One Step at a Time

Chapter Four

"You did what!" Rose asked, watching as Edie walked around her bedroom. "I didn't think you'd make the leap."

"Should I not have?" Edie asked, running her hands through her hair. "He wanted to, so did I... I was coursing with adrenaline from the show and... damn, is he a good kisser."

Rose giggled. "I didn't say that you shouldn't. I just know what your mind was set on for a while. I'm glad to see you happy."

"Oh, there's still a huge part of me that thinks it's absolutely insane to even consider dating another actor," she admitted, sitting at her vanity. "But Tom is so sweet and kind and... god, is he hot."

"Yes, he is," Rose swooned. "Look at you getting all of the dibs."

Edie laughed softly as she blushed. "I'm waiting for him to lose interest. I'm seeing him tonight again; we've been texting a little..."

"Oh, I doubt he's going to lose interest in you. Look at you!"

"Oh stop," she told her friend, turning around to face herself in the vanity. "I do want to look nice for his lesson tonight, though. Could you pick me out a dress?" She asked Rose.

"What about that dark green one you have? With the quarter sleeves?"

"Oh, that's a good idea," she said, touching up her makeup in the mirror. "Jewel tones look good in the studio light, too."

"It makes the color in your eyes pop too," Rose commented.

Edie blushed a little as she exhaled a slow breath. "Okay, I should get dressed. We'll be at the studio alone tonight, I think..."

"Unless someone else stays late for free time," Rose shrugged.

"We'll find out," she said, getting up from the vanity to go change in the closet. She chose the dress Rose suggested and put it on, slipping on a pair of heels before she emerged. "Last looks? I should put on perfume..."

Rose grinned as she stood from her spot. "You look perfect. You don't need to fuss so much."

Edie rolled her eyes a little. "You know I'm a fusser," she replied, giving herself another look in the mirror. "Okay... I'm ready. Wish me luck?" She said, going to pick up her bag.

"I don't think you'll need it, but I'll wish it to you anyway," Rose grinned just as the chime sounded above them. The front door had been opened.

Edie exhaled to herself before she walked out to greet who was hopefully her private lesson. Her smile beamed as Tom's face came into view. "Hello there," she said brightly.

"Hi," Tom greeted happily. He walked up to her but stopped just short of pulling her to him. "Doing okay today?"

"I'm great," she replied, resisting the urge to reach out and take his hand. "Let's go to the studio," she said then, waving for him to follow her. They walked the short distance to the studio they were using. The window in the door was already covered; they did that for all of their high-profile clients for privacy, so it wasn't odd.

As they walked inside, she closed the door behind them and turned back to face him again, her smile shifted now. It was more intimate, private. "Hi..." she said again.

"Hey, you," he murmured. Tom slowly took her hand and pulled her to him before tilting her head back and give her a kiss. "I missed you."

She glided over to him and returned the kiss, her eyes fluttering back open as it ended. "I missed you too," she told him as a smile crept onto her expression. "I've been excited about tonight for a few days now."

"I have too," he agreed. "Maybe a little too excited."

"No such thing," she replied, adjusting her hand in his so she could lace her fingers through. "I'm glad you're excited to see me... the shine hasn't worn off."