The Millionaire's 'Friend' - Natasha's Story

Chapter 15 - Let's Dance

"So, honestly, do you like coming to things like this?" I asked.

"Passes the time I guess, but you're right, it is all a bit fake. Making this big fuss over all the glamour and celebrities; all seems a little too self-promoting for my taste. Most the people here come for the social side and the chance to dress up and be pandered to."

"But not you?"

"It is for a good cause at the end of the day. Although, they must spend so much money setting it all up, it makes me wonder how much is actually left to split between the charities it's supposed to be supporting."

"Then why do you come?"

"Well, whether I'm a fan or not, some money does still make it to the people who need it so......I don't know, I guess having so much there is a responsibility to spread it around a little."

"Consider yourself quite the philanthropist do you?" I teased, making Cole chuckle.

"I'd like to say 'yes' but I know I'd be lying. In all honesty it's just good business sense. Public image is an important part of success. So, supporting the odd charity, making efforts to help the environment, that sort of thing; it boosts the reputation of my company for prospective clients."

"Is everything just business to you?"

"I have a lot of people to look out for. Someone has to hold the reins."

"You sound like a workaholic. Don't you ever stop? What do you do for fun?"

"Fun?" Evan's frown line made a major appearance as though it didn't understand the concept of the word 'fun' – which totally cracked me up. Evan smirked and waited patiently to answer. "Done?"

"Yep." I giggled childishly.

"Well, I see my family when I can."

"You have a big family?"

'Well, not huge. I have a sister; she's married and has a daughter."

'So, that makes you Uncle Evan then?"

"Please don't..." He smirked again. "I always feel about fifty years old when Sophie calls me that."

"Ok, so what else? Any hobbies?" The silence that followed amused me no end, as the man by my side wracked his brains to answer what should have been a simple question.

"I try to keep fit. Does that count?" I shrugged non-committedly, trying desperately not to laugh in his face. Evan narrowed his eyes playfully, clearly aware of my amusement. "Well, there is one thing I like to do, especially at a time like this."

"Oh?"

"Dance." As he spoke that word, Evan placed his glass down and held out his hand to me. I could practically feel the blood drain from my face. My eyes flicked down to the ballroom where they latched on to the dozens of couples that were gliding around the floor in time to the lively band; the epitome of style and elegance. I'd never danced like that. Dancing in a club – no problem. Dancing like that – oh god.

"Ummmm..." My mind desperately scrambled for an excuse. Evan's eyes followed my gaze.

"I thought you liked to dance." He was the one teasing me now.

"I do, yes...." I gulped.

Evan extended his hand a little more.

"Dare to trust me?" I slipped my fingers into his waiting hand without another thought.

Evan led me back down the staircase and straight out into the middle of the floor before turning to face me. My heart was lodged somewhere in the back of my throat, but Evan's calm serenity eased into my nerves as he pulled me towards him. I took a quick look around me, trying to pick up a few tips from the dancers whizzing passed; but it wasn't necessary. Evan held my right hand in his and with his other arm slid has palm onto my back, and then we were moving. I don't even remember how it started; we just moved from a standing position to floating around the floor together.