“Do you enjoy it?”
I nodded. “Yes. I really do. I’ve made some great friends along the way and I find it very rewarding most days.”
“Then that’s all that matters.”
We talked and danced for a little longer. We asked about hobbies, passions, and a few other basic topics. I wanted to know more, but our time was limited. I wasn’t sure what possessed me to want more time with her. I’d never given someone like her a second glance, but there was something about her that wasdifferent. Something about the way she presented herself that had me leaning closer with every word.
“So, Vera. Where?—”
I was cut off by the sound of the bell, signaling our time was up. Before the sound even stopped playing, she raised her hand. She wanted more time with me? We had only talked about work, really. Not a very attractive thing to talk about. Not really something that would let you know if you wanted to get to know someone better, but apparently she did. Did I?
She wasn’t my type, but she was attractive, sure. I thought about it for a little longer, finding myself wanting to raise my hand. I was enjoying our conversation, and I did find that I wanted to know more about her. After all the dates I’ve been on over the years, it felt nice to actually want to hold a conversation with someone.
After tonight, if I didn’t find anyone else to talk to, we’d go our separate ways, and I’d join a convent. Okay, maybe that last part was just a tad dramatic. I enjoyed sex too much to become a nun. Although, it had only been a threesome between me, myself, and I for the better part of a year, but that wasn’t relevant.
After a few more seconds of deliberation, I slowly raised my hand as well, loving the smile that grew on her face.
We looked around to see a few other couples doing the same and making their way to the dance floor.
I turned my attention back to Vera when I felt a warm hand on my wrist. “Care for another drink? It’s on me.” She winked.
I laughed. It was an open bar, but I let her have that one anyway. “That sounds perfect.”
I led the way with her hand barely touching the small of my back, almost guiding me to the bar. Those types of “protecting” gestures were one of my favorite things about being in a relationship. I was a very affectionate person and loved toalways be touching my partners, or loved having them always be touching me, even in a non-sexual way.
When we got to the bar, Vera let me order first. I typically ordered wine or champagne, and I was already a little buzzed from our drinks earlier and from Vera, so I decided to change it up. “Can I get a lemon drop, please.”
Vera looked at me with a raised eyebrow and ordered the same. “Switching to something a little stronger, I see.”
I shrugged. “Why not? I’m not driving tonight. Are you?”
She smirked. “No, princesa.”
I ignored what that word was doing to me and thanked her as she handed me a shot. “Thank you.”
“De Nada. To a match made in masquerade.”
I chuckled and connected my glass with her. “To a memorable night.”
The shot went down too quickly but it tasted so good. I hadn’t had a shot in so long, and the night felt perfect for it. It was a night to relax and enjoy myself. Not to overthink. It wasn’t like anything was going to happen between us. There was no reason to get inside my head about what would happen next.
“Has anyone told you red is your color?”
“Not that I can recall.” I did always gravitate toward the color, but people usually complimented me in any color.
“Well, it is. You like incredible in red, but I’m sure you’d look incredible in any color.”
“I’ve been told I look incredible in nothing at all.” That had to have been the alcohol. I would have never said that out loud otherwise, no matter how true the statement was.
“Oh, I don’t doubt that for a second.” She winked and good fucking god almighty I was in trouble. I had to stop drinking or I’d do something I’d regret, like ask her to take me upstairs. That wasn’t happening.
I cleared my throat and tried to move to normal territory, but when she took a step closer and brushed a stray hair behind my ear, It was a lost cause. My skin started to burn hotter, and I couldn’t seem to catch my breath. We had been dancing closely together for a while, and I was fine. At least, that’s what I told myself. We were just casually having a chat. Casually getting closer and closer.
“Vera,” I whispered for no apparent reason. Seriously, where had my oxygen gone?
“Would you care to dance with me?” she asked.
I blinked, not expecting that was what she was going to say. I thought she’d ask me upstairs and I’d have to politely decline. Just by looking at her, she seemed like the type to strap someone, and while I’d done it a few times, it wasn’t my go-to. I’d never been able to get off from it, and she seemed like the type to always strap. Which is why I tended to steer clear of the Masculine types. Maybe I was judging too harshly, but that’s just how it was.
