Theo stands behind me so he can film us.
Mark counts us in, then presses his forearm along my waist, bringing the top half of our bodies into contact. We take a few steps, then he lifts me two feet off the ground and does a turn. It’s effortless, and I feel like I’m flying.
The sides of our bodies are glued together, and he feels warm and solid. His breath is soft against my collarbone, and it’s every bit as delicious and awful as I imagined.
He moves his arms subtly to let me know he’s going to put me down, and it’s only when my feet are safely on terra firma that I dare attempt eye contact. Mark, however, is staring straight at Theo.
‘Did you get it?’ he asks.
Is it my imagination, or is he atinybit breathless?
‘Yeah, but it would be good to get it from another angle,’ Theo replies.
He positions himself so he can film us side-on.
This time, when Mark takes me into hold, his arm circles tighter around me and the firmer contact makes my breath quicken. I can’t unstick my gaze from his mouth.
Jesus Christ, he has perfect lips.
My body goes exactly where he asks it, and all I can think is how well we fit together – even my logical brain can’t deny it.
Mark releases me, and I take a couple of steps back.
‘I think I’ve got it,’ says Theo. ‘Can you bear to try again with me, Nella?’
‘Of course, no problem.’
Mark cocks his head to the side. ‘Why don’t you film us doing the whole routine and practise using that at home?’
Oh, dear God. Not the whole dance. Not with Mark and his lips.
‘That’s not a bad idea,’ says Theo.
No, it’s averybad idea. But I can’t say that, so the best I can come up with is: ‘I just need five minutes.’
It’s not that Idon’twant to dance with Mark, it’s just I will be a foghorn booming, ‘I would very much like to sleep with this man’.
And the last thing I need is footage of it.
I go to the kitchen and drink some water, then press the cold glass to my cheek.
‘Are you okay?’ Mark’s voice behind me makes me jump.
‘I’m perfect.’ I wait for Mark to move back so I can turn around, but he stays put. If anything, he moves closer.
‘No argument there.’
He reaches forward and takes the glass from my hand. I hear him drink from it, picture his throat working up and down. He’s six inches behind me and my instant arousal shocks me.
Far off, I hear the toilet being flushed, and Mark steps away.
‘We’ll be in the living room when you’re ready.’
Chapter 51
My senses are so overloaded I can’t focus.
Did Mark call me perfect?
