Title: Dance with Me
Rating: PG-13 (Adult themes)
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.

Sorry for the lack of updates!

April 13th 2008

Edward's POV

"Ugh, Edward we need to stop." Bella said pulling away from my kiss.

I stare at her and she's blushing a very pretty crimson color. "I'm sorry Bella." I don't know what I'm apologizing for but it seems an apology was in order.

"Please," Bella says, her eyes pleading, "don't be sorry. It's just, we shouldn't do this." She starts talking with her hands and making funny gestures. I am at a complete lost.

"We shouldn't do what?" I ask in utter confusion.

"We should not cross the line." She says trying to sound serious but she's blushing.

And now, I understand. Bella doesn't think it's wise for us to be unprofessional. I'm such a jerk.

"Bella, can we take a break?"

"Yeah," she says nodding, "a break is good."

I turn away from her and walk over to the stereo. I turn it off and then I walk back to Bella. She hasn't moved an inch.

"Bella, I need to tell you something. Can you promise me to listen?" I ask her taking her hands in mine and rubbing soothing circles on her knuckles.

"Uh-huh." She squeaks.

"Thanks." I reply. I lead over to the little seating bench along the wall and together we sit down.

"Bella, I want you to know that I never planned on this." I paused making sure she was listening. "I never planned on liking you so much. When I started this I just needed the exposure for my career. But after all the time we've spent I find myself, drawn to you. I know I told you that there are rumors about us and I know you said you didn't care but I think we should discuss this. Only because, I like you very much and I don't want to hurt you."'

Oh God did that make sense? Did she really listen to me? Am I a stupid jerk or what?

"Can I speak now?" Bella asks.

"Yeah."

"Edward," she says slowly, "I know I told you I didn't care if there were rumors about us. I know I told you that in this show it's to be expected and well, it is. But, I'm a little nervous now because I like you too and that may complicate things. You're the star in this partnership. I'm your dance teacher. We should keep this professional."

My heart literally sank. She was turning me down. She didn't care that I just poured out my feelings to her. I told her I like her and she says no. Gosh why does rejection hurt so much? Ugh. I'm such a pansy.

"Fine." I say with a lot more conviction than I thought I had.

"Fine?" she asks.

"Yeah, fine." I say airily. "You're right. You're the teacher and I'm the student. This was a mistake." I say indicating to our kiss.

"Ok." She shrugs.

"Ok."

***

April 16th 2008

After that night Bella and I remained professional. Whenever we were in the studio I became a robot. I did what she told me to do and I never talked to her about anything that wasn't in regards to the dancing or the show.

We had our Rumba routine memorized and Bella said she was confident in our chemistry and acting performance. Hah. I almost laughed right there in her face. So, she wanted to pretend that there is nothing between us? She wants to go on as if nothing happened. Well that's fine. I can forget about us.

"Edward, did you hear me?" Bella starts nagging again.

Honestly, I wasn't paying much attention to her. "Yes, Bella?"

"Repeat what I just said." She says trying to test me.

"Ok, I admit it. I didn't hear you." I hiss.

She sighs. "Remember the three second rule!"

Oy. The three second rule is: after we finish our routine we're in that final pose. I'm to count up to three and then we walk over to the judges. Bella says if we hold our pose for three seconds it gives the camera guys time to get the right shots. Personally I think it's a bunch of bullshit and she just wants me to hold her longer while we're on air. But whatever, if Bella wants to torture herself then who am I to deny her?

"Yeah. Three second rule got."

"We're next." She frantically whispers.

"We're on commercial break." I tell her.

"Oh right." she mumbles.

I shake my head. I really don't know what's up with her. She's been so nervous and tense the whole day. I only saw her twice and that was when she was running to and fro hair and makeup.

During our rehearsal run through Bella was distant and jumpy. I asked if she was feeling ill and she just says no. It's very unlike Bella to get stage fright. She was born for this. She's a freaking world class dancer. She should not be nervous.

"Are you ok?" I whisper to her.

"Yeah. Fine." She mutters.

"You seem kind of tense." I observe.

"Edward," she says looking right up at me, "forget what I said that night. Please just dance with me."

I look at her incredulously. "What?"

"Forget what I said that night. I need you to really dance with me. Ok?"

"Uhh…. Ok." I stammer.

Bella opens her mouth to say something but she's cut off by the production manager.

"You're up!"

I walk out to the dance floor and Bella follows. We take our places on the floor and then we both look up to watch our rehearsal package for the past week.

Our song starts and Bella and I begin to dance. I let the adrenaline take me over and get lost in this dance of seduction with Bella. We've rehearsed this so many times over the week. I've loosened my hips and I've touched her in ways that I would deem too intimate for public television but it stops now.

All our skirting around each other end now; our kiss wasn't a mistake and I know that she knows that it wasn't. There is something between us and I can feel it when we dance. It's like a freaky sixth sense. I know where she's going to step and she knows where I'm going to step and it's not because of our memorization. It's because of our connection; this out of this world indescribable connection.

We make it to the red room and we wait for the commercial break to end.

"That was hot!" Mike calls from the back.

I look over to Bella and her face is a little flushed and her cheeks are tinted pink.

"Thanks." I reply good naturedly. And then I lean down to talk to Bella. "Are you ok?"

"Yes." She whispers back.

The commercial break is over and the judges have our scores.

I almost can't believe it. A perfect score. We got a perfect score for our Rumba performance.

"Oh my gosh! Edward!" Bella says jumping up on my arms. I catch her easily and look at her in shock.

"Is this for real?"

"Yes!" she cries happily.

We sit back in the couches and watch the remaining couples dance. As the show draws to a close I'm delightfully happy because Bella and I are the only ones who received a perfect score. All the other couples did well too but not nearly as well as Bella and I.

As usual we all line up for the press line. Bella is standing right next to me and she looks positively radiant. She's glowing and her smile is huge. I feel really good because I know I'm the sole reason why she's so happy right now. It may be because of the perfect score. But we got the perfect score because we were dancing the Rumba together. So, really, I am the sole reason for her happiness.

The interview questions are all pretty standard. They ask how it feels to get the perfect score and both Bella and I just smile and say it feels great. We've put in a lot of hard work so it's nice to see that we're improving and that the judges see that.

The one thing I didn't count on was Access Hollywood. They asked us a question I wasn't prepared on answering.

"That performance was really steamy, is there any chance of a real life romance between you two?"

I was silent. And so was Bella.

These people just basically asked if Bella and I were dating! What do I say?

Luckily, Bella recovered quickly. "You know, there's always going to be some rumors. In a show like this it's to be expected. And while Edward and I welcome the rumors we can both tell you there is nothing going on right now."

Wow. Bella's a freaking genius. She gave a good solid answer. And she added enough intrigue for people to think what they want.

After the Access Hollywood interview Bella and I both went back to the red room and made our way through the hallways so we could change out of our clothes and head home.

"That was a good answer." I tell her as we pass Jessica in the hall.

"Thanks."

"So, what's this about you and me welcoming the rumors?"

She smiled. "Well, I figure we can't control what other people say so we might as well let them talk about us."

"Uh-huh." I say trying to suppress a smirk. "And what's this about there's nothing going on between us right now." I made an emphasis on the words right now.

Bella stopped in her tracks. "Bella?"

"I… uh…. Well," she started stammering.

"Bella I was just teasing."

"I wasn't." she whispered so softly I almost didn't hear her.

I walked back to her and studied her face. "What do you mean?"

"Edward, I…"

That was awesome you guys!" Angela cried giving us both a hug. Where did she come from? Wasn't this hallway empty?

"Thanks Angela." Bella replied automatically.

Angel beamed and I smiled back in politeness. She looked at me and then at Bella and then back at me. "Well, I got to go" She scampered off leaving me and Bella alone again.

"Are you serious Bella?"

"Am I serious about what?"

"That you weren't teasing." I pressed.

"I wasn't teasing you."

I stepped closer to her, "Are you sure you know what you're saying?"

"Edward." She breathed.

I didn't give her a chance to continue speaking. Instead I crashed my lips on hers and kissed her forcefully. "Is this what you want?" I whispered against her lips. She answered me by kissing me back with just as much force. Her arms snaked around my neck and she pulled my head towards her. I almost forgot where we were.

"Bella," I panted, "not here."

She looked at me cheekily. "Sorry." She didn't seem sorry at all.

We continued walking down the hall and finally we made our way outside in the back lot where our trailers were.

"Edward, can you come in for a while?" She asked as we approached her trailer door.

I nodded and she stepped inside while I followed.

Bella closed the door and then sat on the couch. She motioned for me to sit with her. I sat next to Bella and she grasped my hand.

"Edward, I know I said that it was a mistake. I thought it was just the situation. You know, both of us dancing. The Rumba. But I can't kid myself. I am a dancer. I've danced the Rumba countless times with numerous partners. I told myself that I wasn't attracted to you but that was a lie."

"Bella do you like me?"

"Yes."

"And I like you." I told her. "Would it be the worst thing ever if you and I started dating?"

"I guess not." She replied.

"I promise to be professional while we rehearse and film."

"Good. I would expect nothing less from you."

"So, can I take you out tonight?"

Bella smiled sweetly, "I'd like that."

***

April 20th 2008

Bella's POV

Getting a perfect score helps a lot. Last week Edward and I received a perfect score for our Rumba routine. We were the only one's who received a perfect score that night. That gave us an edge over the competition. Of course, the more important thing is captivating the audience at home. After all, they were the one's voting.

As it turns out, Edward and I made it to the next round. This week we were dancing one of my favorite Latin dances. The Cha-Cha. I was very happy with the music that we were given. Our song is Buttons by the Pussycat Dolls.

"Cha-Cha-Cha." I counted out.

"Is it called Cha-Cha or Cha-Cha-Cha?" Edward asked confusedly.

I giggled. "Well, the steps are, Cha-Cha-Cha." I did a series of steps. Three counts.

"But it is referred to as the Cha-Cha or Cha-Cha-Cha. Whatever."

"Weird." He commented.

"Ok no more talking. Do those walks!"

"Yes, drill sergeant." Edward sarcastically replied.

"Now!"

Today was our last rehearsal and we would be leaving the studio to film part of our package somewhere else. The producers give us ideas on how to spice things up and make good television. For the most part the show is a reality show. Its premise is to take two people (the star and dancer) and pair them up. We don't know each other and it's all about our journey together as a dance partnership. Each couple is fun and unique in their own way. There are certain couples who are for comic relief and then there are more dramatic couples and finally there are a few rare normal couples who just click and dance well. I'd like to believe Edward and I are in that category.

Edward has been improving very nicely and he's shown that he can handle more experienced dance moves. Our Cha Cha is pretty insane. We've got the basic steps but I've incorporated some contemporary moves too.

Since our song is pretty sexy I decided in one part of our routine Edward would really take off my buttons. I had gone over to wardrobe during the week and ran my idea with them. Our costumes would be all black. Edward would be in the basic black pants and he would be wearing a long sleeved black shirt. As for me, I would be wearing a skimpy sequined skirt. For my top I'd be wearing a rhinestone clad bustier. But I'd be wearing a long buttoned down sleeved shirt over it.

Last week Edward and I talked a little bit about our non-professional feelings toward each other. I admit I was apprehensive about my developing feelings for him. I didn't think it a wise decision for us to be involved while doing the show. But in the end I didn't have strength enough to just ignore them. That kiss we shared during rehearsal was embedded in my brain and lips forever. I was falling for Edward Cullen and I could not help it one bit.

"Are you ready to go Bella?" Edward's voice pulled out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, is the filming crew meeting us there?"

"Yes, they are." And then he looked around for a quick second. He smiled and then leaned down to give me a sweet kiss.

"What was that for?"

"No cameras. I told you I'd be professional while filming." He winked at me.

"That's right." I agreed with him. "But what happens when we get to the field?"

Edward picked up my dance bag and swung it over his shoulder. "I will school you, little girl. You'll be in my dance studio."

I groaned. The producers ran an idea by me and Edward. They thought it would be really cute and funny if we went to a baseball field and Edward would try to teach me to hit the ball. Edward agreed of course and because he agreed I had to too.

I was dreading this. I am a walking danger magnet. If I'm not dancing I'm not safe! Me plus a baseball bat equals hospitalization.

Edward escorted me out the studio and we walked over to his silver Volvo. He would be driving us there and then we would drive back to the studio for a last minute rehearsal.

"Edward," I said as he started up the car, "I'm going to apologize now. I don't want to hurt you and I know if you give me a bat it will only result in disaster."

Edward chuckled. "Oh Bella you're so cute."

"No, really. I may be graceful on the dance floor but off the dance floor I'm a walking disaster."

"Bella, I promise you I will not let you hurt yourself. Or anyone else for that matter."

"I hope you can keep that promise." I mumbled.

It took about twenty minutes for us to get to the field. It wasn't a real baseball field; it was just a local park that had a field. Edward parked the car and then he came over to my side and held the door open.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome Bella." He replied. Edward closed the door and locked it. He then went to his trunk and pulled out a long heavy looking bag.

"Is there a body in there?" I joked.

Edward smiled mischievously. "No body. But a few very good baseball bats."

I cringed. "Do I really have to do this?"

"You've been yelling at me for months. You've been teaching me nonstop. Don't you think I deserve a little fun?"

"Trust me, Edward," I said as we walked over to the field, "it will not be fun when you and I are in the emergency room."

"Bella, humor me please. I promise you I won't let anything happen."

"Fine."

"Thank you."

The camera crew was setting up and Edward brought out the bats. I took one look at them and ran for it.

Too bad Edward was faster than I pegged him for.

"Bella!" He exclaimed as he caught me in his arms. "What are you doing?"

"I don't want to hurt you!"

Edward scooped me up and threw me over his shoulder.

"Edward!" I squealed.

"I am teaching you to bat, Isabella. It'll be fun. I promise."

I tried to wiggle free but Edward kept a firm grip on me.

"'Is the camera rolling?" I asked.

"Yes." Edward said laughing. "Everyone will see how stubborn you are."

He set me down and then handed me a bat. He told me I needed to get comfortable in holding it and the weight of it.

After that Edward demonstrated how to swing. He went over to the mound and held the bat firmly. As I watched him in his element I found that he could be quite sexy when he's swinging that god awful bat. His stance was powerful and his hips swayed as he swung. And then his arms. Oh gosh, his arms! He held the bat so forcefully and the muscles in his forearms were making me weak in the knees.

Mental note: watch Edward play baseball.

"Alright Bella it's your turn."

"Huh?"

"Come here, don't be afraid. I won't let anything happen to you." Edward said gently.

I walked over to him and he hands me the bat. He walks to the pitcher's mount and throws a ball at me. I miss. He throws again and I miss.

"Concentrate Bella!"

"I am!" I defiantly said while stamping my foot on the ground.

Edward throws it again and this time by some miracle I do hit it. It goes flying and Edward and I both look up.

"You hit pretty far." Edward said in amazement.

"I did, didn't I?"

He comes over to me and high-fives me. "Good job Bella!"

"Thanks!"

"Ok, we got it!" The cameraman says shutting the camera off. "That was good. We'll get this to editing and we'll see you guys in a few days."

"Thanks!" We both chanted.

The crew packs up the camera equipment and Edward and I gather the balls and the bats.

"So that wasn't so bad, huh?"

I zip up the bag and smile. "No, it was fun. And on a brighter note, I didn't hurt anyone!"

"You sure didn't!" He exclaimed playfully.

I laughed along with him and then on totally impulse reached up on my tip-toes and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. I guess Edward really liked it because his arms ensnared around my waist and held me closer. He applied more pressure against my lips and I threw caution to the wind and wrapped my legs around his waist. He held me up with his hands and we continued our very public display of affection.

It wasn't until we heard people shouting and the sounds of camera flashes did we break apart.

Damn tabloids.

"Edward! Bella!"

"Over here!"

"Are you together now?"

"How long have you been seeing each other outside the dance studio?"

Edward and I looked at each other and gasped.

What are we going to do now?

Uh-oh. Looks like the tabloids have found them. What on earth will they do about it?

Till next time.

Tina