It didn't surprise him to hear her say she hadn't had many opportunities to challenge herself, but it did frustrate him immensely. "You'll learn a lot more before I'm through with you. Work hard enough, and you'll be tangoing your way into the new year."

He filled a pot with water and put it on the small stove, then pointed a stern finger at her, humor evident in his eyes. "Don't you dare. You've got dancing to do, so get on with it."

With a wink, he turned back to his cooking, grateful for a break from trying to distract himself from the feeling of her in his arms and the way she looked at him when they danced. It still sent little thrills through him, and it was becoming a problem. That she expected to do something in return for the dance lessons struck him as slightly absurd. He'd offered because he wanted to teach her, because he wanted to keep seeing that smile on her face, so it was hardly a selfless act on his part. "This isn't quid pro quo, Uhura. I'm teaching you because I want to, I don't expect anything in return."