Dances of Angels
By: Dana Lynn
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Chapter 22
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“And she just took off?” Josh laughed. “Josh! This isn’t funny.” Dakota laughed back. “No, I know. I just would’ve killed to see you in that bikini.” He continued to laugh. Dakota had just finished telling him about the rest of her day. Which unfortunately consisted of one of the dancers taking off pissed at her and Dakota being forced to take her spot to finish up the video. “Yeah, not the proper dancing attire.”

Conversation didn’t stop till the restaurant started to get ready to close and the check came. Dakota reached for the check. “I got this one.” She smiled. “I don’t think so…” Josh started, but quickly got cut off. “JC, no arguments! You took me for lunch today, not to mention the countless other times we’ve gone out. It’s the least I can do.” As JC removed his hand from the check their hands touched, and JC smiled.

They made their way to Dakota’s car. “So, now what?” Dakota asked, smiling. “I gather you’re tired. Long day and all.” Josh guessed. Dakota shook her head. “Oddly, no. I’m fine. Can we find something else to do?” Josh looked at her, surprised. “Sure. Um… wanna go for a swim back at my place?” he asked. Dakota thought about it. “Sounds good.”


Josh waited at poolside while Dakota she changed into her suit. She emerged onto the patio deck. His eyes lined the slender curves of her body. His attention was only distracted by the classic black bikini that covered only the necessary.

Dakota could feel Josh staring at her, and for once felt self-conscience. She approached him with as much confidence as she could muster. “Well, it looks like you get to see me in the suit anyway, Chasez” she smiled. JC smiled, widening his eyes. “What’s left of it” he said. Dakota laughed. “You complaining?” she asked. “Not at all” JC smiled. “Not. At. All.”

If anyone would have been spying on the two friends in the pool all they’d see was two friends in the pool. Dakota swam across the pool and back, Josh watched the movement of her body. She brought her face above the water, setting her sights on Josh. He smiled at her, getting a smile back in return.

The two kept more conversation going as they circled around the pool to keep themselves warm. The night air had gotten cooler in the hours they had spent in the pool. Josh advanced toward Dakota, closing the gap between them. She smiled and moved closer in toward him. “You cold?” he asked, his breath grazed her face. “I’m ok” she smiled still. Truthfully, she has a little cold, but she didn’t want this midnight dip to end, even if it was two hours passed.

JC brought his hands away from his side and touched on Dakota’s thighs, bringing her closer to him. With the same amount of gentleness and intensity he kissed her. His lips caressed hers, her lips gratefully accepting to his. His hands wandered up and down the sides of her body, finally resting his hands on her hips. Her arms wrapped around his neck, with her fingers playing with his hair that laid on the back of his neck.

The moonlight shimmered over the couple, bodies still intertwined, lips still connected. After what seemed eternal, they parted. JC’s lips continued to travel down Dakota’s neck and shoulders. Her body welcomed his touch, her hand wandered down the small of his back. He followed the trail of his kisses in reverse, making his way back up to her lips. Their lips met again, with full intensity, matching, then surpassing, previous passion.

An hour later, JC and Dakota lie in his living room. Both comfortable and in dry clothes, Dakota was leaning back into JC’s chest. Her eyes closed for a moment, but they quickly shot open to his words. “Dakota, I want more.” He said softly. Dakota raised to sit up straight. She faced him. “I’m not gonna sleep with you, Josh.” She said automatically. “Damn girl, no. I don’t wanna sleep with you.” He said, almost too quickly. She raised an eyebrow. “Well… um… no that’s not what I meant.” He stammered. “Then what did you mean?” Dakota asked seriously. “I mean, I like you. I like spending time with you. And at the risk of sounding trite, I’d like to get to know you better.” He said honestly. He smiled at the end to indicate a reassurance of his sincerity.

Dakota met his eyes for a brief moment before returning her gaze to her lap. “Josh, I know you mean well…” she started, “but to be completely honest with you, I’m horrible at relationships. The last time I was even remotely interested in a guy was when I first got down here. I never want to put myself out on the line again.” JC widened his eyes. “So you’re never going to love again? Is that what you’re saying?” he asked surprised. Dakota thought about his question, but only for a moment. Then she spoke “Not if I can help it.”

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