She tried her best not to watch Zacharias and the lady dancing. Yet, she couldnât help her eyes from wandering when she saw Zacharias putting a hand on the ladyâs waist, and the ladyâs hand was on his shoulder. They were shaking hands, too. At this point, sheâd forgotten about the wine she was tasting.
Her heart was squeezing with each interaction. All she could taste was jealousy.
Since Shirley was now alone, a few of the gentlemen there had their eyes on her. Theyâd like to be acquainted with this exotic lady. Plus, it didnât hurt that she had a smoking hot body.
Even though Zacharias was dancing with another lady, he was paying attention to Shirley. When he saw her drinking alone, his heart tightened as well. Just then, another guy was starting to hit on her. He wanted to end the dance right away. Fortunately, the dance was only about six minutes. The foreign lady finished the dance, looking bashful. Nonetheless, there was delight in her eyes as she remarked shyly, âYou dance well, Mr. Flintstone. Iâd love to dance with you next time.â
âExcuse me for a moment,â said Zacharias politely. He then strode up to Shirley.
A gentleman was trying to hit on Shirley. Just when he was about to ask her to dance with him, someone behind Shirley said, âSorry, but sheâll be dancing with me next.â
A surprised Shirley swiveled her head and saw Zacharias standing behind her. The other guy backed out of the competition the moment he laid his eyes on Zacharias, smiling and excusing himself.
Shirley had finished her drink. She was about to take another sip, but Zacharias pulled the glass away.
âThe glass is empty.â
Shirley looked at him awkwardly and put the glass down. Then, she looked at Zacharias. âSo, you had fun dancing with her, didnât you?â
Zacharias knew she was jealous, but he had no time to savor it. He knew he had to cheer Shirley up, or itâd be a disaster. âIâm sorry. I shouldâve declined,â said Zacharias.
Shirley soon realized she was being petty. So, she shook her head. âNo. You shouldâve danced with her. It was for diplomacy.â
âYouâre the most important person around here. I donât want to upset you.â Zacharias held her hand.
âSo, letâs dance. Iâm not taking no for an answer.â
Before Shirley could say anything, Zacharias had already tugged her close and spun her around. She fell into his embrace, and he hugged her tightly.
Shirley raised her head, trying to say something. Alas, Zacharias was already kissing her. Shirleyâs eyes went wide. The sensation of his lips pressing against hers made her turn a shade of red.
âWeâll leave after this dance is finished.â Zacharias placed an arm around her waist and took her to the dance floor.
âBut⦠I donât know how to dance,â muttered Shirley nervously.
âIâm here. Iâll teach you.â Thus, Zacharias patiently taught her how to dance. Shirley had no choice but to accept the challenge. Once they were on the dance floor, Zacharias switched up his style. He gently placed both hands on Shirleyâs waist and requested, âJust hold on tight to me.â
Shirley saw a lot of people dancing just like they were. Nonetheless, it was obvious those were established couples. If anyone saw her and Zacharias dancing like that, theyâd think she and Zacharias were deeply in love. âDo we have to?â Shirley raised her head to look at him.
âI like it this way.â Zacharias chuckled. âWhat? Are you embarrassed?â
Shirley wasnât one to be challenged. So, she bravely retorted, âI am not.â Hence, she wrapped her hands around Zachariasâ waist and huddled close to him, slowly dancing to his pace.
The dance eventually came to an end. Zacharias held Shirleyâs hand as he bid goodbye to the vice president, who was in the center of the ball. The vice president accompanied them to the entryway and kept on walking until they came to their car. The men shook hands, and only then did the exchange come to an end.