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“You’re a natural at this.”

“You’re kidding.” Amazed, she opened her eyes.

“Of course not. Why would I?”

“Because you— Oh…"

Olivia lost her words as Grace sent her spinning on a daring double twirl and caught her expertly on the rebound. Standing behind her now, still holding her nice and secure, and bending at the knees.What the…

“Go with it,” she invited. “What feels natural.”

Olivia’s hips seemed to know perfectly what to do, even if the suggestive swaying circle that Grace prompted her into had her blushing a little.

“Nice. Now you have it, Olivia. It’s the spirit of the dance. Don’t be shy.”

Grace never broke eye contact as she shimmered and glided all around her, dispensing useful encouragement and frequent smiles. She always looked supremely at ease in her own body, and the dance only made this more apparent. Olivia reflected that she was one hell of a good teacher. And the dance floor was obviously a safe space for Grace. As the music shifted from a lively Latin number to one she actually recognized, Grace gave her a final twirl, then tugged her back into her arms. The embrace was close and tight. Olivia was reminded in that instant that Grace was slightly taller. Mushy as it may be, she could not help liking it.

“I love this song,” Grace murmured.

“Wicked Game. So do I,” Olivia approved and watched her blue eyes sparkle.

Some guy in an ill-fitting tux jacket must have failed to read the signs as he tapped Grace on the shoulder.

“May I?” His smile was directed at Olivia.

“Uh… No, thank you,” she answered.

On a chuckle, Grace had her halfway across the room, like waltzing on a cloud, even before the guy could shut his mouthfrom the shock of surprise.

“Grace. We’re being rude.”

“Yeah? I don’t care.”

Olivia laughed at the reply, so typical of the woman, while in the background, Chris Izaak sang tantalizingly of not wanting to fall in love.

“Anyway, this guy obviously didn’t think I was too butch, huh?” she prompted.

Just an innocent, off-the-cuff comment, she figured. But the reply was a little dry.

“To be honest, I think he was drunk.”

“Ah…” Olivia raised a shoulder in a light shrug. “I guess.”

Grace went on. “You told me you made an effort to look good tonight.”

“Not for some random guy.” Hadn’t she said that already?

“Yes.” Grace nodded with a thoughtful and lingering smile. “But you can’t blame other people for noticing. You obviously have no idea of how well you succeeded in your attempt, Olivia. I’d say the fact that you’re genuinely not aware of it is even more attractive.”

Oh...Okay!This was one hell of a compliment wrapped up in that statement. Olivia relaxed.Don’t be so bloody nervous!She probably just needed to get used to Grace’s style. She could be so serious and focused at times… But also funny, with frequent flashes of flamboyance.

“Attractive enough for you to want to kiss me,” she smiled.

“You kissed me first,” Grace reminded her.

“Because you teased me into it.”

“Oh?” A teasing eyebrow immediately arched up. “Is that right?”