Title: Dance with Me
Rating: PG
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 is my new favorite ship.
They aren't practicing in this chapter. But I wanted to let you all know, that I wasn't going to have them dance the Rumba yet. But after thinking about it, I decided it was the best choice.
Happy reading!
April 13th 2008
Edward's POV.
Bella and I were attending an event together. Being on the show brings a lot of press and attention to the respective contestants and professional dance partners. This event was being held, in Los Angeles of course. It was the Race to Erase MS Event. This was an annual event that many celebrities attend to help in funding the research for a cure against Multiple Sclerosis aka, MS. There would be a red carpet, photographers, live performances, and a fashion show. Being an athlete, I don't normally go to events like these. I do my part to give back and be charitable, but the whole red carpet and flashing lights is new to me. I try to stay away from that, my personal life is plastered enough in the magazines as it is. But this event was helping a very good cause and Bella was going.
The studio had arranged for the both of us to arrive together. There was a car to pick me up and then we would be on our way to pick up Bella and finally we would go to the event. I later learned that almost all of the dancers go to MS event every year. It turns out, that some of the dancers put on a little dance show for the attendees.
I was a little nervous attending this event with Bella. Like I said, we would be arriving together and there would be photographers and news reporters and gossip mags. They all knew of me and with the amount of press the show gets no doubt they know Bella too. It didn't bother me that they knew of either me or Bella; what bothered me was the fact we would be arriving together. It would imply things and that left me with an uneasy feeling. I wasn't ashamed to be seen with Bella but with my reputation she could potentially take a beating and I didn't want that for her.
It was too late though, the studio had made this all possible and I was already sitting here in the back of the car. I would just have to make it clear that Bella and I are just dance partners and nothing more. I couldn't tell them the true nature of our relationship, hell; even I don't know the true nature of our relationship.
For the past two months Bella and I have been skirting around each other. We have a wonderful banter between us. We have an awesome time in the rehearsal studio. But there's always been some underlying sexual tension between us. It also didn't help that we were dancing the Rumba this week. I tried to play it off, just thinking it was because we were dancing intimately but no, the sexual tension was there even when we were off the dance floor. From the first moment we met on the stairway, we could feel it. I'm sure we both did. But now the question is what we do now. We both know it subconsciously yet neither of us has vocalized it. We flirt sometimes and but after that we pull back.
Truth be told, I wasn't sure if I wanted to have a relationship with Bella. I am attracted to her physically and I admire and respect the woman she is. I love her personality but it would be hard for us to pursue a deeper relationship than the "student-teacher" one we have now. The press and paparazzi would have a field day when they found out about us. They would twist words, stalk us, and try to rip us apart. There would be absolutely no privacy for us. We're both in the public eye, and it's a hefty price to pay for working in this environment.
I never would have thought I would be so attracted and drawn to Bella. Normally, I try to steer away from relationships because in this town, all the girls are fake and want you for our name, notoriety, and money. I learned that the hard way a long time ago. But Bella isn't like those types of girls. She's very unique. She may work in the entertainment business but she's not twisted or jaded like so many other girls. She's very genuine and down to earth funny. She doesn't take herself seriously, but rather she takes her work seriously. She's a sexy and fierce dancer and her work ethic is phenomenal. So why don't I want to pursue her? I weighed both the pros and cons of a potential relationship and right now, the pros of being with her were outweighing the cons.
The best thing to do is ask Bella what she thinks. But first we'd have to talk about us and the direction of where we're going or could go. I had to know if she really did feel the same for me or if she was just doing her job. It would be really bad if I found out that she didn't see me in a romantic way and that she was just acting flirtatious for the camera. It does make good television.
The sound of the engine cutting brought me back to the present.
"Sir, we're here. Should I go get Ms. Swan or would you like to do that?' the driver kindly asked me.
"I'll go. I'll be back in a few minutes. Thank you for asking."
The driver chuckled. "I figured you'd want to get her. My wife watches the show; you two are her favorite this year."
"Really? That's awesome! Don't forget to vote for us." I kidded.
"Trust me sir, she uses the landline and both our cell phones to vote for you guys. Not to mention every e-mail address we have to vote online."
"Wow. That's incredible. Tell her I said thanks." I said.
"Will do sir." He answered.
"Just call me Edward." I said simply.
"Ok, Edward. If you don't mind me asking, which dance will you be dancing this week?"
I held back a grin. "The Rumba." I said simply.
The driver raised his eye brows. "Sexy stuff." He muttered.
Oh he had no idea. I laughed lightly, "Yup."
"Alright Edward." He cleared his throat. "I think you should get her now Edward."
"Oh right!" I said surprised. "Be right back."
I got out of the car and shut the door behind me. I surveyed the area. Bella lived in a small apartment complex not far from the dance studio. It looked to be a quiet neighborhood and very simple. I pulled a piece of paper out of the inside of my jacket; I took a good look and read the apartment number. I stashed it back inside my jacket and trudged up the stairs. Bella lived on the second floor and I was grateful that I didn't have to climb so many flights of stairs to get to her. I smiled then just thinking about her. This was a Hollywood type of event, I was dressed in black slack and a white dress shirt no tie and a black suit jacket. Alice had made sure I was stylishly comfortable. She knew I didn't preen, but she always made me look presentable enough. I wonder what Bella would be wearing. Bella has an excellent body and judging by her costumes she looks stunning in anything she wears.
I looked around trying to find Bella's door. I looked to my right and found the right one. Suddenly, I felt like a young teenage boy picking up his date for the very first time. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
***
Bella's POV.
I was strapping on a pair of silver heels when I heard someone knocking on my front door. I knew it was either Edward or some guy form the car service coming to get me. Today and Edward and I only had a morning session of rehearsals because we were going to a event in downtown Los Angeles. I had gone to this event before. This would be my second time attending. I would be going along with Edward and some of the other cast and dancers. The dancers and I would be doing a mixed Latin dance medley later on.
I walked to the door, and swung it open. I was greeted by the handsome sight of Edward in a typical black suit minus the tie. On the average man, it would look plain but on Edward it looked astoundingly sexy. His tall lean form was put on perfect display.
"Hi Edward." I said while pushing the naughty thoughts out of my mind.
"Hello Bella." He replied. He gave me a once over and smiled. "You look very beautiful in that dress."
I blushed in spite of myself. I was wearing a strapless red dress that came to my knees. The bodice was snug and I felt confident that I wouldn't fall out of it. The skirt was light and airy giving me plenty of room to move around. "Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."
"Eh it's nothing. I mean thanks! I wasn't trying to be conceited. Alice helped me. She' acts as my stylist." He stammered.
Oh he was so cute when he got flustered. "You're welcome." I sighed.
"Let me just get my purse and we're good to go." I said.
"Alright." He agreed.
I led him inside and went to my bedroom to grab my small clutch purse. I opened it up and quickly put in the essentials. I walked back out to the living room and headed to the door with Edward in tow, He opened the door for me and we both stepped out. I turned back and locked the door then proceeded to walk with Edward.
Edward pulled me a little closer to him and put his hand on the small of my back. It was such a sweet gesture and I admit I love the feeling of his arm around me. It was so nice and very protective of him. I looked up to meet his eyes but instead I saw his profile. Edward was looking straight and his eyes were focused on the car ahead of us. He looked so calm but I could tell there was something swimming around his mind. I decided to tease him a little.
"Have you been practicing?" I asked him.
He kept his face forward but I could see his lips curl into that swoon worthy crooked grin. "Of course." He said.
"How do I know you're telling me the truth?"
Edward reached out and opened the car door for me. After I got in he slid right next to me. He leaned in and put his lips to my ear, in a very soft tone he said, "I'll show you on the red carpet."
I challenged him. "Is that promise?"
"Indeed." He replied with a smirk.
I shook my head, smiling. I was already anticipating what he had in mind when we got to the venue.
Sitting there next to Edward I couldn't help but feel slightly awkward. Here we are sitting in the back of the car together about to go to a Hollywood ish event. We'd be photographed and interviewed together because of the show. I had done this stuff before with other partners but with my past two partners it was strictly platonic. My first partner was married and my last one was too young for us to be considered to be a couple. But Edward was very different. He is Edward fucking Cullen for crying out loud! He's a major baseball star athlete, and a fine piece of ass. He's always in the papers and girls everywhere swoon over him. And then there's me, plain Jane dancer, Bella Swan. I know a lot of women would kill to be in my place but that didn't make me feel any less insignificant. I can only imagine how we would like it after the photographers took our picture. Sure we're on the show, and there's plenty of camera time on us together, but I'm made up! I'm wearing makeup and my hair is done nicely. I'm made to look good for Edward on camera. Now, I'm wearing a strapless plain red dress and silver heels. Minimal makeup and my hair is hanging loosely down my back.
I guess Edward could sense my apprehension because he draped his arm over my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "What's wrong?"
Hmm, how do you tell the perfect looking man that you feel and look like crap compared to him? Easy. You don't if he's charming and kind like Edward Cullen.
"Nothing." I muttered.
"Are you sure Bella?" he mused. "You're kind of tense." He observed.
Oh what the hell.
"I'm just trying to imagine how we'll look on the red carpet in front of all those photographers."
He smiled. "I'm thinking we'll look pretty damn good. I've got the most beautiful dancer on my arm." He said affectionately.
"Edward," I sighed. "I'm nothing compared to you. I mean look at me, and then look at you!"
"Bella, you're beautiful. I said so myself when I picked you up from your apartment." He said.
"I know you did. But come on, we both know you're the better looking half." I said.
"Why are saying these ridiculous things?"
I slouched in my seat. "Nothing it's just weird. I've done this type of thing before, it's just I've never done it with a really handsome looking guy. I... it's different with you." I stammered.
Edward sighed heavily and pulled me closer to him. "You are absolutely absurd Isabella Swan. When we go out there, trust me all eyes will be on you because you are that beautiful. I'm nothing compared to you." He said softly.
"How do you do that?" I asked bewildered.
He looked at me in surprise. "How do I do what?"
"How do you know exactly what to say to make me feel better?" I clarified.
He smirked. "It's a gift."
I checked my cell phone, and the time indicated that it was close to four. Hmm, we would probably be there till dinner time. Or maybe a little bit after. I wanted to work with Edward again on our Rumba routine.
"Can we practice after we're done with this?"
"Of course we can sweetie." He answered.
I smiled inwardly. Edward had never used such cute and loving sentiments with me before. It was oddly nice and I liked it.
Before I knew it, we had arrived and Edward was stepping out of the car. He held the door open for me and stuck out his hand, I placed my hand in his and he helped out of the car. As soon as I was out, there was a big flash of bright light.
"Edward! Bella! Over here! Look here please!"
I tried not to wince. The flashing lights scared the hell out of me. Although I've done this many times, I still am not used to having so much attention on me.
Edward led me down the line of press and photographers. We stayed stationary and posed for pictures. I was leaned into Edward's side and flashing a smile at the many photographers. At one point Edward extricated himself from me. He pulled me so I was facing him and my back to the photographers. He placed right hand in the middle of my back and with his left he grabbed my hand and dipped me. I cried out in surprise.
"Edward!" I yelled.
He laughed. "I told you I practiced." He said.
Before I could stand up, Edward dipped me again in a different position. This time he dipped me in front of him so my head was arched back and my legs were in between his.
"Yes! Edward spin her!" yelled one guy from the press line.
Edward complied and brought me back up and twirled me with one hand. I kept laughing and laughing. I had never had so much fun at these type of events before. Edward and I kept up our dancing antics and the crowd of photographers and news reporters were eating it up.
We finally made it out of the red carpet and inside the venue. There, we were greeted by the foundation's creator and were thanked for coming. Edward thanked the woman graciously and then he we were met by the swag table. At the table we found Mike and Jessica. We chatted for a bit and Jessica reminded me that we have to change for our Latin dance medley.
I followed Jessica backstage and left Edward with some people from the show. He'd never been to this event before but I was glad there were people he could hang around with.
Dancing on the stage with my fellow colleagues is second nature to me. Once the music is on and the lights dimmed, I just forget about the audience and I can be totally in the moment. I get a head rush when I'm on stage and dancing about. I'm aware of my surroundings but I block out all the other stuff that could make me nervous. The dance went well and we received plenty of applause and cheers. It's always good to know that we danced well and put on a good show for everyone. It makes us dancers, extremely proud of our work.
Once I had gotten back into my red dress and left the backstage dressing room I went to sit down next to Edward to watch the fashion show. I'm not that much of a fashion extraordinaire. I don't read the fashion magazines and I don't really like shopping but the show was very fun! There were tons of different models and each one owned the stage. It was a really different experience.
For most of the time, Edward stayed by my side. He never left me alone; the only time we were separated was when I had to go backstage to get ready to dance. Throughout the fashion show Edward stayed seated next to me and I was starting to wonder if he was getting bored. He was very quiet and I wondered if it was because he wasn't used to this type of thing but I quickly remembered that as a star athlete he would be used to going to awards shows and events. So the question is, why was he so distant and quiet?
This needed to be written because I had to show they can be very "couple like" even when they aren't dancing. And Edward's POV brings a lot of questions that naturally need answers. In the next chapter we'll get to see the night session of rehearsals. :)
Till next time.
Tina