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A shiver runs up my spine as I imagine being alone with Hunter…on a yacht.
“I’ll go,” I say.
The corner of his mouth turns up in a crooked grin, and he nods his head. “Good.”
15
Sutton
After a few weeks of practicing, Jolene gave each couple a time slot to show up at the studio and show her what we’d been working on. The past few times we’ve practiced, I can tell Hunter is tired. And although I want us to do well in our performance, having him in tip-top shape for hockey obviously should—and does—take priority.
“I’m fucking nervous,” Hunter mutters. “I’ve got sweat dripping down the crack of my ass. She’s scary.”
“She is not.” I giggle. “She’s just…intense. Kind of like you on the ice.”
Jolene looks toward us and tips her chin up. “All right, you two. Let’s see what you’ve been working on.” She looks sideways. “Good luck with those toes, Sutton.”
I cover my mouth to hide my smile before nudging a frowning Hunter. “She’s kidding. You’ll do great. And my toes are fine. I bandaged them for extra protection this morning.”
That gets his attention. “Really?”
“No!” I shake my head. “But it’ll be fine. I’m strong. Now, let’s go.”
“Just run through the first thirty seconds or so of your routine, and then I’ll add music for the next run,” Jolene says, eyes on us as we head to the center of the floor.
I give Hunter a reassuring smile and mouth,It’s okay.
And then it’s go time.
He’s not perfect, but why would he be? He’s a hockey player and not a dancer. But he’s far from bad. In fact…I’d even say he’s pretty good. I can tell every move he makes, he’s overthinking, worried that he’ll mess up in front of Jolene. He plants his hands on my sides as I dance in front of him. Turning to look at him, I cup his cheek. It’s all part of the routine. Something I added once I could actually tolerate him.
When I think it’s been long enough, I stop moving. Looking at Jolene for any sort of criticism, I chew my bottom lip anxiously.
For a few seconds, she just stares at us. But eventually, she claps her hands. “You two have been working hard—that’s for sure.” Walking toward where her phone is plugged into the speaker, she hits the screen a few times before glancing at us. “This is it. This is the one. Take your places, please. Show me your entire routine. And this time, slow it down just a little. Really savor it. Savor each other.”
At her words, I snort but cover it as best as I can. Holding my hand out for Hunter to take, I inhale. And then…it’s showtime.
I’m instantly taken aback by her song choice. But I shake it off, getting my head right.
“All of Me” by John Legend plays through the studio. His heartbreaking voice fills every crevice of the room, and I become one with the words, feeling them deep in my soul even though they don’t apply to Hunter and me.
It’s just him and me, and the rest of the world melts away. It’s crazy to think that this man has become the closest thing to family I have these days. I trust him more than I trust anyone else in my life.
With music, somehow, his touch feels different. Our movements are slower and more in sync. A lot of the routine is me dancing while also incorporating him into it. But during a few parts, he has his own moves. And as we near the end, I leap into his arms, praying he’ll catch me. He does. And he lifts me higher into the air, looking up at me as the music stops.
Both of our chests rise and fall in a perfect rhythm. I know I need a puff from my inhaler, but I’m on such a high in this moment while he holds me in the air, like I’m as light as a feather. And right now…I feel weightless.
It isn’t until Jolene claps her hands together in applause that we’re both pulled from our trance. I shake my head, trying to wake myself up as he sets me down on my feet.
Reaching in his pocket, Hunter hands me my inhaler. But when I narrow my eyes, questioning how he got it, he nudges it toward me.
Putting it to my lips, I inhale before I turn to face her. I straighten myself out, holding my chin high.
“Well done, Sutton. Well done, Hunter.” She looks at both of us, eyes wide and smiling. “You two can thank chemistry for how far you’ve come because…wow.” She bobs her head up and down. “The pair of you certainly have it. I was expecting something comical. What I got was Beauty and the Beast. And I loved every second of it.” She nods toward the door. “You’re both free to go.”
“Thank you, Jolene,” I say softly.
“Thanks for not telling me I suck.” Hunter waves. “But I just gotta know, am I Beauty or the Beast?”
