Akio couldn't stop the blush that spread across his cheeks. He was thankful the room was dim, and she may not notice. "No, not too bad," he confirmed, barely above a whisper. His eyes locked with hers as they swayed slowly to the song. He admired her, and he had for years. She was interesting, smart, and beautiful. Any man was a damn fool not to think so.

To break his own feeling of tension that had arisen from holding her even this close, he said, "At least you haven't stepped on my feet yet."