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This scene was going to be used when Rob started working for the same company as Vic. Unfortunately, at over 100k, we had to make some cuts. Still, I liked this scene because it was Rob’s moment to stand up for himself.

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When the phone chimed Vic picked it up and groaned.

“Problem?” Rob asked as he dried the last dish and put it away.

Vic eyed Rob. The boy could be mouthy and opinionated, but he’d shown too how much he could be counted on.

“Have you ever worn a tuxedo?”

Rob squinted. “Well that certainly came out of the blue. In answer to your question, no.”

Vic knew this was probably a bad idea. Especially now that Rob worked for the company. But… No, Rob was his. He wasn’t something to be hidden away.

“Saturday night we’re going to be attending a formal affair at work. Tomorrow we’ll see about getting you fitted for a tuxedo.”

Rob frowned. “Are you sure about this? I mean it’s going to be hard to send me to the corner there, you know.”

Vic moved closer to Rob, backing him against the cabinet. “I want to take you because I’m proud of you.”

Rob swallowed hard, his throat contracting. “You…are?” he squeaked.

It was so freaking adorable. “Yes, I am. Would you attend with me?”

“I don’t have to dance or anything, do I?”

“Not if you don’t want to. But would it be so bad? Me holding you as we swayed to the music?”

Rob’s eyes opened wide.

“If you’re not ready for it–”

“No.”

“No? You’d rather stay here?”

Rob shook his head. “No. I’m ready. Please…let me dance with you.”

Rob couldn’t believe what he’d agreed to. He’d be dancing with Vic in public. Admitting to everyone who saw them that he was…whatever. But he had to admit, his favorite spot was in Vic’s arms. The whole world seemed to be pushed away, and Rob could actually think for a few moments.

“I don’t really know how to dance,” Rob admitted.

“You don’t need to. You just have to let me hold you while they play music.”

Rob shivered. God, that sounded… “I can do that.”

Vic’s smile warmed Rob. “I want you to enjoy yourself, but don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. Are you going to be okay?”

Rob gave a quick nod. As long as Vic was by his side, Rob found he was oddly unafraid. Rob had never backed down from anything, but he was amazed at how much easier it was with Vic holding him up. Vic didn’t seem to mind hearing when Rob had a problem. True, he put him in the corner a lot, but Rob knew the reason behind it.

He respected Vic for his strength. He really liked how Vic could make him feel with nothing more than a hand on his arm. He loved…

No. That was impossible. Rob didn’t know love. He’d never understood it. He… Vic was on the phone, talking to someone about suits. Rob stood there and watched him as he exuded strength and security. He..Vic was home. The first place Rob ever felt comfortable or wanted.

Though he might not willingly say the words yet, Rob thought there might be a slight chance that maybe he was learning what it meant to be in love.

Rob looked out over the ballroom the company had hired for the event. God, he felt so out of place. But Vic seemed very comfortable. He chatted, laughed, listened. The one thing he didn’t do? Leave Rob’s side. Several people asked Vic to dance, but he simply said no. When Mrs. Montgomery came over to where they sat and gestured to the dance floor, Rob was certain he’d go with her. Instead he said thank you while shaking his head no. She glanced at Rob, then nodded at Vic.

“I understand,” she said.

After she left, Rob turned to Vic. “Why didn’t you dance with her? I mean she’s your boss’s wife.”

Vic frowned. “And?”

Rob forced himself not to roll his eyes. “She’s your boss’s wife.”

“There are many different people in the world, Rob. Some of them will help you. Some of them may do their best to hinder you. But at the end of the day, the only ones who matter are those who help make you feel better about yourself. Kathy is a lovely woman. She donates to charity, always organizes the company’s blood drive, and is a good dancer. But I came here with one person, and that’s the one who should receive my attention. If I wanted to dance with others, why would I ask you to come with me?”

Vic’s words probably weren’t meant to, but they washed over Rob and he leaned closer.

“So what will you say if I ask you to dance?”

Vic grinned. “Try it and see.”

This was Rob’s moment of truth. He looked out at the people he saw every day, but realized Vic was right. The only person who was really important was the man who sat next to him. Rob stood and held out his hand.

“Mr. Prentiss, may I have this dance?”

Vic took Rob’s outstretched hand. “I would love to, Mr. Daniels.”