Dance For Me Ch. 10

Chapter Ten: Surprise, Surprise!

Sada leaned against the doorframe of the dance studio, watching Alastair. She could not take her eyes off of him. He danced in sweatpants, and only those. She knew he wasn't practicing their next performance, because he hadn't shown it to her yet. He was just letting off steam, and it was amazing to watch. Sada stood, completely rapt, as he danced, shifting between his usual freestyle and, to her surprise, break-dancing. Wow, she thought, licking her lips.

She didn't really want to disturb him, but they did need to get down to it. Taking a deep breath, she moved over to the stereo and turned it off. Alastair stopped dancing, startled, and turn to look at her. Sada was surprised by the faint flush that lit his cheeks. He grabbed a towel to wipe sweat from his face, then hung it around her shoulders. She noticed a folder sitting on top of the stereo and a CD-R on top of that; that must have been the new dance and the music they'd practice to.

"Sorry to interrupt you," Sada told Alastair as he approached to fiddle with the stereo. "I could have watched you all day, but I figured you might want to get started."

Alastair chuckled. "Fair enough. I think you'll like this next bit...it fits nicely into my plan. Time to change things up a bit. Tell me, what do you know about belly dancing?"

Sada's eyebrows raised. A sly smiled curved the corners of her mouth, and she demonstrated for him exactly what she knew about belly dancing; which was a lot. Although she hadn't danced competitively for years since her incident, she'd continued to learn where she could. Belly-dancing reminded her nothing of ballet, and so she'd learned everything she could of it. Alastair watched her for a few minutes, his mouth slightly open in surprise.

"Okay, stop that," Alastair said, drawing in his breath sharply. "You're good at that."

Sada grinned. "Having second thoughts?"

Alastair stepped closer to her. She swallowed hard, staring up at him. His blue eyes were intense. His hands settled on her hips, drawing her close to him. Sada felt her cheeks heat beneath his gaze but she couldn't look away. He bent down and pressed his mouth lightly to hers.

"Not at all, little dancer," Alastair murmured. "Well...unless you count some rather lecherous thoughts."

"Not here," Sada hissed, her eyes widening. "Alastair, don't you dare. Someone could walk in and I don't think I can uh..."

She stopped, feeling her mouth dry. I don't think I can resist you, Sada thought, staring up at him. She knew she didn't have to say it aloud for him to know it was true. His mouth brushed lightly against hers once more, making her shiver in delight. When Alastair stepped away from her, she felt light-headed and giddy. He brushed his fingertips gently over her lips, then stepped away.

"Let's get started," Alastair said, leaving Sada with her heart pounding and her pulse racing.

*****

Alastair shouldered his gym bag and opened the front door, stepping into his parents' house. It was wonderfully warm. All the heat he'd worked up practicing with Sada had fled in the freezing weather. Alanna was on the floor in the living room, sketching her cat Domino, who was curled up on the couch. He waved to her and headed past her, into the kitchen, where his parents were sitting, looking over bills. Alastair took a deep breath, leaning against the counter for support.

"Can we talk?" he asked quietly.

His mother looked up, smiling faintly. "Sure, honey. What's up?"

"I uh...I need to borrow some money," Alastair replied. This caught his father's attention.

"For what?" Gabriel asked, looking at him sharply.

"Ah, well..." Alastair fidgeted, rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the floor. "Well, I'm only just making enough now to pay for my apartment, what with the competition and all and uh...well, you see, I was thinking about going back to school..."

A light of excitement lit his mother's pale blue eyes. "Really? For what?"

"Business," Alastair said quietly. "I know it's maybe kinda crazy but...I'd like to start a dance company someday. And well, I've had a lot of success, choreographing for this contest..." he took a deep breath. "I'll pay you back, of course, I just..."

Gabriel chuckled. "Alastair, we've paid for your brother and your sister to go to college. What makes you think we wouldn't pay for you as well?"

Alastair looked from his mother to his father, feeling a little surprised. Of course he knew that they'd paid for his brother and sister, but Alanna and Quinn had gone straight from high school. I really thought I'd used up all my strikes, he thought, relief flooding through him. He sagged against the countertop, letting his bag drop heavily to the kitchen floor.

"When do you need this for?" Aislinn asked, a faint smiled playing at her lips.

"Uh...ASAP," Alastair told her, grinning sheepishly. "The term starts at the end of the month and...I know I've got a lot going on right now, but I think I've waited long enough."

Aislinn laughed. "All right, I'll get on it when I'm done with this. I was going to ask if you want to come to New York with us, to attend Quinn's showing, but I doubt you'll have time."

Alastair shrugged. Once upon a time he would have been delighted to go to see one of Quinn's gallery shows, but not anymore. They hardly even talked to each other anymore. Not to mention that lately Quinn was only getting any praise at all because of long recognition. At one point he'd been slated as the next Pablo Picasso, but his work these days lacked passion. In fact, the picture of Sada he'd given Alastair for Christmas had been the most expressive thing he'd seen his brother do in a long time.

"Hey, mom," Alastair said quietly, clearing his throat. "I uh...need to talk to dad for a few minutes...um..."

His mother raised her eyebrows, but didn't question him. She gathered up her papers and left the kitchen, heading into the living room to join Alanna. Alastair took her seat and looked across the table at his father. Gabriel Wolfe was in his forties now, but no matter how many gray hairs he had, or how many lines around his mouth, Alastair never thought of him as old. His father was so full of life and he'd always wanted to be just like him.

"Something wrong?" Gabriel asked, his eyebrows lifting. He and Aislinn often adopted similar facial expressions, they had been together for so long.

"Uh...I kinda need some advice," Alastair explained, staring down at his hands. "I know it's still a few weeks but...well, Sada and I are supposed to go out for Valentine's Day and uh...what's so funny?"

Gabriel grinned. "This girl seems to have a good influence over you. It reminds me of myself and your mother."

"Really?" Alastair perked up. "Well, I'm just not sure what to do...I haven't been on an actual date since...well, you know."

"I'm surprised," Gabriel said. "Haven't you considered taking her dancing?"

"Well, yeah," Alastair said. "But I mean...we dance together a lot, I don't really see how I could make that special."

Gabriel sat back in his chair, his brows furrowed in thought. I did consider taking her dancing, really, Alastair thought. But this is Sada...His little dancer. She was changing him, he realized. Somehow she made him able to care again. It was an unnerving thought, and one he didn't want to examine too closely at the moment, so he pushed it aside.

"I have an idea," his father said suddenly, a familiar crooked grin curving his lips. "Listen well, Grasshopper..."

*****

Sada stared at her reflection in the mirror for what had to be the thousandth time. God, it's like I think a hair will fall out of place if I'm not watching it, she thought, rolling her eyes. In fact, her hair was perfectly combed, gleaming beneath the bathroom light. She wore an emerald green top that spilled off her shoulders, and a pleated jean skirt that Farah had once convinced her to buy. I hope I look all right, Sada thought, as her stomach tied itself in knots. Alastair would be here to pick her up at any moment.

The doorbell rang, making her jump. She smoothed her skirt one last time and dashed out into the living room, grabbing a jean jacket on her way and pulling it on. It was too light for the weather, but she didn't want to ruin the outfit. Sada opened the door to find Alastair waiting, leaning against the doorframe. He was dressed as usual; leather pants and a t-shirt beneath a jean jacket much like hers. The crooked grin he flashed her made her heart skip a beat.

"Good evening, little dancer," Alastair said, his voice gently teasing. He pulled a rose from behind his back, touching her cheek gently with the soft petals.

"H-hi..." Sada stammered, feeling her cheeks heat. She took the rose from him gently.

Alastair grinned. "Let's go, sweetheart."

Sada took Alastair's arm and followed him out to his motorcycle. It was freezing but she hardly noticed, especially when Alastair kissed her gently before helping her into the bike. The ride might have been uncomfortable, but she was too busy listening to her heart pound. Throughout the ride she kept wondering where he was going to take her, so she was a little surprised when they arrived at his apartment.

Sada tried to ask him what they were doing, but he shushed her with another brush of his lips and lead her up to his apartment. The place was dark and Alastair left her at the door. She stood there, trying to adjust to the darkness, when he began lighting candles. The effect reminded her slightly of Quinn's room; by the time he was done, candlelight glimmered from every corner of the room. A small table had been placed in the living room and set with china that Sada figured must have been his parents.

"Mom cooked," Alastair admitted quietly.

Sada grinned. "Alastair, this is so...romantic. And so unlike you."

"Hey!" Alastair said defensively. "Now, that's not fair. Come on, little dancer, I'll show you just how like me this is."

Sada allowed herself to be led to the table. Alastair pulled the chair out for her, and she sat down, giggling when he spread a napkin over her lap. She clapped her hands over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter as he served dinner with dramatic flourish.

Dinner was quiet but ultimately wonderful. Rather than separate meals, his mother had made a platter with all sorts of things; slices of chicken or beef in varying sauces, steamed carrots, sweet peas, and string beans, shrimp and bits of lobster wrapped in lettuce or bacon, and small doughy dinner rolls. It was fun to eat, and Alastair watched her, teasing her enthusiasm for food gently.

"Think you're up for a little dancing?" Alastair asked, when she had finally set down her fork.

"I think so," Sada replied, her eyes sparkling.

Alastair stood and wandered over to his stereo. He turned it on, then turned back to Sada and offered her his hand. She was surprised by the slow, soft music he'd chosen. He pulled her into his arms and held her close. Wow, she thought, resting her head on his shoulder. I can't believe this. His fingers ran through her hair idly, and she sighed, her eyelids drifting shut.

"Penny for your thoughts," Alastair said quietly.

Sada smiled. "I guess I'm just surprised. I mean...I wouldn't have expected something like this..."

"Why not?" Alastair asked, pulling back from her slightly.

"Well, uh, I mean..." Sada stammered, feeling her cheeks heat. "Well, this is the sort of thing you do for your girlfriend, not your dance partner."

Alastair slid an arm firmly around her waist and pulled her back up against him. His hand slid beneath her chin, lifting her gaze. His pale blue eyes sparkled with a sort of mischief.

"I know," he murmured, before lowering his mouth to hers.

*****

The music was still playing, but the dancing was long forgotten. Alastair lifted his mouth from Sada's to catch his breath. He had her pinned beneath him on the couch, her shirt hiked up over her breasts and her skirt pushed up to her hips. He continued to touch her, his fingers light and teasing over her swollen flesh, listening to her soft moans. His fingers were sticky with her come. Alastair lowered his mouth to hers again, while he rested his free hand on her breast.

"Alastair..." Sada mumbled against his lips.

Alastair groaned. "What?"

"How long...have we...?" Sada panted. He was still touching her, making it hard for her to speak.

Alastair lifted his head to glance at the clock, and his eyes widened in surprise. Sada wriggled beneath him, managing to slip out of his grasp while he was distracted. She pulled her shirt down and ran her fingers through her hair, but little could remedy the ruffled look she'd taken on over the last...

"Two hours," Alastair answered, groaning softly. "Which explains why I'm in such agony."

Sada giggled. "Hey, you started it!"

"I know," Alastair sighed. His arousal was painful.

Sada stood up from the couch and stretched out. He knew that she, at least, was well satisfied. He'd made sure of that. Alastair watched her as she smoothed down her skirt, and he reached out, catching hold of her.

"Where do you think you're going?" Alastair asked. "I'm not done with you yet, little dancer."

Sada squeaked in surprise as he pulled her back down onto the couch. She stayed there obediently as he went into the bathroom. Alastair closed the door to keep out prying eyes, then went to work. His apartment had an exceptionally large bathtub, of which he was inordinately proud. He ran the water, lighting candles as he let it get warm. Alastair added softly scented oils to the water, and decorative soap/salts shaped like rose petals that his sister had insisted Sada would find greatly romantic. He hadn't intended to use them, but the last two hours had changed that.

Alastair stripped off his t-shirt, then opened the bathroom door. "Get in here, you."

Laughing, Sada dashed into the bathroom. She paused, eyeing the bathtub, then glancing at him. Alastair shut the door and, not giving her time to thin about it, reached out for her and pulled her shirt off. She squeaked in protest, but was unable to get away from him, and soon she was moaning again as he nibbled at her earlobe. Sada was still in his arms as he pulled off the rest of her clothes.

"Alastair..." Sada murmured.

"Hush," Alastair whispered, kissing the curve of her ear.

She turned to face him, her green eyes bright, reflecting candlelight. He stood still, barely able to move as she helped him remove his pants. Her cheeks flushed darkly and she turned away. Laughing, Alastair wrapped his arms around her and steered her towards the tub. He stepped in himself, then lifted her up and deposited her gently in the water. Sada leaned back against him as he settled in the water with her.

"You're going to drive me crazy," Alastair told her.

Sada giggled. "I didn't ask you to do those things to me."

"This just isn't fair," Alastair said, sighing. "It's torture to touch you, and torture not to."

"Did you mean what you said?" Sada asked suddenly, her tone sober.

Alastair blinked. "What?"

"About...I mean...you know," Sada stammered. "Me being your...girlfriend, you know."

"Well, if you don't mind," Alastair said, his tone gently teasing.

Sada turned over in the water, resting her head against his chest. "Of course I don't mind. I'm just surprised. I mean, it's not like...well, it's not like you've needed to be my boyfriend to get me to let you...you know..."

Alastair snorted. "Little dancer, I sincerely hope you don't think that's the reason I want to be with you."

He couldn't help tensing in anger. She can't be serious, he thought, gritting his teeth. I wasn't trying...I only wanted...damnit! Sada was staring up at him, her green eyes sparking. She sat up in his lap, and he groaned softly. Alastair inhaled deeply, trying to calm his raging body. Her hands rested against the sides of his face and her gaze was, if he wasn't imagining it, adoring.

"I know, Alastair," Sada said softly. "I know. Although...if you were trying to seduce me, this is working fairly well."

"I was trying to seduce you, a little," Alastair admitted. "And you'd better stop shifting so much or I'll be determined to succeed."

Sada laughed and slid back down into the water. "I'll be sure to let you know when I'm ready for...that."

"So then it won't be tonight?" Alastair asked, his voice half-teasing, half-pleading.

"Not tonight," Sada replied, closing her eyes. "I just want to stay like this for awhile..."

Alastair chuckled softly, resting his head atop hers. Once he relaxed he was able to calm himself down a little bit. He ran his fingers through Sada's hair. Inside, he was amazed at his boldness; he hadn't had any intentions of asking her to be his girlfriend tonight. But then the opportunity had presented itself, and he couldn't let it pass. Alastair remembered the stories his father had told him, of how his mother had changed him so much, and now he understood just what that felt like.