A bet that changed their lives

Part 20 - Just One Dance

"Girls, I need to take this call, it's important," Mason apologised to Lana and Arya as he pointed towards his mobile. He had been successful in warding off any unwanted male attention that was directed towards the girls, mainly Arya. He didn't want to leave her alone but the call was too important to be ignored. He excused himself as he exited the club for a few minutes.

"Wow! Look at that guy over there. OMG! He is coming towards us. I so love his dimple! Is he gonna ask me for a dance?" Lana gushed as the dimpled blue-eyed stranger approached her, asking her to dance with him. Before Arya could even comprehend, Lana had quickly uttered an apology and had ditched her to be with some random guy. Arya sighed as she took a sip of her cocktail, only to be interrupted by someone. "Care to dance with me, pretty lady?" She inwardly groaned as she turned around, only to find Mark with his hand held out for her.

"S...Sir..."

"It's Mark, haven't I told you to not call me sir?"

"Y...Yeah... I .... I don't know how to dance and I don't really want to make a fool of myself... or you."

"I shall guide you then, it's just one dance."

She reluctantly placed her hand in his, and Mark was a bit surprised when he felt a spark, as if that simple contact had ignited something within him. He brushed it off, as he admired the feel of her soft hand in his. He led her to the dance floor, where Arya could see that Lana was basically having the time of her life, grinding against the dimpled guy and stealing kisses in between. 

Arya had never felt this awkward before as Mark placed her arms on his shoulders and placed his on her waist. Though there was no bad intention behind his touch, she couldn't shake off the discomfort she felt. Mark saw the expression on her face  and was surprised that even after standing in such close proximity, she hadn't even spared a second glance at him. Was he not as handsome as he thought he was? Never had a woman ever made him doubt his charms before. As he proceeded to make her turn so that her back was facing him, he was startled upon hearing a familiar voice say, "Can I have the privilege to dance with you, Ms. Davis?"

***

Of course, Mark had approached Arya before he could, but he took this opportunity to see how she would react. And Derek's patience did pay off when he saw how uncomfortable she looked as Mark had led her to the dance floor. He let out a dry chuckle, proud of himself that he had accurately guessed her response. That smile on his face was soon wiped off when he saw Mark place his arms around her waist, trying to be too close to her, much to her discomfort and his dislike. Had it been some other circumstance and some other girl, he would have just let Mark be. But this was Arya, he would sure as hell do anything to get her out of another man's arms and be closer to him instead. Popping a mint to avoid having his breath smell like whisky, he descended the stairs. His game plan was simple, just make sure that Arya is closer to him and they get to spend more time together.

***

To say Arya was shocked would be an understatement. She was frozen in her place when she heard her boss' voice, asking if he could dance with her. She turned to look at Derek, with his hand held out, waiting for her answer. There was something about him, something that she couldn't point her finger at, which made her accept his request to dance with him. Mark let her go as she placed her hand in Derek's, as he nodded at Mark and then looked at her. He leaned down towards her, whispering in her ear over the loud music, "Just pretend to dance, we will be out before you even know it." Arya didn't trust herself to say something coherent so she simply nodded her head, his warm minty breath giving her goosebumps . She realised they were slightly swaying to the music, with their position on the dance floor now changed. From her peripheral vision, she could see that Derek was looking at her, but not in a way that made her feel self-conscious. His arms were loosely placed around her waist, with bare minimum contact, and that made her relax a little. From being at the centre of the dance floor, they were now nearing the edge when Derek leaned towards her again and whispered, "The exit is towards your right, I am going to turn you now. Take that as your cue and I will soon follow." Arya nodded again, his lips slightly touching her earlobe making her heart beat faster and palms sweat profusely, as a faint blush made its way on her cheeks.

***

Mason had finished his call and entered the club when he saw Arya dancing with a well-built man. He couldn't control the jealousy he felt as he tried to make his way through the crowd, only to abruptly stop when he saw the man leaning down at Arya and... kissing her? Damn it! How long was he out to allow that man to impress Arya?! It seemed like a simple peck on the lips, unlike Lana who was now kissing and making out with some random stranger as if their lives depended on it. He stood at the same place and continued to look at Arya, hurt that she was dancing with some stranger, allowing him to kiss her too. Stopping his train of thoughts, he was about to turn when he saw that man lean again and... damn it, kiss again! He was sure that it was a kiss they shared as Arya looked as if she was too much in awe. He continued to look at them when Arya broke away from that man and left the club. Confused, Mason was about to follow her, trying to wade his way through the drunk and horny crowd when he saw that man follow after her.