“Sergeant Bailey, remember?”
“You won’t let me forget.”
“Exactly. And when we’re back next week, you’re going to show everyone just how much you’ve improved.” And she was going to make sure he had nailed the routine. This whole situation was supposed to be about him, not her. The pro dancer had to help the celebrity, not just with his moves but with his confidence as well.
“You know it.”
“Now that’s what I want to hear. Remember, they haven’t done the voting yet, and you’re in with a good shot.”
“What do you mean?”
She leaned closer, and tugged down his head. “You have two major advantages. One, you’re a hockey player that people know. Simply the fact that you play hockey will be enough for some people to vote for you, because it’s part of that story, remember? People won’t expect you to do well, so they want to see you again, whether it’s to mess up or improve.”
“That’s not exactly filling me with confidence.”
Clearly she needed to work on that. “The point is, they’ll likely want to see you return, so they’re more likely to vote for you.”
“And the second point?”
“Your charity. Everyone knows someone who’s been touched by cancer, so if you can keep the focus on the good work your charity does then people will want to support you, so that’s a real advantage right there.”
“You forgot the third advantage.”
“What’s that?”
He smiled. “I’ve got you.”
Her heart skipped a beat or two. She patted his bristly cheek, as she worked to calm down. No. This was not the time to misread things or get swept up in emotion. They were still on display. This was only week one for goodness’ sake.
She grabbed his hand. “Come on. We better join the others.”
He nodded, and she saw how Coco looked at her. “Give me a moment.”
She hurried to Coco. “Good luck tonight.”
“You two were cute, I think viewers will definitely see the chemistry.”
“Please.” Bailey rolled her eyes. “There is no chemistry.”
“I disagree,” Jason said, Coco’s actor partner. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if you knock out the author or the one-hit wonder.”
Coco nodded, and whispered, “They may say it’s about the votes, but the network knows who’s going to be the bigger drawcard, and let’s just say it ain’t eighties pop music nobody remembers. They know what this country loves, and babe, you’ve got him.”
Oh. She smiled, wished them well again, then returned to Luc’s side.
“What was that about?”
“Coco and Jason think we’re in with a chance.”
He sighed. “I’d never forgive myself if we went out the first round.”
“It’s a dancing competition, Luc. Someone has to go.”
“As long as it’s not us, I’m okay with that.” He grimaced. “My mom wanted to come, but I put her off and said we’d be back next week.”
“What?”
“I know. So I’m praying hard that we’ll make it through, otherwise she’ll never let me live it down.”
“Oh my goodness, Luc. You should’ve said something. I’d like to meet her.”
“And she’d like to meet you.”
She shivered, but whether it was from his intense look, or the sudden sweet smile he offered her, she didn’t know. She only knew that she was even more motivated now to do well. Because if they didn’t make it through…
“And the votes are in, and here we are with tonight’s bottom three. Kate and Miguel, Luc and Bailey, and Harry and Olivia.”
Bailey squeezed Luc’s hand harder. Funny how a mere hour ago she’d been so blithe and comfortable, but now she was sweating more than she ever recalled.
“And now, in no particular order, our first couple safe tonight is…” A drumroll filled the studio.
She glanced up at Luc, who tugged her closer to himself, as if he thought he could protect her from what would come next. Could ten minutes of voting offset the equal bottom score?
“Kate and Miguel!”
There was a squeal from the author, who clearly hadn’t expected to dance on, and Bailey plastered on her smile as she congratulated her, even as her insides plummeted. Oh no. If the author, who had earned the equal lowest score, had managed to survive, surely that had to mean their names were on the chopping block.
She glanced up at Luc, who smiled at her. “Hey. It’s okay.”
