Bella's Choice

Chapter 6: A dance to last.

Monica made sure everyone had a good time. She was always the heart of any party, and as a good host her timing was impeccable.

She turned to Tim and motioned for him to put some music on. Almost immediately, Butterfly Kisses filled the night sky from the speakers in the corner. Monica made her way to Aldrich, and asked him for a dance. She knew him well and really liked him as a friend. It was why she'd known she just had to arrange a party for her two friends to meet. When she mentioned it to Tim, he agreed that it would be a splendid idea, but he also offered a warning. She would need to tread carefully and not push anything. Allow them to find themselves without any pressure from her. Reluctantly she had agreed, and so far it was working out wonderfully.

He smiled when she stood in front of him asking for a dance. He stood up, accepting her invitation. She led him to the floor, and he followed, taking her in his arms―not too close―but with a comfortable space between them, simply enjoying the song. At one point, when they were next to Anabella's chair, Monica reached out to grab her friend's hand.

Startled at the sudden touch, Anabella looked at her, then at him.

Monica pulled her up, placing her hand in Aldrich's and smiled.

Aldrich immediately picked up on what Monica was doing and took over with a grin. He really didn't need help from an eighteen-year-old in this department, but appreciated the gesture. He pulled Anabella closer to him, one hand lightly touching her lower back, the other engulfing her right hand as they danced away.

They were both good dancers and their feet moved in synchronization with the music, melting together. At first, she was surprised but didn't mind the closeness. Willingly, she drew closer as they danced, her lips close to his neck where she could see his pulse beat in the hollow of his neck. He smelled so good.

She wondered how it would feel to kiss him there. Heat rushed through her whole body. As if he could hear her musings, he pulled her in closer. She fitted perfectly in his arms. Her hand on his shoulder held him gently.

As the second song continued, they didn't part. If someone had asked them what the song was called, they would not have been able to recall it. Anabella tried hard not to think too much; simply enjoying the closeness and the feeling of safety he created. His heat was intoxicating, and she couldn't help but brush the part of his skin just above the collar of his shirt with her fingers.

He looked down at her, her emerald eyes were glowing. He leaned in, their cheeks touching, and she sighed softly, laying her head on his shoulder. It was amazing how comfortable they felt with each other, no words necessary to break the silence.

His hands were warm and gentle, the one on her lower back caressing her softly; the same soft, gentle touch she bestowed on him was evidently being returned. During the last song, he encircled her with both his arms, surrounding her.

Through hazy eyes, she looked at her arm around his neck, noticing the time on her watch. It was already nine-fifteen. She had to leave, but her body was sending out different messages than what her mind told her. Finally, she whispered in his ear to let her go as she needed to leave.

“I must go," she said softly. He turned and looked at her, his blue eyes darker yet soft; she could melt into them. She would love to explore this more, but it couldn't be, not now anyway.

He pulled her in even closer, and in a husky voice whispered, “I would love to get to know you better." Reluctantly, he released her.

She wasn't sure she had heard him correctly, but the mere idea of him wanting to know her caused her heart to skip a beat.

The few minutes they shared together were overwhelming. He'd never thought this could happen to him.

In wonder, she looked at him. You are silly, Anabella. What do you have to offer him? Nothing. Especially the love part. I don't know what love is, and why would he want to know me?

“But I understand you have to leave. You have a big day tomorrow, and you need your rest," he concluded with a smile.

When he released her, a void filled her heart and body, a void she had never experienced before. She knew there had been something missing in her life and now that she had found it, she didn't want to let go. She stepped closer to him, kissed him in the crook of his neck and walked away. Making her way over to Monica and her parents, she thanked them for a great evening, said her goodbyes to the other guests and walked out the door.

Aldrich was still standing in the same spot where she had left him, still feeling her lips on his neck, shocked at her tender display, when Tim walked over.

“She impressed you, my friend." Tim gave a chuckle, patted him on the shoulder and walked away, saying, “Monica was right about how much you would like her."

As if that brought him back to reality, he quickly took a card out of his pocket, scribbled on it and ran to her car, reaching her as she was about to get in.

She felt a piece of paper being pressed into her hand, and looked up to find it was Aldrich. The message was clear―he wanted to see her again.

Once home and in her bedroom, she unfolded the paper still in her hand. It was his business card.

Aldrich Hagin

Attorney

Telephone number: 555 444 0000

She turned it over, and it read: Until we meet again.