The next day, Tyler joined his family for an early breakfast before taking them to the airport. He promised both his sisters he’d Skype with them later in the week and told them to call him if they needed anything. He hugged his family goodbye and headed to practice. Still feeling guilty for the mess he and his sister made of the weekend, he set out on a mission make it up to and surprise Bailey after practice.
***********************************************
“Bailey your next appointment is here.”

Bailey looked at the receptionist confused. “What the heck! My next patient isn’t until 1:00, why on Earth would they be here so early?” Bailey walked out into the outpatient lobby to see what was going on. She was completely shocked, to see Tyler was the only one standing there. A huge grin grew across her face as she ran over and wrapped her arms around his waist. “What the devil are you doin here?”

“Can’t a guy surprise his girlfriend for lunch?”

“Yes he can! Are you ok eatin in the cafeteria? It’s not the best food, but we’d have more time together if we eat there.”

“Sounds good to me, but we won’t be eating the food from there. I brought Momma Rosa’s for us.”

“YUMMY! Thank you!” She stretched on her tiptoes and gave him a quick peck on the lips. She wanted to give him a more passionate kiss, but she couldn’t since she was at work.

“Before we go, I thought you might want to put these in something.” He pulled a large bouquet of her favorite flowers out from behind his back.

“Tyler, They’re lovely, but you shouldn’t have. You just gave me flowers yesterday.”

“I know, but they didn’t have your favorite kind and I didn’t have time to find them yesterday.”

“You went huntin for Gerber Daisies in my favorite colors? You’re too sweet! Remind me to thank you properly when I get off work.” She said as she pulled him in for another hug. “Come to the back with me, so I can get them in some water, then we can go eat.” She took his hand and walked to the back to find a vase. Along the way, she introduced him to some of her coworkers.

They were stopped by a few of Tyler’s fans on the way to the cafeteria. He kindly obliged, took pictures with them and signed autographs. Once they finally reached their destination, they sat at a table in the back, hoping not to be disturbed. Tyler pulled out all the Momma Rosa goodies from his backpack. He let Bailey pick the soup she wanted first. She chose the one he figured she would, broccoli and cheese soup so he had the chicken and wild rice. They shared a salad and of course some of Momma Rosa’s infamous homemade bread. Tyler even got a slice of cheesecake with fresh blueberries on top for them to split. Unfortunately, their delicious meal and amazing conversation had to end too soon for the both of them because Bailey had to get back to work.

Tyler asked Bailey to come with him to his car before she returned to work. When they reached the car, he pulled out her black mini ruffle dress with long organza dotted sleeves and a silver belt. He also handed her a small bag containing a matching black lace bra and underwear set, a pair of black tights, black heels, a headband to match the belt, and her make-up bag.

“Well aren’t you full of surprises today. Did you raid my closet and pick this out all by yourself?”

“I told Emily where we were going and she picked everything out. I’ll be back to pick you up when you get off.”

“Where are we goin?”

“Can’t tell you, it’s your next surprise. I promise you’ll like it.”

“You’ve been goin hog wild with all these surprises today! Will you please give me a hint?”

“Nope!”

“Pretty please with sugar on top?”

“Not even a little one, sorry!”

“You’re no fun!” She stuck her tongue out at Tyler out of frustration.

“I’ve warned you about that tongue before.” Tyler gently pushed Bailey up against his truck, pressed his lips to hers and forced and entrance for his tongue. They broke apart when Bailey’s pager went off informing her that her patient had arrived.

“Goodness me! You’ve got me all flustered and I have to go back to work. Do I look ok?”

“Gorgeous as always!” He bent down and kissed her forehead. “I’ll meet you here at 5:30. Be prepared to have some fun!”

“All right, see you later.” She blew him a kiss and headed back to work.

Bailey’s patients were a welcome distraction to keep her mind off her upcoming surprise. They also kept all the prying questions she was receiving about Tyler from her coworkers to a minimum. She changed into the outfit Emily selected as soon as she finished cleaning up after her last patient. She touched up her make-up and did one last look over before putting her coat on and heading downstairs to the parking garage. When the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by Tyler decked out in one of his dark gray suits with a lavender dress shirt and yet another bouquet of flowers.

“TYLER! You’re spoilin me! Thank you.” Bailey said as she took the bouquet full of different types and shades of purple flowers.

“You better get use to it! I intend to spoil you the rest of my life.”
He kissed Bailey’s cheek, and then offered his elbow to escort her to his truck. He opened the door for her and helped her step up into the passenger seat. He gave her another quick kiss on the cheek before closing the door and getting in on the driver’s side.

“So, now that we’re all gussied up, will you please tell me where we’re headed?”

“Sorry Bay, you’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Gosh Dang it Tyler! It’s been drivin me nuts all afternoon! Why can’t you just tell me?”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Always the impatient one! You can beg all you want, but I’m not going to budge.”

“What if I said I’m not goin unless you tell me?”

“Well considering you’re already in my truck and we’re on the way, that’s not really a choice.Besides, you’d never do that because you’re dying to know what the surprise is. Face it Bay, I’ve already won this one.”

Giving up, Bailey crossed her arms in front of her chest and started singing along with the radio in an attempt to ignore Tyler. She carefully watched each turn he took, trying to guess where they might be headed. After 20 minutes, he finally parked the car in a small shopping center with a Stop and Shop, a few boutiques, and a small dance studio.

“Are we makin a pit stop at the grocery store?”

“Not quite.” Tyler reached for his coat in the backseat, putting it on as soon as he stepped out of the truck. He ran over to the passenger side, opened the door, and held his hand out to Bailey.

Bailey quizzically stared at Tyler, still trying to figure out the surprise. It wasn’t until they were just a few feet in front of the dance studio that she realized where they were going. “We’re takin dance lessons?”

“I know you really wanted to learn how to salsa. Besides, Emily and Stephen’s wedding is just a few weeks away; I thought it wouldn’t hurt for us to learn a few moves. What do you say, will you cut a rug with me?”

Bailey turned into Tyler, throwing her arms around his neck and stretching on her toes to reach his lips for a short kiss. “I know why you’re doin this and you don’t have too. I told you I forgive you. Don’t you believe me?

“Of course I believe you. I really screwed up and want to make it up to you though.”

“Tyler, I hope you know when I say I forgive you I mean it and don’t expect anything in return. You’ve already done so much for me, with the flowers and lunch today. I know you really don’t want to take dance lessons, and you don’t have too. We can just go to dinner or somethin.”

“Bay, I know you don’t expect anything from me, which only makes me want to do and give you nice things even more! And who says I don’t want to take dance lessons?”

“I love you Tyler Paul Seguin!”

“I love you too Bailey Marie Thomas! Now come on, we’re going to be late.” He kissed her forehead, took her hand and escorted her into the studio. Once inside, he helped Bailey out of her coat. He shouldn’t have been because Bailey always looked beautiful in his eyes, but he was stunned by how gorgeous she looked tonight. He made a mental note that he needed to thank Emily later for picking out Bailey’s ensemble. “You look stunning in that dress!”

Bailey’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

“Shall we?” Tyler hung up their coats hooked his elbow with hers and they entered a large dance room.

“Hello, Hello. You must be Tyler. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Mateo and this is Eva. We’ll be the instructors for all your lessons.”

Bailey turned towards Tyler when Mateo said lessons as in more than one. He just smiled and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “It’s nice to meet you too. This is my girlfriend Bailey.” They both shook Mateo and Eva’s hands.

“I know you primarily want to focus on salsa, but we’re going to teach you a few basics of some other Latin dances you can incorporate into salsa. How much experience do you have with Latin dancing?”

Tyler’s immediate response was none. Bailey said she’s tried to teach herself a few steps from watching videos on YouTube, but that’s about it.

“Ok, so you’re both beginners. We will focus on the four fundamentals of salsa. First we will teach you steps, so you know where to put your feet. Then we will work on rhythm to help you keep in time with the music. Next we’ll work on style, teaching you body isolations and how to improvise. You will learn to move with rhythm and style that will grab everyone’s attention on the dance floor. And finally we will work on partnering. Tyler you will learn to lead and both of you will learn to feel your partner without having to even see them. It will be an intimate experience for both of you.”

Mateo and Eva demonstrated a few moves as he spoke to help create a better vision for Tyler and Bailey. It made Bailey even more excited. Tyler on the other hand became nervous that he was about to make a fool of himself in front of the woman he’s constantly trying to impress.

Their lesson started off together learning some basic cha cha and salsa footwork. Then Eva worked with Bailey while Mateo spent some individual time with Tyler to break down the steps they each needed to work on more. Mateo and Eva eventually switched so they could begin to work on the feel of partnering. After a half hour, they came back together so Bailey and Tyler could practice being partners. It was obvious to everyone that Bailey was picking up the style and steps quicker than Tyler but he wasn’t too shabby either.

“If I’d known I’d get to put my hands all over you, I would have signed us up to do this sooner.” Tyler joked as he copied Mateo pulling Bailey in closer, moved his hands from her hips, and pulled her right leg up to wrap around his body.

“So how many more lessons are we goin to have?”

“We’re signed up for two more, but we can do more if you’d like. This is surprisingly fun!”

Bailey smiled and gave Tyler a quick peck on the lips. “I’m havin a blast! Thank you!”

Towards the end of their hour and a half private lesson, Mateo challenged Tyler and Bailey to an improvising dance off. Tyler went first and took a humorous approach, knowing he couldn’t beat Bailey’s technique. After Bailey recovered from laughing so hard, she decided to show off a little, hoping to impress Tyler with her flexibility. She took her heels off to help ensure she didn’t kill herself. Bailey ended her little routine in the splits, leaving everyone in the room speechless. They were all impressed with the passion Bailey just danced with. She moved with a confidence and freedom that she rarely showed people. It made Tyler even happier that he decided to do the lessons. He ran over to her, helping her get up from the floor, picked her up and spun her around.

“You were amazing! I had no idea you were that flexible. Not going to lie, it was Fucking HOT!”

Bailey cheeks became heated and she couldn’t help but giggle. “Glad you liked it! Guess all that yoga I do is payin off.”

“It most definitely is!” He set Bailey down gently, bent down and gave her a passionate kiss.

“Ok, love birds I can see you’ve already found passion in the dance. Can’t wait to see what happens in your next lesson.”

Bailey pushed her face into Tyler’s chest flustered by what her dance instructors just witnessed. Tyler was also slightly embarrassed noted by his cheeks turning a little rosy.

“Sorry, guess we got a little carried away. Thank you for the lesson. We’ll see you next week.” He shook Mateo and Eva’s hands one last time, before he and Bailey went to the lobby to get their coats. “Hungry?”

“I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”

“Doubt that will be on the menu, but I think you’ll find some more appetizing options.”

Bailey giggled, a sound Tyler absolutely adored. “ I guess I’ll just have to make do. Where are we headed or is that another secret of yours?”

“No secrets, just surprises for you. I thought we should test out our new skills, so we’re headed to the Havana club. I heard the food is incredible and they have a live band and a large dance floor in the center of the restaurant.”

“Oh, that sounds fun!”

Even though she wore heels she still wasn’t tall enough to reach Tyler’s lips, so she stretched on her toes to give him a lovely thank you kiss. When they broke free, Tyler placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the door. Once outside they were hit with a brisk cold wind causing Bailey to shiver.

“Holy crap! It’s freezing, I think it must have dropped at least 10°.” Bailey hovered close to Tyler seeking warmth.

“Come on let’s make a run for it so we can get out of this cold fast. I think it might snow soon.” He grabbed Bailey’s hand and they took off for his truck. Once they were both inside, Tyler started the car and turned the heat on as well as his seat warmers.

“Your seat warmers are awesome! If I ever leave Boston and get a car, I’m definitely getting some.”

“Why would you need to leave Boston to get a car?”

“Because I don’t need one; I can walk or take the T.” She looked over at Tyler and saw a glimmer spark in his eyes. “Oh No! I know that look. I don’t need a car and you’re not buyin me some ridiculously over the top expensive one.”

“Ok, how bout a safe but cheap one?”

“NO! I don’t want or need a cotton pickin car! Besides I didn’t think cheap was in your vocabulary, but I sure as heck know you don’t understand the meanin.”

Tyler let out a belly laugh. “Why are you so against a car? Don’t you think it’d make your life a bit easier?”

“No, it’s an expense I don’t need right now. I like not havin a car payment, no insurance to pay for, and if I have one here I’d have to pay for parking too. I have enough on my plate between rent and student loans. I don’t need any other expenses right now.”

“You know I can help.”

“Tyler, you’re very sweet and I know you mean well, but there are just some things I need to do on my own. I have a good job and I’m proud of myself for being able to live within my means, not have to take any handouts, and still have enough money to do things I enjoy. You can understand that right?”

He pulled her hand to his lips. “I get it. Just know if you ever change your mind, my offer stands.”

“Thank you. Considerin I’m a nervous driver and absolutely horrible with directions, I don’t think that will happen. I will stick to just bein designated driver when my friends need me.”

“Designated driver? When we’ve been out if Freddy, Marchy, and I’ve had a little too much to drink you just help us get a cab.”

“That’s because y’all have insanely expensive cars that I’d be terrified to put a tiny scratch on. Not to mention I don’t have a clue how to drive a stick shift. The important thing is I get all the precious cargo home safely and a cab works just fine for that.”

When they were stopped at a red light, he leaned over to kiss Bailey. “You’re precious cargo thanks you.”

“Who said I was talkin about you?” She giggled.

“Whatever, I know you love me.”

“Can’t argue with that.” This time she brought his hand to her lips.

They drove the rest of the way in blissful silence. When the reached their destination, Tyler helped Bailey out of his truck and they ran inside as quickly as they could to get out of the cold. While waiting to be seated they took in the gorgeous atmosphere of the restaurant. It had a very rustic feel from the natural lighting to the terracotta flooring. The lighting was very soft with a variety of beautiful hand blown red glass vases with lit candles inside as well as natural grapevine sphere shaped hanging lights. The artwork around the restaurant was also simple and consisted of a lot of authentic Cuban pottery. Fresh flowers were spread throughout the restaurant as well.

“Oh Tyler, isn’t it lovely in here?”

“Yes the scenery is absolutely beautiful.” He knew she was referring to the ambience of the restaurant, but she was the only scenery he cared about.

The couple followed their server to a cozy little table for two that would give them plenty of privacy but also an excellent view of the dance floor. Tyler helped Bailey out of her coat, before pulling her chair out for her and pushing it in after she was seated. He hung her coat as well as his on the nearby coatrack before taking his seat across from Bailey.

The couple decided they would order a couple of entrées and share them. They picked the Ropa vieja, which was a pulled pork dish as well as the Havana chicken. Both dishes were served with black beans, rice, and plantains. Their meals came with homemade bread that resembled silver dollar pancakes served with homemade mango butter. Bailey ordered a pineapple mojito and Tyler had a Blue Moon beer. They were both pleased that the service was excellent and it didn’t take long to get their food because they were both starving.

They were treated to a fabulous Latin dance troupe performance about midway through their meal. They joked with each other that they’d be able to join the group after they finish all of their lessons. After they both felt stuffed, Tyler stood and offered his hand to Bailey.

“May I have this dance?”

The smile that’s been planted on her face all night grew even larger. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Bailey took Tyler’s hand and he pulled her on the dance floor. They tried to remember and reenact all the steps they learned earlier in the evening. Because it was a Monday night, there wasn’t a big crowd, so they didn’t feel too self-conscious. They enjoyed the wide-open dance floor too. There was another couple on the dance floor that clearly had a ton of experience that befriended Bailey and Tyler, helping them learn a few more steps. They had the time of their lives and were sorry they had to call it a night around 10:15, but they both had an early morning ahead of them.

It was snowing fast and hard by the time they left. Bailey wrapped her arms tightly around Tyler’s forearm afraid she might slip in her heels. “Don’t let me fall, ok?”

He turned to face Bailey and a devilish smirk suddenly appeared across his face. “Have no fear!” He swooped Bailey up into his arms and ran to his truck. He got her settled in on the passenger side and hurried over to the driver’s seat to start the engine, turn on the seat warmers, the defroster, and wipers. Tyler took full advantage of the time they had to wait for the defroster and wipers to clear the front and rear windshields. His arm reached around her and pulled Bailey closer to him. He leaned in as she closed her eyes and their lips met. Before long they were sharing a loving yet passionate kiss. They made out for a few minutes before they decided they better get on the road because the storm was only getting worse.

“Do you think the roads will still be ok, if we stop by my place so I can get some clothes for work? I’d really like to stay with you tonight if that’s ok.”

“Bay, you never have to ask to spend the night. There’s no need to stop by your place either. I was kind of hoping you’d want to stay with me, so I asked Emily for a pair of scrubs and other essentials you’d need in the morning when she picked out your dress for tonight.”

“A little presumptuous, but I’m ok with that.” She said with a smile.

Tyler drove cautiously through the storm back to his condo. Despite the weather, Bailey insisted she’d join Tyler when he took Marshall for a short walk before they went to bed. She quickly changed into Cassidy’s snow boots she borrowed before and they headed out. Tyler, Bailey, and Marshall were all soaked by the time they got back to the condo after the quick walk. Bailey was absolutely shivering when she took off her coat.

“You know they say direct body to body contact is the best way to reheat your body and prevent hypothermia.” He winked at Bailey and started to rub his hands up and down her arms to create some warmth.

“Tyler” Bailey was a bit shaken by his comment.


“It was a joke Bay. Guess it was a little too soon. Sorry.” He bent down and kissed her forehead. “You can take a shower in my room and I’ll get Marshall dried off, then I’ll take one in the guest bathroom. I just put clean towels in there this afternoon, so you should be good to go.”

Bailey stretched on her toes and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “Thank you. Sorry I over reacted.”

“Don’t apologize, I was being stupid.” He pulled her into a hug. “Now go take a hot shower and get warm.”

Bailey grabbed a long sleeves t-shirt from one of Tyler’s drawers to sleep in. She slipped off Cassidy’s boots and her tights. She tried to take off her dress but the zipper was stuck. “Tyler, will you please come here for a second?” Tyler came running down the hall when he heard Bailey. “The zipper’s stuck, can you get it?”

“Sure.” Bailey turned her back towards Tyler so he could mess with the zipper. It took him a few minutes, but he was able to dislodge it and began to pull the zipper down. He inhaled deeply taking in more of her amazing scent. As he pulled the zipper all the way down her back, he placed his other hand on her shoulder, gently pushed the fabric off, and planted soft kisses starting at her shoulder and moving down to her shoulder blade. Her skin was soft and her scent of peaches and cream was intoxicating. He realized he was getting more turned on by the moment and needed to excuse himself before it became too hard, literally and figuratively speaking. “You’re all set. I’ll see you in a few.” He left the room and immediately went to the guest bathroom to take a cold shower.

Bailey enjoyed a long hot shower. She changed into Tyler’s shirt and ran a brush though her hair before hopping in his bed and getting under the covers. Despite the shower she just had, she was still chilly.

“Hurry Up, I need my cuddle buddy to help get me warm!” She hollered so he could hear her from the other room.

Tyler entered his room with two mugs of hot chocolate and Marshall trailing behind. He gave Bailey a cup, set the other on his bedside table, and turned the small lamp on the table on. Before turning off the overhead light, he hung Bailey’s dress hanging on the bathroom doorknob up in his closet. He liked the way it looked hanging amongst his clothes and decided he’d clear an area so she could bring over some clothes, leave them there so she’d always have something clean to wear, making it easier for them to have sleepovers.

As soon as he crawled into bed, Bailey snuggled in close to him and he wrapped his right arm around her. “ Even though you didn’t need to, I’m sure glad you decided to make things up to me because today’s been pretty fantastic! Thank you for such a wonderful day!”

“You’re welcome!” He took a few drinks of his hot chocolate before setting it on the bedside table next to Bailey’s half empty mug. Then he wrapped his other arm around her pulling her into his chest even more.

“Know what my favorite part of the day’s been?”

“Seeing my fabulous dance moves?”

She giggled. “No, but they were pretty good. It’s this right now, lyin in bed with you, cuddlin, and just talkin. Throw in a little kissin and it’d be perfect.”

“I think that can be arranged.” He placed his fingers under her chin and lifted it up towards him. He bent forward placing his lips on hers. It truly was a perfect moment to end a perfect day.

Notes

Hope you like this one! I felt Bailey deserved a little more than some roses and an apology from Tyler and I wanted Tyler to show his romantic side again.

Thank you again for reading and for those of you that have posted comments, please keep them coming because they are highly motivating for me to continue writing.