Page 21 of Flirty Pucking Wolf

We enter the stage doing side-by-side cha-cha steps that transition smoothly into me spinning into Trevor’s arms and ending with a dramatic dip. I think the audience is clapping loudly, but it could be my blood pounding in my ears. Why did they have to introduce me like that?

“You okay?” Trevor murmurs as I go upright and smile brightly for the cameras. We aren’t wearing microphones, but I know better than to assume there’s any privacy in a studio.

“Mm-hmm.”

We take our seats as the rest of the cast is introduced. I know some of the professional dancers from dancing with them on the UK and Irish versions of the show. Others I’ve competed against growing up. But I don’t know the celebrities as well. They’re mostly from American pop culture—some reality television types, former child stars, social media influencers, or aging film stars. Trevor is the only athlete.

When we’ve all been announced, we sit in a horseshoe shape with Greta and Brandon at the top. The three judges sit in front of our leg of the horseshoe, and there are two empty seats in front of the other leg. I assume that’s for theCelebrity Dance Darehosts. I’ve no idea who they’ll be. The producers have kept their identities under wraps.

Greta flashes a warm smile and sweeps us with her gaze. “Raise your hand if you’re a teensy bit nervous to be dancing on national TV!” Chuckles come from the cast and most of us raise our hands. So do a couple of the judges.

Carlo Estevez, the sassy Spanish judge wearing his signature mesh shirt and leather pants, puts his hand down. “You know it’s bad when the pros are raising their hands too!”

Everyone laughs with him.

“We’ve been keeping a secret from everyone this season. Who’s ready to meet our hosts?”

Applause sweeps through the audience and cast. There have been rumors of movie stars, pop princesses, and supermodels, but nothing definitive. The hosts really set the tone for the show, how they interact with each other and with the celebrities and pros. It’s a delicate balance between a host who thinks they’re the star and one working to present the contestants to their best advantage.

“Our first host has been where many of you are, competing for the Diamond Dance Shoe. While she didn’t win her season, she won our hearts. Welcome, DeeDee Fowler!” Brandon stands, clapping as a gorgeous Black woman joins us. I covet her curve-hugging red wrap dress. She’s a former model turned talk show host and I can tell she’s going to be warm with the audience. DeeDee extricates herself from the hug Brandon holds too long. I hope the second host can keep up with her.

Greta gives DeeDee a much more appropriate hug and turns back to the camera. “Our second host is also familiar with the ballroom, but from the other side of the pond. While he’ll be a new face to most of us, one of you knows himverywell.”

A wave of icy dread washes over me, causing me to shiver even though the studio lights are sweltering hot.

“Please welcome two-time pro dance champion of the British version ofCelebrity Dance Dareand twin brother of our pro, Sophie, Ian Mackenzie!”

My training kicks in. I keep my smile firmly in place and clap with everyone else as Ian walks out. It’s Greta’s turn to give an inappropriately long hug. Ian is gorgeous. He’s tall and lean with golden blond hair, blue eyes, and a brilliant smile. We shared a womb, and he got all the charm that was floating around while I got all the sass. At least, that’s what our mother’s told us since we were children.

He smiles and waves before walking over to me and giving me a hug. We’re sitting in director’s chairs, so he doesn’t have to bend far to reach me and saves me from having to scramble down. He’s in a bright blue suit that should look ridiculous, but on him, it looks elegant and classy. I feel dowdy in my flirty pink dress compared to my twin’s tall elegance. I thought I looked cute next to Trevor in his light-blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to expose his muscular forearms and his tailored black slacks that hug his bum and thick thighs. It’s not fair to be surrounded by gorgeous men all the time.

“Surprise!” he says as he pulls back. His smile falters. I’m sure I’m the only one who notices, and I feel guilty. I’m happy to see him and excited he’s getting this great opportunity to do something beyond dancing. Thank goodness it’s just hosting and not as a judge. No way could I escape claims of nepotism if he was handing out the scores. No matter how well we performed, the legitimacy of our scores would be questioned. It’s just…I wish his opportunity didn’t have to come at the expense of mine. I’m once again the second-best Mackenzie. Now, more than ever, I’ll have to prove I’m good enough.

“What a surprise!” I cry. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here!”

Trevor stands and shakes Ian’s hand. Ian claps him on the shoulder. “You hit the jackpot, Trevor. You couldn’t ask for a better partner than my baby sister.”

Rolling my eyes as Ian takes his seat next to DeeDee, I clarify. “I’m two minutes younger than Ian.”

Greta turns her attention to DeeDee and Ian. “We are so excited to have you two hosting.”

“So excited,” Brandon chimes in. “What makes you think you’re the winning combo?”

DeeDee gives a huge smile. “Our personalities! We know what it’s like to compete. To win and to lose. Ian is a sweetheart.”

“And gorgeous!” Mary Ann Balboa, another of the judges, calls out.

“And talented,” the third judge, Glen Woodman—the elder statesman of the ballroom and a dear friend of our mother’s—says. “I’ve had the pleasure of watching Ian and Sophie dance through the years, as I have so many of the professional dancers, and it’s more than being beautiful or handsome. More than the gorgeous costumes. There are years of hard work and sacrifice on display in the ballroom.”

Ian is nodding. “Thank you, Glen. This season will be a lot of fun. It’s all about letting the stars shine brightly.” He grins sheepishly, reminding me of the boy I knew. “Excuse the cliché.”

We all chuckle.

“Yes!” DeeDee gives Ian a high five.

“Carlo,” Greta crosses her legs, “what are the judges hoping to see this season?”

That’s all it takes for Carlo to jump out of his seat and start gesturing madly.

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