And then she kissed him

Botero, Dancing Couple, 1997

She was late arriving at the dance

hadn't even wanted to go

but relented, finally, to please a friend.

Entering the room, in a pretty dress

with sandals on her feet,
rather than jeans and trainers,

she felt naked.

He noticed her at once

hair long and flowing,
tied back with a simple ribbon.
Ruby red lips, toenails to match,

she wasn't like the others,

withdrawing from admiring eyes

that sought out her attention.

How he wished they were both naked.

She went to the bar and ordered

two drinks, one vodka one rum.

When she turned around

he was standing behind her.
A neat moustache and combed back hair.

Slight curve to his lips. A smile. Care to dance?

No thank you, she replied.

But he took her drinks and

gave them to her friend

before holding out a hand. Just one? 

Go on, whispered her friend.

And so, reluctantly,

she placed her hand in his,
and he led her onto the dance floor.

Resting a hand on her side, as

their fingers touched, 
he held her gaze.
And they moved together, 
becoming one,

legs braided and arms entwined.

In that moment, he knew he could hold her forever.

And then she kissed him.

© the dishonest woman