“Details, details.” Poppy clicked her fingers. “You can ask wardrobe to cut it off, say that’s necessary for costume styling or something.”
Bailey’s mouth sagged. “Poppy!”
“I’m just saying that hair is an easy fix and doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.”
“Oh my gosh! I can’t believe you’re talking like this. Anyway, there is a deal which can’t be broken called a contract, remember? Even if I did want. Which I definitely don’t.”
“Look, if you don’t want him, I can help you out.” Poppy winked.
“No. He’s—no. Stop talking about him like that. He’s a nice guy. I’m not going to manipulate him or anyone else just so I can make enough money to save the studio.”
“This could be a God thing. Just sayin’.”
“And it could be a distraction.”
Poppy smiled. “Then feel free to send the distraction my way.”
Hmm.
Day two of dance rehearsal saw a later start time, as Luc had insisted he needed a delayed beginning, thanks to a prior commitment. He didn’t elaborate, and she supposed it was hockey-related. Seeing it was Sunday and the city in summer seemed to slow down, she was happy to have a few extra hours to attend early church with her parents, then put what she’d learned yesterday, and some of what Poppy had said too, into some sort of order.
Luc needed to do lifts. Everyone knew that lifts were a crowd-pleaser, and something he’d seemed to enjoy doing yesterday too. Most of these shows had the male celebrities as the tree trunks to the dancing branches of the female dance pros. As long as they could move a little, and look graceful enough, attention usually focused on the woman and her dress and kicks and dazzle. She had to bring that, and do her best to cover his mistakes.
He needed to work on his frame. On his arms. Even keeping upright, chin up, “heart up” as she liked to say, so he could dominate the dance floor with his big body and not hunch over.
She’d followed Poppy’s advice and looked ahead, seen next week was a change in pace and was the jive. She thought he’d enjoy that more, if they made it through. The jive wasn’t a sexy dance, which was just as well, but the upbeat music would be fun and they could do some cool lifts. But first they had to get through this week.
The studio doors opened, and she smiled at Ella and the crew. “Good morning.”
“Barely. It’s nearly noon.”
“So still morning then.”
Ella glanced around. “Luc isn’t here yet?”
“I’m sure he’s on his way. We said twelve, and it’s not quite that yet.”
Ella sighed, as Tony helped Bailey get microphoned up. “We really don’t need him being late as it sets—”
“Hey.”
The deep voice drew a sigh of relief. And another swallow of appreciation. Today Luc wore long track pants and a white singlet, and was channeling a vibe not dissimilar to Paul Mercurio in Strictly Ballroom. Oh, she was so due to watch that again. The white top showcased Luc’s muscular arms with their intricate tattoos, his powerful chest and abs, and made her think—
“Oh, hello.” Ella turned to Ben. “You filming?” At his nod she refocused on Luc, and helped him get microphoned for the day. “Now we’re talking. The ladies are going to eat you up.”
He frowned. “Excuse me?”
Aw, bless. Did he not know that muscly arms were a turn-on for some women? Bailey hurried over to him, and grasped his hand and dragged him to the mirror. “Put your stuff down there, and let’s get started.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” She grinned at him. “Now, are you ready? You got done all you needed to do this morning?”
He nodded.
“Okay then. Let’s see how much you remember from yesterday. We’re going to add some more of the routine, and I thought we could tweak it with an extra lift or two, so I hope you’re feeling strong.”
He flexed. “Always.”
She laughed. “So full of confidence, aren’t you?”
“The only way to be.”
“Okay, let’s see how that translates to the dance floor, shall we?”
He nodded, and she ran through the movements again.
He seemed stiffer today, which was completely understandable after yesterday’s efforts when his muscles must be sore, and she had to demonstrate in front of the mirror the rise and fall of the movement.
“Now it’s slow, slow, quick, quick. See what I’m doing there with my feet?”
“You’re wearing sneakers today.”
“As are you. I figured we could try your dance shoes at the end.” She nodded to Ella. “They might want to film that moment, so brace yourself.”
“Man. I didn’t realize they’d be filming everything.”
“Be thankful they’re not filming you pee.”
