Title: Dance with Me
Rating: M
Summary: A major league baseball player with a bad rep needs to clean his image. He signs on to do a reality dance show. Will he clean his image and have the right kind of chemistry with his partner?
Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer I own nothing.
Comments: Based loosely on the reality t.v. show Dancing with the Stars and because Bella/Edward are my new favorite ship.

Wow. This story is getting a lot more praise than I thought it would get. And thanks to everyone for your kind encouragement. I am enjoying writing this and I've got some ideas I want to write about for future chapters. This story is just starting so stick around!

Thank you, RuthPerk, for beta'ing!

Bella POV

February 19th 2008

I woke up this morning with a good feeling. All my negative thoughts and over analyzing about Edward, and his so called reputation were gone. I didn't know him, and therefore, I should make my own assessment about him. I would find out how he is soon enough.

Today was my initial meeting with Edward and our first practice. Today would be a day of many firsts for him. I held back a chuckle just thinking of what he got himself involved in. Every time I meet a new partner for the show, it got a little awkward. It's awkward because we really don't know each other, but we have to be dancing rather close and intimately. I'm a pro, so this was just work for me. But sometimes for the layman, it was rather awkward.

Our first dance would be the smooth and elegant Foxtrot. A really classy, ballroom dance. Edward would have to be dapper and handsome looking. I'd have to go over to wardrobe and start designing his costume. But before that, I'd have to go over what he's comfortable in wearing. Edward would also need good posture and be light on his feet. Truthfully, I already had a lot high hopes for his potential. Even though I haven't met him yet, and I had no idea what he was capable of doing, I still had the preconceived idea of him.

As I got out of bed, I took a glance at my night stand, the clock said 8:23 a.m. Hmm, I had time for a shower and then I'd have to go straight to the studio. I went to my dresser and opened up the drawers. I pulled out a set of undergarments, pulled out a white wife beater, and black yoga pants. I really wasn't looking to dress to impress we were going to dance, so I had to be comfortable. The camera would be there today. They were to record our first meeting and, hopefully, some good footage for television.

I went to the bathroom and started the shower. As I stripped out of my pajamas, I thought about how today would pan out. I was excited now to be starting another season. And truth be told, I was even excited to meet Edward. I had deliberately not searched on the internet on news on Edward. I hadn't Googled him, and I still hadn't seen what he looked like.

I wondered what he looked like. Both Angela and Jessica had deemed him as gorgeous, but everyone's beauty is subjective. What if he wasn't gorgeous to me? What if he looked like any other average guy? Ummm hold on. Why am I thinking about his looks? I shouldn't be debating whether or not he is gorgeous looking. What am I doing? I groaned. Ugh. Today was starting out way different than I thought.

It was 9:45 when I got to the studio. There were a couple of familiar cars in the lot. I saw Jessica's Lexus, today she would be meeting her partner, too. I still had some time, so I walked across the street to the coffee shop, getting myself a latte. I don't like to eat breakfast, so caffeine was all I took in the morning.

I paid for my latte. Walking out into the cool morning air, I started making my way towards the studio. I saw another car and some vans in the lotnow. Guess the camera crew is here.

I padded up the steps and after waving "Hi" to Jessica, I went inside studio B. This was my studio for today and I was glad that it was unlocked. I surveyed the room and saw the stereo in the back left corner. Once I saw the stereo, I remembered I had left my dance bag in my car. I placed my latte on the little table by the stereo and took off in a sprint, trying to make it to my car and back before Edward or the camera guys got in. As I was jogging down the stairs, I literally collided into a massive form who was making its way up the stairs. The person had good reflexes, because a pair of strong arms steadied me.

I tired to steady myself, and with the arms still holding me, I stood still. I lifted my head to see who had saved me from a potentially injury. When I looked up, I was met with a nice set of green eyes. Emerald, to be more specific. It was hypnotizing. The person, or rather man, cleared his throat.

"Are you okay?" His voice was nothing but a soft whisper. It was as if he meant for only us to hear him.

"Y... yes, I'm fine." I managed to say. Uhh, Bella. Say thank you, you idiot. I inwardly groaned. This guy probably thinks I'm rude. "And, uhh thank you," I said.

He took his arms off my waist and took a step back. Looking at me, a smile formed on his lips. Since he was standing back, I could now get a better look at him. He was tall must be over six feet tall. And he was a bit lanky, but I'd say he was muscled. His hair was this unbelievably beautiful bronze color. Yes, it was safe to say this guy was handsome.

"You're welcome," he said, with a smile. And then he motioned for me to pass.

I smiled timidly at him, then descended the stairs.

Before I knew it, I was outside getting my dance bag. The clumsy me had made a re-appearance just moments ago. And now, I was in a daze because of that beautiful stranger. I shook my head, willing myself to get back to normal. I carried my bag and walked up the steps slowly. I didn't want to get hurt and the potential for disaster was already looming over my head.

I pushed the studio door opened only to be greeted by the amazing sight of...

Edward POV

February 19th 2008

"And uhh, thank you."

Just a mere few minutes ago, I was on the stairs trying to get to dance studio B. The network had a small mix up and had informed me that I was to meet Isabella on the 19th not the 18th like it said on the paper they gave me. I suppose it was just a time mishap. I was on time this morning, and I was hoping I'd get there before my partner made it. At the very least ,I was hoping that we'd get there the same time. But as I was running up the stairs, another bodily form was running down and we would have stumbled all over the place if I had not reached out to steady the person above me.

When I looked at the person whom I was holding, I was met with a very beautiful face. A girl that was running down the stairs, and she had long brown hair, deep chocolate brown eyes, and a full lip. She was beautiful, but not in a breathtaking kind of way. Her beauty was subtle at first, but it was so natural.

It was evident this person wasn't looking where she was going. She was in a hurry, so after I said a generic "you're welcome," I stepped back and motioned for her to pass through. She gave me a very shy smile and walked down the stairs.

I could hear her soft footsteps as I stood there in the middle of the stairs. Her smile warmed my heart. She was a different kind of girl, I could tell just by looking at her. And after living in Los Angeles for so long, different was wholly welcomed. I began going up the stairs again making my way to the studio to await for my partner's arrival.

As I reached the door to the dance studio, I couldn't help but still linger on that girl. She was a breath of fresh air to me and I hoped that she was taking classes here or that she was working around here so I could see her again. I really don't know why I was so fascinated by her, and I had better things to think about, but she was the very opposite of every girl I had ever laid eyes on. She was mesmerizing without knowing it.

I had to collect my thoughts now. In a matter of a few minutes, that door would open and my dance partner would come in and introduce herself. I would be lying if I said I was anxious to get on with this show. I had reluctantly agreed to do it, but it was kind of interesting. And after learning my partner's accomplishments in the dance world, I was even more eager to know her.

I walked to the middle of the room and looked around. On one side, there was a set of mirrors and a ballet bar. On the other side were clear glass windows overlooking the Los Angeles streets. I went over to the stereo and found a cup of hot coffee sitting next to the stereo. It looks like my partner had already been here.

I turned to walk around the room again but was disturbed by the door opening. I looked directly at the door, holding my breath, waiting for the person behind it to emerge.

The door opened and in walked the girl from the stairs. It was her. She was her? She was my dance partner?

She caught me staring, and a rosy blush formed on her pale cheekbones. She had a small duffle bag in her arm and she placed it on the ground. She thrust forward her hand to shake mine, and introduced herself.

"Hi, I'm Bella Swan. It's nice to see you," she said with a pleasant smile.

Hmm. Well this certainly complicates things. Or maybe, it's just perfect.

"Hi," I said. I put my hand in hers to return her hand shake of greeting. Her hand felt smooth and soft. "It's nice to meet you Bella, my name is Edward Cullen."

We released our hands and automatically put them at our sides. She then went over to the stereo and got her coffee cup. After taking a sip, she smiled at me and spoke, "So, you're Edward Cullen? I have to say, I didn't even know who you were when I found out you'd be my partner."

I tried to study her face and voice: she spoke with honesty and very warmly. I wondered at her words, though. She didn't know who I was? That's funny. Perhaps she was teasing? I looked at her, and right then I knew she wasn't. She was being brutally honest, she really had no idea who I was. That thought made me smile. But, I had to be sure that she didn't know anything about me. I needed to make sure she hadn't read some gossip magazine and was just bullshitting me here.

"I can assure you, not everything you read or hear about is true." I told her in a even tone.

She looked at me and smiled again. "I haven't read anything about you. Why, is there a reason for me too?"

Hah. She was teasing now.

"No reason." I said with a chuckle.

"Not everyone reads trash, Edward," she informed me. Clearly, she was speaking of herself. I liked her already. We would get along really well.

She went over to her duffel bag and brought it over to the stereo. Sitting down on the floor, she started rummaging through her bag.

I had no idea what to do now and I felt sufficiently awkward. I guess she could see my unease because she spoke up, "The camera guy will be here in a few minutes. But until then, why don't we get down to business?"

I walked over to her and responded, "Sure. What's on the agenda?"

"Well, our first dance is the Foxtrot. And I have our song, but today is a day of firsts. Today, I'm just going to size you up and teach you some basics."

Well that sounded easy enough. I believed I could do anything she threw at me.

"Sure," I agreed.

"Good," she said.

Just then, the door burst open and in came our cameraman. He introduced himself as Eric. After exchanging pleasantries, he instructed for us to put our mic packs on. I had no idea how to put the mic pack on, but Bella knew. I could see her adjusting it on her back. She saw me standing there, helpless.

"Need help?" she offered.

"Yes, please," I said.

"You're a t.v. virgin, aren't you?"

"Uh, what?"

She laughed at my incredulousness. "You don't look like you've had much experience with the mic."

"Oh no. I haven't,," I confessed.

"You'll be a pro by the end." she assured me.

After getting our mic packs on, Eric told us we were going to film our first meeting. I found it ridiculous that we'd have to fake our first meeting for the camera, but Bella didn't seem to mind. She just started stretching and motioned for me to go outside and come back in so the camera could get it.

I walked back outside and waited behind the door. The images of Bella stretching were swimming around my head, she looked limber and exquisite. I counted up to ten and then made my introduction.

I gave a knock on the door and then slowly opened it up. I caught sight of Bella and immediately shook her hand again and introduced myself.

"Hello I'm Edward Cullen."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you. I'm Isabella Swan."

She used Isabella this time. I noticed that when it was just us she had introduced herself as Bella, but now with the camera on our backs, she was Isabella. Interesting. Could it be because she preferred Bella, but that she was only known to certain people by that name? Or maybe because she's using her original name for a stage name? I'd have to ask her myself when we were alone.

Eric held the camera and filmed the whole first meeting package. After that, he turned off the camera and told us to just go about the rehearsal and he would be getting it on film. It seemed he could see my nerves, because he reassured me that it'll be like he isn't here. He told me to forget about the camera and just be me.

After our first meeting was filmed, Bella went over to her bag again and got out a cd. She went to the stereo then and placed the cd in the machine. I just stood there, waiting for instructions. She turned to me and said, "Let's get started."

Bella's POV.

I walked over towards Edward and silently sized him up. He looked like he would do well in the ballroom dances. He was almost a foot taller than me, but in my dance shoes, height wouldn't be a problem. If I could work on his posture, then I'm sure he'd look great on the dance floor.

I stood in front of him now and motioned for him to step closer to me. He did as I told, and then I began my teaching.

"Place your right hand in the middle of my back," I instructed.

He put his right hand on my back, but I had to reach behind and place it higher up. He had placed his hand almost at my waist.

"I know that most people dance like that," I said to him, gesturing to his hand placement. "But in ballroom, there are rules and your hand goes here," I put his hand in the proper spot. I looked at him to make sure he understood and his face was unmasked. He clearly was a little embarrassed. I gave him a reassuring smile and continued.

"Put your left hand in mine."

I grasped my hand and I kept looking at him to make sure he did it correctly. He did.

"Good. Now straighten your upper body, but slightly bend your knees."

He shifted around a little, trying to get in the proper dance position. He bent his knees and he tried to straighten his back.

"It feels weird," he said.

I smiled at him. "That's ballroom," I said, dismissively.

He gave me a smirk, then straightened his back once again. I broke out of our hold and went to stand behind him. If he couldn't do what I told him to do, then I would just have to make him do it myself.

I was behind him now and I put my arms on either side of him. I pulled him up a bit, then adjusted his back.

"Stay," I commanded.

I walked to look at him from the front he froze. I smiled. "That is the proper dance position." I then stepped up to him and melted my body into his. I bent my knees and grasped his hand in mine. He put his right hand on my back and I placed my legs in between his. I could tell my sudden placement made him uncomfortable.

"My leg has to go between yours and yours has to go between mine," I told him. "It's dancing," I shrugged.

He relaxed a bit, then I instructed him to step forward with his right. He did and I could feel his leg moving between mine.

"Don't stomp. You're dancing, not walking," I explained. "Keep your knees bent and when you step forward with your right, use grace like your gliding."

He tried again and I was mildly surprised that he could be quite graceful such an improvement from his stomping earlier. As he stepped forward with his right foot, I stepped back on my left. For about a second, we were in tune with each other.

"Good job." I broke our hold then and walked over to the stereo. "I'm going to play our song and I want you to listen to it first, okay?"

He gave me a nod.

I hit the play button and immediately the studio was filled with our song. It wasn't a traditional Foxtrot it was more modern, but nice and easy enough to dance too.

After letting him hear it for a couple times I decided to ask if he had any input or ideas. I really liked to include my partners in every step of the way and keep them involved in everything. After all, I was here to work for them.

"What do you think? Any ideas?"

Edward ran a hand through his messy bronze hair and grimaced. "I think I'll do anything you want me to."

I could tell he was putting his trust into me. And I was glad, because we'd have to trust each other explicitly, especially because we're dance partners.

"Within reason of course," he added, with a hint of a teasing tone.

I laughed. "Okay then. Come here, I've got some ideas."

For the next couple hours, I showed Edward some basics. He grasped them with little struggle and he proved to be very graceful. He had a great sense of musicality. I was really surprised.

By the time it hit lunch hour, Eric had informed us that he was done for today. He told us he had some good footage and would be back for our next rehearsal.

"Do you want to break for lunch now?" I asked Edward. We were both seated on the floor. I was taking off my shoes and putting on a pair of flats, Edward's dance shoes hadn't come in yet. The producers would be getting it to us in the next day or so.

"Sure," said Edward. "Where are you going for lunch?"

"Oh, I don't know. Somewhere close. There's a bakery down the street."

"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked. He seemed kind of wistful. It was cute.

"Of course not. Let's go." I stuck my hand out to him and pulled him up.

What did you think? Do they have chemistry? And I had to write their first meeting in typical Bella fashion-her almost falling and Edward catching her. Classic. Alright then, hope you liked this.

Till next time,

Tina