Dancing Hearts

by Heather Dahlgren

  “He wanted me to call him after work to figure that all out.” She gives me a nod and gets up to put her coffee cup in the sink.

  “Alright, let’s get out there. We open in five minutes.” She walks out and I need to take a second because I’ve gotten myself turned on with just thinking about last night.

  I’m finally on my way home. I don’t think work could have gone any slower. It was not busy and my tips sucked. I checked the clock just about every ten minutes. I’ve never been in a rush like that to get out of work, but I just can’t get Cooper out of my mind.

  I pull into my spot in the parking garage and make my way to my apartment. I walk in to find Rowen still there. She is sitting on the couch, laughing at whatever she is watching on TV. I close the door and she looks up at me. “Hey, Em. How was work?” I shake my head walking over to sit down next to her on the ugly blue couch. I pull my legs under me and turn to face her.

  “It was long. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.” She looks at me with wide eyes and a smirk on her face.

  “Holy shit. That is so out of character for you. Were you thinking about Cooper and his sexy, tattooed body?” She laughs and I hit her with a throw pillow.

  “You’re an idiot, but yes. I was thinking about Cooper. It’s crazy how I just met him and I can’t stop thinking about him. Is that weird?” She mutes the TV before turning to face me.

  “No, Em, it’s not weird at all. You are attracted to him, and I think it is totally normal. You just never get that way over a guy. So since I don’t remember getting home last night, I can’t remember if you told me. Did you guys have sex?” I roll my eyes and proceed to tell her everything that happened last night. When I’m done she is just staring at me.

  “What? Why the hell are you looking at me like that?” She starts to smile and hit my leg.

  “Holy shit, I’m horny just listening to that story. Let me see the love bites.” I grab a pillow and hold it against my breasts.

  “No. Get the fuck out of here.” This time she rolls her eyes.

  “Don’t be such a prude. I’m not going to add to them. I just want to see them.” This girl doesn’t give a shit. She’ll pull her tits out anytime, but I’m a bit more modest. I also know if I don’t show her, she will pull my shirt down herself. I blow out a huff and pull up my shirt to show her. “Fuck, that is hot.” She goes to touch them and I smack her hand, dropping my shirt.

  “Damn it Ro, don’t try to touch my tits.” She gets up off the couch laughing, heading to the kitchen.

  “Alright you prude, what do you want for dinner? I’ll treat since you put up with my drunk ass last night.” We decide to order Chinese food and watch a movie. While we wait for our food, she tells me all about Roy. She also told me that as much as she wanted to go home with him, she wasn’t sure it was the best idea. She was a bit turned off by the way he was flirting with all the other women. I told her it is probably for his job, but I know she is looking for someone who only sees her. Shit, who isn’t looking for that? There is a knock on the door and my cell phone rings at the same time.

  “I’ll get the food, and you get your phone.” I grab my phone and answer without even looking.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, doll.” His voice alone has my nipples getting hard.

  “Hey, cowboy. I was going to call you after Rowan left. What’s up?”

  “Not much. Just sitting here waiting to hear from some beautiful girl I met. I can’t seem to get her off my mind.” I actually feel myself blush.

  “Well, I actually seem to be having the same problem. I met this hot cowboy, covered in tattoos, that knows how to play guitar and owns a bar. He’s been on my mind for a few days now, not to mention he left behind some marks that would make it impossible not to remember.” He gives me a full belly laugh, which makes my heart pound in my chest.

  “Em, food is here. Let’s eat,” Rowan says while setting up the containers on my coffee table. I look over at her and shake my head ‘yes’ before holding up my finger to indicate I’ll just be a minute. I get up to talk in my room.

  “Well that guy sounds pretty fucking great. If I were you, I would totally let him take you out to dinner tomorrow.” I lay down on my bed and stare at the ceiling.

  “If he asked me, I would definitely say yes.” We both laugh this time and I’ll admit, I’m actually getting turned on. I’m getting turned on just from his voice and the idea of going out with him.

  “Emma, I would love to take you out to dinner tomorrow around five, if that’s not too early. I need to be back at the bar at seven though.” Damn, I don’t get out of work until five.

  “Cooper, I would love to go out to dinner but I don’t get out of work until five tomorrow.” I hear him blow out a breath before he speaks again.

  “Alright, how about I make you dinner? That way I’ll already be here and I’ll have Roy cover for a bit.” I love the fact that he wants to see me so badly that he is willing to make me dinner.

  “I think that sounds like a great idea. I’ll be there around five thirty if that is alright.”

  “Doll, that is perfect.”

  “EMMA!” Ro, she’s such a bitch sometimes.

  “Sounds great, cowboy. Listen, I’ve got Rowan here and she is waiting on me to eat, so …” I don’t even get to finish because he interrupts me.

  “Go. Call me when she leaves, if you want. I’ll be at the bar, but I’ll have my phone.” I sit up and look at myself in the mirror. For some reason, I feel like I need to look at my love bites while I’m on the phone with him. I’m so glad I closed my door. I lift my shirt and bra exposing my breasts. “Emma? Did you hear me?” I’m suddenly mesmerized by the way they look.

  “Sorry, I hear you.” I know I have this faraway sound to my voice, but I can’t help it. It’s the strangest thing.

  “Emma? Are you alright?” I’m usually shy about sexual things but in this, what I can only describe as a trance, I just blurt it out.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I’m looking at the love bites you left on me.” He is quiet for a minute, which honestly, I don’t even realize because I am watching my nipples get hard.

  “Emma, that is fucking hot. Are you looking down at yourself or in a mirror?” Again, normally, I would be too embarrassed, but I don’t care right now.

  “In a mirror. I like being marked by you, Cooper.”

  “Holy shit. Do you have any idea what you are doing to me right now? The idea of you looking at your tits in the mirror, with my marks on them while you’re talking to me. I could come, just from the idea alone.” Fuck, his words alone have my panties getting wet.

  “EMMA, COME ON!” Fucking Rowan, she is killing me right now.

  “I hear her, doll. Go eat, and definitely call me after she leaves.” I pull my bra and shirt back down, disappointed because I’m pretty sure I could have had my first phone sex. I sigh before I stand up.

  “Alright, I’ll call you when she leaves.” He laughs lightly and I pull my eyebrows down in confusion.

  “You sound disappointed, doll. Were you hoping we could have some dirty phone sex?” I feel myself blush because I’m now out of my titty trance. I don’t know what to say, if I say yes that’s just embarrassing, but if I say no, I’m lying.

  “Umm, I don’t know.” I smack my forehead with my hand at the ridiculous answer. I sound like a fucking idiot. He laughs harder this time.

  “Emma, call me when Rowan leaves. We’ll talk about this then. Bye.”

  “Bye, Cooper.” I hang up and close my eyes, shaking my head. I’m horny, embarrassed, and pissed. I try to pull myself together and go join Rowan for our dinner and a movie.

  After a few hours, Rowan finally decides to call it a night. I’m so glad because I’m exhausted. I don’t bother showering. I throw on my baggy T-shirt and climb into bed. It’s only ten o’clock and I could pass out already. I pick up my phone and decide that I will just send Cooper a text letting him know I will call him tomorrow.

  Me:
Rowan just left and I’m exhausted. I’m going to go to bed. We still on for tomorrow?

  I only wait a few minutes before he texts me back.

  Cooper: Ok. I would have liked to finish what we started, but another night. Yes, of course, we are still on for tomorrow. I will see you at 5:30. Good night, Emma.

  He makes me blush in a text, yet the way he said good night makes my heart squeeze in my chest.

  Me: Sounds good. Good night, Cooper.

  I close my eyes and fall asleep dreaming of a sexy, tattooed guy who plays guitar and owns a bar.

  I rush home after work to take a quick shower and get ready for my date with Cooper. Thankfully, today went much faster since I was so busy. I take a shower, fix my hair with a few messy curls, and throw on my makeup. I put on my white spaghetti strap sundress that has small brown polka dots with my brown cowboy boots. I look at myself in my mirror and like what I see.

  I rush out the door because I told Cooper I would be there at five thirty and it is already five twenty. I’m going to be late, which is nothing new for me, but he doesn’t know that. I climb into my jeep and peel out of the parking lot. Thankfully, I don’t hit any traffic and I remembered where I was going. I park my jeep next to Cooper’s truck on the side of the bar and jump out. I’m already ten minutes late, so I rush to the door. I go to pull it open but it’s locked. “Shit.” I didn’t talk to him today, maybe he forgot. I stand there trying to decide what to do. Should I call him or not. Fuck it, I rushed over here so I might as well try to call. I pull my phone out of my purse and pull up his name. I push send and begin to bite my lip.

  “Hello?” I smile right away at his voice.

  “Hey. You did say we were having dinner tonight, right?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “I’m at the door, but it’s locked.” I’m leaning against the brick wall, with my eyes closed waiting for him to respond.

  “Shit. Sorry, Emma. I’ll be right down.” He hangs up and before I even have my phone back in my purse, he is opening the door. “Sorry. I should have told you to come around back. I have stairs that lead up to another door.” I push off the wall and give him a smile.

  “It’s alright. Sorry I’m late.” I walk through the door he is holding open for me. I hear it close and him lock it. I’m looking around at the bar, and it looks so different with only a few lights on and no one here. I look over at the stage and think about the amazing band that played here, and the huge crowd. I look over at the bar, with all the stools resting on it and think back to the amazing kiss we shared. I jump when I feel Cooper’s hand on my shoulder. I turn around to look at him.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you. You look beautiful, Emma.” He takes my hand and brings it up to his lips. Holy shit. I’ve never in my life had a guy do this; it’s so sweet and romantic. After he kisses my hand, he looks at me and winks. I smile because he knows exactly what he’s doing.

  “You look great too, Cooper.” I turn my head to look at the bar again and turn back to him. “It looks so different in here when it’s closed.” He grabs my hand and starts leading me to his apartment.

  “I know it does, but it will be open soon enough so let’s go enjoy our dinner.” We make our way to his apartment, and I can smell the food before we even go inside. It smells amazing, like sauce and garlic. He leads me in and holy shit, it smells even better.

  “Cooper, it smells delicious in here.” He leads me to the kitchen before letting go of my hand.

  “Thank you. I hope you like chicken parm, spaghetti, and garlic bread. I also made a salad.” I look at him with wide eyes.

  “You made all of that? Where did you learn to cook?” He laughs while he pulls two cups out of the cabinet.

  “I’ve been on my own a long time, and after my dad died, I needed to take care of my mom. I just taught myself how to cook. I watched a lot of cooking shows and YouTube, and read cook books. Would you like something to drink? I have iced tea, water, and soda.” I’m trying to process everything he just said. He seems so damn put together and responsible. Taking care of his mom like that, and learning how to cook, it’s just another thing that attracts me to him.

  “I’ll have some iced tea, thanks.” He pours us each a glass and pulls out a stool for me to sit on.

  “Dinner is almost done. How was work today?” I cock my head to the side and smile at him. It seems like such a ‘couple’ thing to ask. I find that I really like it.

  “Work was fine. Much busier than yesterday, so that was good. How was work last night?” He gives me a similar smile while he stirs the spaghetti.

  “It was good, pretty busy for a Sunday night. Nothing exciting though which is good.” I watch him as he makes his way around the kitchen. He is so damn sexy. The way his muscles flex when he moves, and the tattoos that are on display. He is fucking lickable. I pull myself out of my thoughts and get off the stool.

  “Can I help?” He spills the pasta into the colander before he turns to look at me.

  “Nope. It’s all done. Go sit at the table and I’ll bring it in to you.”

  “No, you don’t need to do that, Cooper. I can help bring it in.” He pulls me to him and smashes his mouth to mine. It is so unexpected, yet so hot. Once our tongues meet, we both let out a moan. I grab onto his thick arms and he puts his hands on my ass. We kiss for what feels like an hour, but is really only minutes. He starts to pull away but leans back in to give me a quick peck on my now swollen lips. Once he pulls away, we just stare at each other. It feels so intimate.

  “I didn’t properly say hello before. I needed to rectify that.” I give him a shy smile once he removes his hands from my ass.

  “I’m glad you did.” He winks at me and moves to the cabinet to pull out the plates.

  “Now, please go sit down and I will bring dinner in.” How the hell can I argue with him when he asks so sweetly? I make my way to the dining room table and sit down. I look around at how beautiful his apartment is. I know I was only here the other night, but this time the sunlight is shining in the huge windows and it gives it a totally different feel. I notice he has a picture hanging on the wall of what I assume is him with his parents. It looks like it is his high school graduation; both his parents are smiling and looking at him, and he is looking at the camera with a huge smile on his face. It is such a beautiful picture, full of love. My heart breaks for him and the loss he has endured. I’m startled when Cooper puts my plate in front of me. “I scared you again?” He laughs putting his plate down.

  “Sorry, I was actually looking at that picture. It is a beautiful picture, Cooper.” I give him a weak smile, but it’s the best I can muster considering how my heart is aching for him right now. He just nods his head and walks back into the kitchen. I look back over at the picture once more before he returns with our salad. He sits down and looks over at me.

  “Thank you. It was my graduation. It is the last picture I have of all of us together.” Until this moment, I never understood why people say they feel like their heart bleeds. I can’t even look at him because the pain I saw on his face when he said that was too much. I am looking down at what looks like it is going to be the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted before I say anything.

  “I’m so sorry, Cooper,” I whisper, still not looking at him.

  “Hey, Emma, don’t. It was a long time ago; it’s just hard for me to talk about. I’m alright now.” I look up at him and he is giving me a small smile. I reach my hand across the table and grab his.

  “I know we only just met, but if you ever want to talk about him, I’m a good listener.” I don’t know what else to say. He gives my hand a squeeze before letting go to pick up his fork.

  “Thank you. Now, let’s eat. I hope you like it.” Alright, that was his nice way of moving on and I’m fine with that. It is obviously a very difficult thing to have to live with. I can’t imagine, so I will not push him to talk about anything. I pick up my fork and begin to eat the most unbelievable dinner I’ve ever had.

&nbs
p; “Cooper, this is amazing.” He finally gives me a genuine smile.

  “Thank you. So, Emma, let’s get to know each other better. We know the basics, but I want to know more. I want to know everything.” I laugh and wipe my mouth with a napkin.

  “Alright, what do you want to know?” He taps his mouth with his finger thinking. He finally looks over at me smiling.

  “Favorite memories.” Damn, that is not at all what I expected. Well, that’s easy.

  “My concerts are my favorite memories. I’ve been to so many and each one of them holds a special memory. Whether it is the fun I had with my friends, my favorite singers, or meeting someone that I really like.” He takes a sip of his iced tea and looks at me with curiosity on his face.

  “I like that. Have you met many people at concerts?” Ouch, I know he is probably just asking, but it makes me feel slutty. I look over at him with sadness on my face.

  “No. I was actually referring to you. I told you the other day this is not something I’ve done before.” I look down at my empty plate and play with my napkin. I’m actually hurt that he would think of me differently. We do have a lot to learn about each other, that’s for damn sure.

  “Hey.” I glance up at him to see he has a half-smirk on his face. “Emma, I wasn’t implying anything by asking you that. I know exactly what you told me. I was just trying to get to know more about you. I didn’t mean to upset you, which I clearly did. Talk to me. Why did that upset you?” Damn it, now I’m embarrassed that I let it get to me. I think I’ve just been in too many shitty relationships lately. Like I said, the last being the worst. I wring my hands together on the table trying to figure out how to explain it.

  “I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions. I guess there is just a part of me that feels slutty for how quickly we did things the night we met. No, I’m not saying I regret it; I’m just saying that I don’t want you to think differently of me. Yes, I’ve met guys at concerts before, even kissed a couple. However, I have never ever been in touch with them after the concert. Ugh, this is making me sound horrible.” I cover my face, shaking my head. I’m trying to say I’m not someone who picks up random men, yet I feel like I’m making it worse. I hear him laughing, so I drop my hands and look over at him. “What?” I huff out.