“Yeah.” Alex’s feet slowed. “Of course. I saw you looking at me, and I thought I saw something there. A flicker of interest. And I had to go over and talk to you. And that dress… So, yes. I wanted to ask you to dance and take it from there.”
Emily stopped walking, that same hand finding hers with a definite purpose this time, tugging Alex towards her.
And Emily completely surprised her by briefly locking gazes, an intense desire reflecting back in them, her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned in, her thumb lightly running along the back of Alex’s hand as she brushed her lips across Alex’s, parting them, and Alex sighed into the kiss, opening up to her.
Alex let her shoes fall to the sand, her free hand sliding along Emily’s neck and underneath her hair as Alex dared to deepen the kiss.
Emily moaned softly, her other hand on Alex’s hip as they slowly parted their lips, and Alex almost swayed as Emily’s tongue lightly skimmed over her own, sending a pulse of desire through her entire body, a chill chasing up her spine despite the warm night air.
Emily broke the kiss, her forehead resting against Alex’s for a second. Alex could barely hear the waves rolling in. Her pulse was thundering in her ears, drowning everything else out.
“I am aware,” Emily said, visibly swallowing, as she pulled away to meet Alex’s eyes, “That I just contradicted myself.”
Alex could see her struggling, her eyes moving over Alex as she tried to gather her thoughts. “It’s fine,” Alex said softly. “I wanted to kiss you at the club the first night. I almost did. And I thought about it earlier when we were dancing. But after what you said, I didn’t want to overstep. But it doesn’t have to mean anything. Don’t worry,” Alex added with a lopsided smile. “We’re still okay for tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Emily said with a deep breath as her hands fell away from Alex. “Yeah. Definitely.”
“Then we should probably exchange numbers.” Alex took her phone out of the pocket of her shorts and swapped it with Emily’s, both entering in their details before handing it back. “Text me your address. I’ll pick you up around eight tomorrow, if that’s okay?”
“Sure. I will.”
They made the short walk back to the busy street full of bars and restaurants, stopping to put their shoes back on, and Alex’s stomach rumbled, the scent of mouthwatering garlic or maybe it was fried onions came from the food truck just a few feet ahead. It was a great spot to get tacos.
“Hey,” Alex said. “I always work up an appetite dancing. Want to grab some tacos before we call it a night?”
“Yes. They smell amazing. You’ve had tacos from there before?”
“Yeah. I can vouch for them. Let’s go.”
7
The next night, Emily shared a short taxi ride with Alex to an undisclosed location. Normally, Emily wasn’t one for surprises, but for some reason she was okay with it. She knew they were going dancing, and clearly somewhere new, but that was about it.
But Emily recognized where she was. “I was here with Gabby.”
“During the day?” Alex asked as they walked toward the Bayside Marketplace, the air pulsating with rhythmic Latin beats as they got closer to the bustling atmosphere of music and restaurants, the hum of laughter and people enjoying themselves surrounded them.
“Yes.” Emily caught the aroma of authentic Latin cuisine, the grilled meats and bold spices making her stomach rumble, and she hoped that this date or non-date or whatever tonight was involved eating at one of these restaurants.
“Well, this is like a completely different place at night.”
“I’m getting that idea.”
They were both dressed similarly to last night. Emily had gone with white shorts and a black sleeveless top, the V-neck showing off just a hint of cleavage. Alex was wearing navy shorts and a white tank top that clung to her athletic body, her blond hair falling across her shoulders.
“So,” Alex said as they walked, their hands occasionally brushing as they stepped out of the way of people coming towards them. “I was thinking we could eat and dance? Or dance then eat? What do you think?”
Emily’s eyes were drawn to the restaurant up ahead. The spacious outdoor area was full of tables, but there was a gap in the middle, a space left for people to dance, and as the live band returned, the floor filled up with couples.
“Wow,” Emily said as they got closer. “I had no idea they did this. I actually ate at the seafood restaurant up ahead. I loved the atmosphere, and being by the water, but this is…” Emily didn’t even have the words for it. It was like she was at a festival. A street-party. Everyone was in such good spirits, people of all ages, the music providing a lively backdrop as they enjoyed their meals.
“I know, right?”
A waiter approached them as they stood at the edge of the outdoor area. “Table for two?”
“Please,” Alex said. Once they were seated, she added. “We can order and dance while we wait?”
“I would love that. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
