Dancing with The Enemy

"Oh my God, you're here!" Mariel squealed with joy when she saw Bella, and hugged her while laughing. The solemn wedding ceremony was over. Now the bride and groom mingled with the guests, chatting and greeting each other.

"Hello, sweety. I didn't want to make you cry because of my absence."

Mariel released her embrace. Her face shone with happiness and joy. Bella watched her best friend who seemed to shine like a goddess that day. Mariel chose an off-shoulder wedding dress that perfectly suited her curvy and sexy body. Her face was given natural makeup, and her blonde hair was left to fall in waves down her back.

"Oh my, you're so beautiful!" Bella praised sincerely.

"Oh, shut up, honey! Look at you in that dress. You still like to make people insecure. You're even prettier than usual, Bel."

"Thank you, Mariel. Please stop complimenting me. Brenda even wishes I'd worn pajamas instead." Bella chuckled. "Do you really think I can't come?"

"You said your book tour in Miami couldn't be postponed! You're a famous author after all! Your schedule is always packed!""

Not always. I could have told them to postpone the schedule for some time. Well, I have another surprise for you. Guess what."

Mariel pretended to think hard. "What? I give up!" she exclaimed without trying. "But please don't lie to me again."

"I'm going to stay a few days in Saco."

"Really?" Mariel jumped with joy. "What a coincidence! You know what, our honeymoon trip to Hawaii had to be postponed until next week because one of James' projects had problems. That means we can have some fun!"

"I'm in!" Brenda appeared between them. "I don't want to miss the fun!"

"What about your kids?"

"Do you agree to watch one child each?"

"No way, Bren!" Mariel burst out laughing. "Even though I love them, just get a nanny!"

They joked and teased each other like that for a while, just like they used to when they were school girls. Then someone announced it was time to dance.

The band across the pool started playing dance music. James walked up to them. "Excuse me, ladies. I need my bride this time."

Mariel laughed and took her husband's hand. "See you later, girls!" she exclaimed before allowing herself to be guided into the center of the circle of people who were beginning to gather around, waiting for the bride and groom's first dance.

The music was upbeat, and more and more people were dancing. Brenda had left Bella since the second piece of music. She and Charlie were among the enthusiastic dancers. Bella, standing by a lamppost, looked at the abandoned chairs. Her eyes searched for Tom Russel who had whispered that he would be her dance partner. However, Tom was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Bella saw Reef sitting alone by the pool, a drink in his hand, while Kylie was dancing with someone else.

Their eyes were locked. Reef's gaze sent a jolt of electricity through Bella's body. Bella hurriedly averted her gaze, but she could still feel Reef's gaze on her.

When the music changed back to softer, Bella looked back at the dance circle. Then, she saw Reef get up from his chair and walk past the people dancing, heading towards her.

In an instant, Reef was in front of her. Standing so close, with his hand extended to her. "Dance with me, Bel?"

Bella was torn. Her logic wanted to refuse, but her heart wanted to dance with Reef like in the past.

Reef smiled at Bella's hesitation. "I promise I won't bite you. Well, except at certain times, in certain parts. Just in case you still remember."

Bella's face heated up. Reef was mocking. Trying to evoke their old memories. The hot dates that she still remembered. Tom was right. Reef was a jerk. After sighing for a moment, Bella stood up valiantly and replied haughtily. "Then, I can't refuse. Just dancing, right? Let's go."

Reef smiled. His hand was extended and welcomed by Bella. They stepped into the center of the dancing couples. Wordlessly, Reef pulled Bella closer, his arms wrapped around Bella's body in a warm embrace, then moved to wrap tightly around her waist. Bella's body tingled. A flashback appeared in her mind. She and Reef dancing on prom night. Reef's hands around her waist all night, and the hot kisses in the back seat of Reef's father's old Buick afterwards.

"It's just like old times." Bella heard Reef murmur. Did the man also recall the same memories? "I remember, this is what your body felt like in my arms. You were warm and fragrant, Bella."

"I couldn't dance for long, Reef. My legs hurt from the long flight."

"You're not good at lying, Bel."

"Kylie is glaring at us."

"Let it go."

"Reef, she's your date!"

"She can accompany anyone. Tom Russel doesn't have a dance partner, since you're impossible to reach, he's been eyeing Kylie."

Bella almost laughed. "You're still being stubborn."

"Yes. So let me dance with you until I'm satisfied."

Reef's embrace grew tighter, and Bella finally rested her head on his chest. Reef's breath felt warm in her hair. Bella tried to put away all her nervousness, guilt and fear for a moment. However, she couldn't resist Reef's charm, just like before.

"Why do you want to linger and dance with me?"

"Because I haven't hugged you in a long time. Because I really wanted to hug you when I saw you after eight years. Because....."

"Aren't you angry with me? Mariel told me. I hurt you, I know it."

Reef's smile faded. "If you knew it hurt me, why did you do it anyway?"

***

Reef Davis looked at the woman in his arms with mixed feelings. He was actually surprised that Bella dared to return to Saco. Eight years had passed since Bella had left the city, along with her family. Without a word to him. It was as if he had never meant anything to Bella all those years.

Reef was furious at that time. His heartache was indescribable. He went berserk and antagonized everyone he thought was conspiring with Bella not to tell him about her plan. His grudge burned and his desire to avenge the pain was ever-present. Now, she was in his arms. What should he do to avenge that pain?

"If I apologize now, will you forgive me?" Bella looked up, staring at his face with her big green eyes. The beautiful redhead, who was always present in his dreams

"Does my forgiveness matter to you? To your ego?"

Bella's face turned red. It always did whenever Reef gave her a sharp remark. Her body moved, trying to break away. "I'd better sit down. My legs are getting sore."

"I'll support you." Reef pulled Bella closer into his embrace. He could feel the softness of Bella's body. The beauty of her body shape had not changed. It was still as he remembered it. Her dense breasts on his chest, the soft breath on his neck, and the intoxicating fragrance of Bella's body. The scent of vanilla and orchid that Reef recognized. Her perfume was still the same.

Bella did not say anything else. Now both of her arms embraced Reef's neck, to transfer half of her weight to him. It was probably true that her legs were hurting, but Reef didn't care. He was not satisfied hugging Bella, and Bella had to be patient to make up for her mistake.

Then the music stopped.

Bella was in a hurry to break away, much to Reef's dismay.

"Why don't you want to linger dancing with me?" asked Reef.

Bella, who was stepping back to her seat, turned her head.

"Because you suddenly remembered who I am?"

"What do you mean?"

"Because you remembered that I'm not worthy of you?"

"Reef!" Bella looked at her in shock.

"Maybe to you I'm still a hick who's not worthy of the jet set life of a wealthy successful writer, who's famous all over the world."

"Reef, what the hell...."

Reef Davis nodded and smiled grimly. "See you soon, Bella." Then, he left the place. Kylie, who saw Reef leave, hurriedly caught up with him.

***