“You make it sound like a drug deal.”
“I didn’t mean that. I’m just trying to understand why you’re doing this.”
“Like I said, I run a dance studio, and I need to pay the bills. This came along out of the blue, thanks to Coco, a friend of mine. She’s one of the show’s regular dancers, and it seemed like an answer to prayer, and it will help lift my studio’s profile. Now we just need to get to round three so I can earn another five grand, then reach the finals so I can earn another ten, that’ll be enough to pay off my debts.”
Her debts? Was that bad business management or something else? His dad was a financial consultant in Quebec, and Luc had grown up hearing tales about the inexperience of people with starry-eyed dreams of running their own small business who’d gone bust. His dad’s cautionary stories had never held identifying details, but had been enough that Luc had learned to save and invest wisely, even as some of his teammates splurged in businesses he knew were doomed to fail.
She rubbed her eyes. “I had to call in a favor from a friend in Alberta to come help.”
“Alberta? That’s two provinces away.”
“No kidding.”
Clearly any attraction from yesterday was one-sided.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound sarcastic.” Her smile held apology. “I had a friend who I used to work with, and thank God, she’s able to come help for a bit. I was up until late last night contacting parents about classes, and it’s been a little crazy.” She sighed. “To be honest, as exciting as this is, and as grateful as I am for the cash, this has really thrown me for a loop.”
“It was definitely unexpected,” he agreed. But that was the second time she’d mentioned God or prayer. She wasn’t a—? No. He must be dreaming.
“So, how about you?” She shifted to face him. “Why would a hockey guy like you do something like this?”
He shrugged. “Probably like you, I had to raise my profile.” He lowered his voice. “Don’t tell anyone this, but my team basically told me that the only way I’m up for captaincy is if I do this. Apparently they want me to be more relatable, and help the fan base.” He snorted. “Whatever. At least the money goes to charity.”
She glanced at him, her brows pinching like she wasn’t sure five thousand going to charity was much to boast about. Not that he was boasting. Not that he’d tell her how much he was being paid, either.
She kept studying him, with an eyebrow aloft like she was taking his measure. Which made him nervous. “What?”
“Is that all?”
“About why I’m doing this? Like I said, I’m doing it for charity. My mom had breast cancer, so I’m all about trying to promote the profile of charities that raise money to support cancer sufferers.”
Her face softened. “How is she now?”
“She’s been in remission for four years.”
“I’m glad.” She touched his arm again, and again he felt that frisson of connection.
She seemed to feel it too because her hand jerked away. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Touch me?” He snickered. “I kinda get the feeling that’s gonna have to happen if we’re supposed to be dancing together.”
Her nose crinkled.
Ouch. Good to know she didn’t find him attractive at all.
She glanced at her phone, tucked in the back pocket of the plane seat, then put it back, sighing. “Okay, if we’re going to shoot promo tomorrow and we’ve got another two hours or so until we land, then you better start telling me about your dancing experience.”
“That’s easy. I have none.”
She arched a brow.
“Seriously, I have none. I didn’t even dance at my friend’s wedding last weekend.”
She mock-gasped. “Shocking.”
“No, me dancing would’ve been shocking.” He shook his head. “This is gonna be so embarrassing, because I’m pretty sure everyone there heard me say I don’t dance, and then to do this and prove it will be awkward.”
“Come on. Aren’t you the tiniest bit excited about learning a new skill? You sound defeated before you’ve even set foot on the floor.”
Her challenge punched him in the chest. He didn’t do defeated. Well, not by choice, so he hated sounding that way. “I just don’t want to look like a fool.”
“Well, thanks a lot.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“For saying you have no faith in me.”
He stared at her. Then realized what his words implied. “Wait, I don’t mean you’re going to look dumb, it’s just that I don’t want to embarrass myself, or hurt you.”
“You’re not going to hurt me. And I happen to be an excellent teacher.”
“I’m sure you are. It’s just that I’m like a zero at dancing. Less than. Like a minus one hundred.”
“I repeat: I’m an excellent teacher, and I’ve taught a few men how to dance before.”
“None like me, though, I bet.” He held up his hands. “And no, I don’t mean that to sound arrogant. I just mean that I’ve been called a truck more than a few times in my life, and I don’t want to run you over.”
“I’m tougher than I look.”
