The Dance

*5*

Prince heard his alarm go off, and shut it off before it wakened Emma. He lay there quietly for a few moments, soaking in the comfort of lying next to her, and thanking God for what he felt might truly be the answer to his prayer. There was no way he would normally be this comfortable with someone in such a brief time. In the past he'd called himself a slow burner, and for relationships, rather than simple conquests, that had been consistently true.

When thinking back on the time in his life when he indulged in one night stands, he couldn't wait for them to leave, preferably before morning. He realized he didn't want Emma to leave anytime soon, which was new for him with someone he'd known such a short time. He hoped her responses during their conversation the previous night were sincere, for they had given him a feeling of security he hadn't had around a woman in a very long time. Even so, he wanted to keep a little distance, as he was still feeling vulnerable.

He wasn't going to take this further physically until he felt more confident in Emma's sincerity. At this point in his life, he knew if he committed himself physically only to be betrayed, he'd swear off relationships forever. Finally he couldn't wait any longer to start the day, and tenderly kissed Emma to wake her. Even in sleep, she responded to him, and without thinking he automatically deepened the kiss, pulling her even closer to him.

A deep kiss awakened Emma. Her eyes sprang open, only to close again in shock as she realized where she was and who she was kissing. The kiss, though, felt amazing. What a way to wake up!

Prince broke off the kiss and said, 'Morning, mama. It's 10 o'clock, time to get ready for a beautiful day.' That deep, velvety morning voice resonated down to Emma's toes, setting off all sorts of almost forgotten feelings. Prince was so moved by the kiss he decided to indulge in another. The next kiss had her in a full throated moan of delight.

'Aw, you ain't ready for all this,' he smirked. 'Now run along and get ready for the day.'

Emma got out of bed, was gently smacked on the bum-'That's just to get you going' Prince said, grinning from ear to ear- grabbed her robe and walked into her bedroom. She was surprised to find three different outfits on the bed, none of which were hers. She turned back toward Prince's bedroom to see him lounging in the doorway. 'Choose one,' Prince called from the other side of the penthouse. 'I asked my assistant to get you things that would look good in a photo op, since we'll be doing a little sightseeing today.'

'Somehow this reminds me of the lyrics to a song,' said Emma, smirking.

'No comment,' replied Prince, who then whistled the chorus of 'Mr. Goodnight'. Emma laughed, and closed the bedroom door.

After a quick shower to wake up, Emma lifted the hanger of one of the outfits-all of which looked like her size, and were color-coordinated to match her eyes-to find a copy of the agreement Prince spoke of before they went to sleep.

Emma got dressed, looked at the mirror, and remembered the old adage-clothes make the man-it was true for women, as well. The style of the dress she chose was flashier than the simple classic style she had chosen years before for its versatility, but it definitely suited where she was and who she was currently with. Emma took a selfie in the mirror to send the girls, signed the form, and looked down at her hands.

Her wedding rings were silently mocking her. 'How do I continue to wear these rings if I'm kissing, hugging, sleeping next to, and considering even more intimate involvement with another man? ' she thought.

She looked up at the ceiling as her thoughts continued. 'Gene, I have missed you so much, grieved for you and held you in my heart these past two years. I will always cherish our marriage, but I think the time has come for me to move on to another phase of my life.