April Snow

In the background, Hughes was playing Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and for a few minutes Dana just looked at Mark, not hearing a word he was saying, her mind wandering with the lyrics. She was trying hard not to give in, but she knew her heart: she was clearly crazy about him.

“I understand,” Dana responded. “I feel the same way when I run. There’s a rhythm to jogging, a comfortable repetition that keeps my thoughts from flying all over the place.”

“Scientists say that running causes the brain to produce something called endorphins. It makes a person feel tranquil and balanced.”

“Is there anything you don’t know, Dr. Senger?”

“Quite a lot, actually.”

“Such as?”

“Whether or not you’d like to dance while we wait for our entrees.”

Dana smiled and extended her hand.

“I think that answers my question nicely,” Mark said, standing and taking Dana’s hand in his.

Hughes was now playing a slower tune, “Where or When,” and she followed Mark’s every step for the next three minutes as they slow-danced. He held her right hand softly, and as the song progressed, he brought it closer to his body. Dana didn’t have to concentrate on Mark’s steps, for she instinctively anticipated his every move. She felt relaxed and secure in his gentle embrace and wasn’t conscious of the room or anyone else in it. Endorphins? Apparently, dancing with the right partner could produce them just as well as jogging. Except on a crowded floor at a wedding, she and Brett hadn’t been dancing in years, and as she let herself be guided by Mark’s effortless flow across the floor, she realized that she hadn’t had such a pleasant evening out in—well, she couldn’t remember when, nor did she want to. She was enjoying the music and the moment too much.

Hughes stopped for a break, but Mark and Dana continued dancing for another fifteen seconds before looking at each other and laughing.

“When did the music stop?” Dana asked, blushing.

“I didn’t think it had,” Mark said as he stepped back and looked Dana in the eyes.