Free Dancers in the Dark by Ava J. Smith Page B

“Sure.” Standing up, she looked around for her purse and started a little when Jess spoke. “Oh, here he is. Hey Alex, you’re ready?”
    Elena turned around and tried an easy smile, telling herself she had been imagining her strong attraction toward the young man.
    Well, she was wrong. Her heart beat picked up a little the moment their eyes met. Alex smiled and took her hand in his, squeezing gently. He was wearing a blue shirt that picked up the color of his eyes, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Elena sighed to herself as she got a glimpse of his strong forearms.
    “What would you like us to do first, Elena?”
    Elena cursed inwardly. His voice was exactly the way she remembered, mild and yet steady; all the politeness and innocence betrayed by the quick look he gave her when she least expected it. She was wearing a soft, modestly fitting sweater and yet suddenly she felt much too aware of how much her breasts were pushing against the fabric.
    Oh Christ, Elena. Staff of this place is sure to be a tad flirtatious to keep the clients relaxed and feeling welcome. Stop making a fool of yourself.
    “Um, maybe another tour to take a look at the lounges?”
    “Sure.”
    “I’ll leave you guys to it, then,” Jess patted her lightly on the shoulder, giving Elena a smile.
    “She’ll be in good hands,” Alex told her, his arm easily went around Elena’s waist.
    Elena told herself she was nuts to be affected by the warmth of his body and then it occurred to her that it was what she was supposed to do anyway, getting herself to get used to being physically close to a stranger.
    He turned his head toward her, bending down a little since they had about 8” difference in height.
    “Ready?” he asked, giving her the full blast of his warm smile and Elena thought, Damn, this is going to be difficult .
    _______
     

 
    "RULES?" ELENA echoed what he said.
    He murmured a confirmation. She could feel him cuddling closer to her and her body moved on its own, settling on her back, her head nestled on the crook of his arm and shoulder.
    They were in a room that Alex told her usually reserved for a session Two, not too large but comfortable with a low type of wide couch that served pretty well as a place to lounge. The lights were low and placed discreetly behind open panels, lending an intimate feel to the room. Elena felt it an advantage that she didn’t have to see Alex, she was flustered enough that they were lying down so close to each other, alone in a darkened room.
    "I suppose Brandon and Jess had gone over them with you?"
    Lazily, Elena nodded, smiling as it felt like she was caressing his chest with her cheek. Her eyes were still closed so it caught her a little by surprise when a warm hand started caressing her hair, gently tracing the curve of her jaw and down her neck...
    "How detailed?"
    Elena felt a shiver at his lowered voice. "I don't know... Jess told me the 10 minutes rule and the all clothes stay on thing. There are more?"
    His fingers fanned out slowly on her upper chest before sliding back up her neck, his thumb caressing her jaw and Elena thought she might be imagining her face being lifted up.
    "Not exactly. Just to expand — no touch or act of sexual nature and yes, all clothes stays on."
    "Right," Elena said, sinking lower into the comfortable bedding, enjoying Alex's warmth. His hands were still caressing her, gently massaging when he found her upper arm or shoulder.
    "Some of the clients are known to be naughty so we are instructed to ensure that new ones know what's on and what's not."
    Elena opened her eyes. Alex must have lowered the lighting to a minimum because now she could only make his silhouette even though they were practically in each other's arms.
    "Naughty?"
    He gave a short chuckle. "Yeah. Some people like to try and push the envelope a little bit. Setting is pretty intimate so some people let their minds, and hands, wander."
    "Ah, I see."
    "Remember that you can get up and leave,