemen! Your connection is palpable. That’s what dancing is all about.”
“Thank you, José,” I said. “Your instructions made it seem easy.”
“Ah, but the joy is in finding the right partner.” José winked, a knowing in his gaze, a recognition of the bond that had formed between us on the dancefloor.
As I stepped out of the dance studio, the cool Forestville air hit my flushed skin like a splash of mountain-stream water. The heat in my body had little to do with the exercise and everything to do with Onno. He’d set something ablaze inside me.
We strolled hand in hand back to my truck, leaving behind the rhythmic echoes of music and laughter. Our steps were unhurried, syncing naturally as if the dance had spilled over into our walk. Main Street was quiet, the shops darkened for the night, but the ever-present silhouette of the mountains stood as silent witnesses.
When we got to my truck, I opened the door for him, but he kissed me. Unlike the first time, there was nothing tentative about this kiss. Desire surged through me like wildfire, and our mouths moved together with a passion that had been building up since the moment our hands touched, as if the dancing had been foreplay.
He threaded his fingers through my hair, tugging gently, sending sparks shooting down my spine. I pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, exploring the taste of him—sweet like sugary pastries and intoxicating like the crisp mountain air.
I slid my hand to his ass, absorbing his heat through the fabric of his slacks, and he responded by surging deeper into my mouth, his tongue exploring mine with a fervor that matched the racing of my heart. He backed me up against my truck. I loved this newfound confidence, this touch of assertiveness. As if he’d found a part of himself again that had been lost.
Onno’s hands weren’t idle either. He unbuttoned my shirt and roamed over my chest, across my stomach, and down to my waist. My cock was so hard I was glad no one could see it because I’d be giving an X-rated show.
“God, you’re incredible,” I murmured against his lips, my hands tracing the contours of his body, committing the feel of him to memory. His scent, a mix of cologne and clean sweat, filled my nostrils, intoxicating and exhilarating.
His response was a sinful moan that vibrated into my mouth. I wanted more than a stolen kiss in public. I wanted all of him.
“Come home with me?” The words spilled out, tinged with longing and the anticipation of what could unfold between us. Each syllable hung heavily in the charged air, and I waited, eager, hopeful.
Onno’s blue eyes radiated a raw vulnerability, but he nodded slowly, the corner of his mouth quirking upward in that sweet smile I was becoming addicted to. “I’d love that.”
7
ONNO
The moment the door of Howell’s cottage clicked shut behind us, it was as if a dam broke loose within me, releasing a torrent of longing held at bay for far too long. His lips crashed against mine with an urgency that set my entire body aflame. The soft hairs from his beard grazed my skin, sending sparks of electricity dancing down my spine.
“God, Onno.” Howell groaned against my mouth, his voice muffled by our fervent kiss. His hands, strong and certain, roamed over my back, gripped my waist, and pulled me closer until not even a sheet of paper would fit between us.