It Started with No Strings.... Kate Hardy

something about the woman that drew him.

      As he watched her dance, she turned slightly and he saw her face properly for the first time. She was stunning, with a heart-shaped face, dark eyes and the most beautiful mouth he’d ever seen.

      Her friend said something to her and she tipped her head back and laughed, revealing even white teeth.

      Aaron forgot all about Tim. Forgot why he was here. Forgot about everything except the woman in the red dress. Instead of being the staid, sensible workaholic he’d always been, he found himself walking across the dance floor towards her. Moth to a flame.

      And, right at that moment, he didn’t care if he got burned.

      ‘You are the best friend ever.’ Joni hugged Bailey. ‘And I love you.’

      ‘I love you, too, sweetie.’ Bailey hugged her right back.

      ‘You were so right. Dancing and champagne. That’s just what I need tonight.’ It was pretty much what Joni had originally planned to be doing tonight—except it would’ve been a different sort of dancing. A slow, elegant waltz in a floaty, frothy bridal dress to a romantic song; whereas right now the dancing was hot, sweaty, endorphin-boosting salsa and the dress she was wearing had the shortest skirt she’d ever owned, thanks to Bailey’s encouragement.

      ‘Of course I’m right. I’m a doctor,’ Bailey teased. ‘And exercise is one of the best medicines ever.’

      Joni laughed. ‘Says the specialist in sports medicine who’s just a teensy bit biased.’

      ‘It’s true. I can quote tons of studies.’ Bailey spread her hands. ‘There are links to reduction in the risk of cancer and dementia, it works as well as drugs in curing depression, and it boosts academic progress in teenagers. Wins all round.’

      ‘So salsa’s the cure for everything?’ Even a broken heart? Though Joni didn’t quite understand why her heart should still feel broken when she’d been the one to call off the wedding, six months before.

      ‘Endorphins rock. Plus salsa’s fun.’ Bailey grinned. ‘Now, shimmy!’

      Joni couldn’t help laughing. And trust her irrepressible best friend to stop her moping on the day she’d been dreading for months: the day of the wedding-that-wasn’t. Bailey specialised in sports medicine and Joni in tropical and infectious diseases; but even though they didn’t actually work together they’d been best friends ever since they’d met on their first day at university. They’d supported each other through the dark times and celebrated the bright ones.

      ‘Don’t look round,’ Bailey said, ‘but there’s a hot guy who was sitting at the bar. Right now he’s heading in our direction, and he’s looking straight at you.’

      ‘He’s probably wondering what on earth someone as coordinated as you is doing dancing with someone who keeps doing the steps totally wrong,’ Joni said with a smile.

      ‘I don’t think so. Try “wow, who’s the hot babe?” Especially as your hair’s down.’ Bailey wound the end of Joni’s hair briefly round her fingertips. ‘You know, every woman in this room would kill for your hair. Including me.’

      Hair that Marty had wanted her to cut. Her ex was the latest in a string of men who’d made Joni feel that she wasn’t quite good enough. And she’d vowed after Marty that she’d never make that mistake again—she wouldn’t sacrifice her career or her self-esteem just to please someone else. From now on, it was equal or nothing.

      ‘Earth to Joni.’ Bailey waved both hands in front of her face. ‘We agreed. No brooding and absolutely no thinking about Marty the Maggot. And I think Hot Guy is about to ask you to dance.’

      Joni shook her head. ‘Even if he does—’

      ‘Then you’re going to say yes,’ Bailey cut in. ‘Doctor’s orders. Dancing with a hot guy is good for you.’

      ‘So if he asks you to dance—’ Joni began.

      ‘He’s not going to ask me, sweetie.’ Bailey winked at her. ‘He’s only got eyes for you.’

      Aaron stood close enough that she’d be able to hear him over the music, but not close enough to be creepy. ‘Would you like to dance?’ he asked.

      ‘I, um …’

      The blush made her look even prettier. And he liked the fact that she clearly wasn’t aware of how gorgeous she was.

      Even though his head told him this was insane, the rest of him most definitely wasn’t listening. And then her friend smiled and said, ‘Dancing’s a great idea. My feet are feeling a bit sore right now and I really need to sit down for a few minutes.’

      Aaron knew she was fibbing, because she’d been dancing without even the slightest wince as he’d walked over to them, but he appreciated her tact.

      ‘Bailey!’ There was the tiniest hint of panic in Ms Drop Dead Gorgeous’s eyes as her friend waved and did a theatrical limp in the direction of the chairs at the bar.

      Yeah. There was a fair bit of panic going on inside him, too, right now. He knew from experience that getting involved was a bad idea—emotions just led to pain—but he’d asked her to dance and it was too late to go back. Too late for doubts.

      ‘Hello. I’m Aaron,’ he said, extending a hand.

      ‘I’m Joni.’ She took his hand and shook it nervously. ‘Look, I’m sorry about my friend. I—’

      ‘There’s no need to apologise,’ he said with a smile. ‘Though I might have to apologise to you in advance, as I’m not exactly the world’s best dancer.’

      ‘Neither am I. Bailey’s the one who can dance, not me,’ she said ruefully. ‘Though I’ll try not to tread on your feet.’

      ‘Let’s make that a mutual pact,’ he said, and took her hand to dance with her.

      Somehow, they muddled through the first half of the next track together; then the awkwardness between them seemed to vanish and the panic seeped away. And Aaron found himself really enjoying the throbbing Latin beat of the music.

      Especially when the next song came on and everything slowed down. And then she was in his arms, right where he wanted her to be, all warm and soft and sweet. They swayed together, moving in time to the music; his arms were wrapped round her waist and her arms were wrapped round his neck.

      He smiled down at her. Her dark eyes were gorgeous; up close, he could see that she wasn’t wearing much make-up. She didn’t need it. Just the tiniest bit of mascara to emphasise those long, long lashes, and soft red lipstick that made him want to kiss it all off. Even as the thought went through his head, he found himself dipping his head down towards hers. When his mouth brushed against hers, it felt like electricity prickling through every nerve end. Then she kissed him back, and the rest of the room seemed to vanish; there was only the two of them and the music.

      But the next track was one with a much faster beat, and they were forced to pull apart. They stood there, just looking at each other, and Aaron wondered if Joni felt as dazed as he did.

      This really shouldn’t be happening. He didn’t do this sort of thing.

      And yet …

      ‘Hey. I’m going to get a taxi home,’ her friend said as she joined them.

      ‘I guess I’d better go, too,’ Joni said.

      But Aaron wasn’t ready to let her go. Not yet. ‘Stay just a little bit longer?’ he asked. ‘I’ll make sure you get home safely.’

      Bailey leaned in closer so that her mouth was hidden from view and her words were for Joni’s ears only. ‘Stay and have some fun,’ she said. ‘Don’t start thinking or analysing.’ She squeezed Joni’s hand. ‘Just enjoy it for what it is: a bit of a dance with a seriously hot guy. And, before you ask, no, your lipstick isn’t all over