“All’s good.” Kade was tightlipped. He took my hand and stood up. “Let's dance.”

The offer surprised me because he was not in the mood for it, but I followed the tug nonetheless. If a dance lifted his spirits, why the hell not?

Kade murmured something into Diane's ear and then proceeded to pull me to the dance floor. We passed various couples, moved away from our friends spinning on the floor. Dancing with Kade was no stress and comfortable; we were of the same height, him being a bit more muscular than me. He was an attentive lead or a goofy one, depending on the mood.

“Are you really okay?” I asked once Kade wound his arms around me and started swaying. My feet easily followed him with my hands around his shoulders. Slow dance it was then, despite quick pop song playing through the speakers. What was bothering him tonight?

“I am now.”

Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it, buddy.

Tension left his shoulders while I searched his pale grey eyes for an answer. They appeared darker in the dim club light, focused on me, unwavering. I expected Kade to reveal whatever bothered him now that we were away from prying ears. However, as we continued to sway away, I realized he wouldn't. That was okay. He'd tell me when he was ready. I felt him relax further and was rewarded to see a small, honest smile grace the corner of his lips.

“You do realize the song currently blasting through the speakers is not slow?” I teased.

On a few occasions, when Kade danced slow dances with me, he usually scanned for a potential one-night stand at the same time. It was a small game between us because I'd also search for some handsome guy for him. Once found, we'd jokingly discuss the pros and cons between his candidate and mine, and which one suited him better.

“So?” was Kade’s cocky answer, complemented by lifted eyebrows. His piercing eyes didn't leave mine, and a trickle of amusement settled over his features.

“Just making sure you didn't turn tone deaf all of a sudden. I'd be afraid what other malfunctions to expect this evening,” I joked, finally receiving the first full-blown smile this evening.

Aha! Weight rolled off my shoulders. Next on my agenda was to keep those lips turned upwards and make my muse forget whatever bothered him. Finding a guy his type should help. No doubt the prospect of getting his rocks off would lift his spirits.

I ignored Kade's piercing eyes for half of the song and searched for a suitable candidate. I knew his preferences in looks by now, however I also needed to find a man who ate Kade up like he was the most delicious meat, and totally ignored my existence.

Bingo.

“I think I found one candidate for you.”

“I found one too.” Kade smiled, satisfied. His voice was dead serious, which meant he had already decided to pursue the man. So fast? No fun!

“Really? That was surprisingly quick.”

I had been looking forward to our verbal match. Oh well. Was it possible my muse had chosen the guy before dragging me out here and used me to tease the poor fellow? Was Kade in a foul mood because he was turned down by the same guy before I turned up? And he didn’t wish to tell me because of his bruised ego?

“No point in comparing them this time then.” I shrugged. Another time.

“Yes, I don’t think anybody else could hold up against him.” Kade's eyes sparkled with amusement that morphed into passionate heat. He shortened the distance between us, hands sliding to the small of my back, holding me tightly. “I'm even convinced he'd be the perfect boyfriend material for me.”

Oh? That was new. And quick. Love at first sight, maybe?

The intense scrutiny of his light grey eyes, his warm hands, his strong presence enveloping me felt heady, even overwhelming. I swallowed at the pleasant shiver spreading through my body. Whoever the lucky guy was, he'd experience all that and more soon. My artistic side was already growing jealous, knowing I’d get to spend less time with Kade once he started dating again.

I decided to enjoy Kade’s sizzling look while it lasted. I mused this was how a moth must feel, caught in the hypnotizing spell of a bright light and its warmth. In such rare moments, the artist in me wept for not being able to pencil Kade's powerful aura live. If I’d get to witness it a few more times, maybe I'd be able to draw it from memory? This look was worth not only to be captured in my book, but also to be preserved on canvas and hung in a gallery for everyone to admire.

One day I'd turn it into reality.

I didn't realize I had zoned out, lost in his eyes and already drawing him in my mind, until I felt his warm fingers under my t-shirt.

“What are you doing? Trying to get your poor guy more jealous than he already is?” I asked, amused.

Kade's touches weren't new to me. When we watched movies at his place, he got into a soothing habit of running his fingers through my hair or placing a hand over my shoulders. This, however, felt different. Certainly not a carefree or comforting touch shared between good friends. It didn't feel like a part of a joke or a tease, either.

“Just getting more comfortable,” Kade replied, his tone lazy and playful.

And that made sense, how, pray tell? I couldn't figure him out this evening. His thumbs caressed my skin, affecting and confusing me further. I took a deep breath and pulled myself together.

>>>>>