Page 81 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

Ella Fitzgerald starts singing “Isn’t it Romantic” as I take Skylar into my arms in the glow of the candlelight and lead us into a basic two-step.

I smile. “Well, I did take some inspiration from a few of my favorites. We’re no Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, but I think we’re just as romantic.”

“I haven’t seen that one.”

“It’s an old movie, but I love it. We’ll watch it together soon on one of our movie nights. I’m really looking forward to those.”

“Me too,” Skylar says softly.

The warm glow of the candlelight softens his features, and I once more find myself caught up in how very dear he has become to me. I don’t want to imagine a life without him in it.

“For being so big, you’re surprisingly graceful, Hal. Me, I don’t really know how to dance like this,” Skylar says, stumbling a little and giving me a crooked smile. “Sorry in advance if I stomp on your feet.”

I smile. “Don’t worry, my feet can take it.”

He chuckles and we continue to move together, finding our own rhythm.

The song ends and transitions into Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.”

Skylar looks up at me as we sway in time with the music, his eyes warm and inviting. “You weren’t kidding about being an old-fashioned romantic. My grandma would’ve been real impressed.”

“What about you? Are you impressed?” I ask, not breaking his gaze.

“Hell yeah. This is real sweet and romantic.” Skylar smiles softly. “And it’s so very you, Hal.” He sniffles, his eyes tearing up. “My grandma would’ve loved you. And been so happy that I found you.”

Now it’s my turn to stumble, his words touching me deeply.

“I wish I could have met her.”

“Me too.”

I clear my throat. “I’ve thought about this, and I guess I appreciate older forms of courtship because I find them to be more nuanced and less rushed. There’s a lot to be said for taking your time when wooing someone and growing your emotional connection, and being ace means this fits me even more than most. I know there aren’t a lot of men these days who share my view though, which has made it hard for me to find a partner.” I swallow thickly. “Until you.”

“Your approach is new to me, for sure, but I can honestly say I like it a lot better than what all my exes thought made a relationship. For a long time, I kinda assumed I wasn’t ever gonna find someone who wanted something with me besides sex.” He locks his eyes on mine. “Until you.”

My heart flutters wildly in my chest.

Louis Armstrong’s version of “La Vie en Rose” starts playing, and we continue to move together, finding our own rhythm. It doesn’t even feel like my feet are touching the floor, that’s how much I’m floating on cloud nine right now.

“So this is okay with you?” I ask, needing some validation.

Skylar chuckles softly. “You can be an old-fashioned romantic with me any day of the week. Hell, you might be turning me into one too.”

“Holding you like this is the kind of physical intimacy I enjoy,” I offer shyly. “It brings me pleasure and makes me happy.”

He swallows hard, making his Adam’s apple bob. “Me too.”

This moment is so precious and perfect that I carve it into my memory to remember always.

We dance through several more songs until I find my eyes drifting down to Skylar’s neck and the colorful ink there. I’ve long wanted to ask him about it but didn’t want to get too personal if he didn’t feel comfortable sharing. Now, however, seems like a good time to test those waters.

“Would you… tell me about your tattoos? I think they’re beautiful.”

Just like you.

He searches my face for a long moment and then gently pulls out of my arms.

To my total shock, he reaches down to grab the hem of his shirt and pulls it over his head, tossing it on the couch.