Page 20 of No Rhyme or Roughing
He didn’t look like someone who hit the clubs regularly. His body was built for hockey, honed to perfection for one sport. As I studied the long lines of his legs, his thick thighs, and his tapered waist, I realized he had more potential in his body than I did. I could absolutely make a dancer of him.
“This is going to be torture, isn’t it?”
I nodded. “Probably. And we need to move fast. If we’re really going to save your team, you have little time to practice before your first performance.”
“Oh, great.”
“I had an idea, but I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“Your ideas are going to be the death of me.”
I grinned and repeated, “Probably. But this one is gold. You can’t tell anyone—not Teddy, not your coaches. Eventually, we’ll want them involved. But our priority is to make a video of you go viral. What better way than capturing their ridiculous reactions when you start dancing?”
He sighed. “You’re right, I know you are. And I very much think I’m going to regret this.”
Yet, he didn’t back out, which was impressive in itself. Ryder was willing to make a complete fool of himself to save the team he loved.
It was hot.
Had I ever been that passionate about anything? Maybe dancing, but it didn’t love me back. Choreographing, though—that I could do.
Stay away from Ryder.
I’d try, big brother, but I wasn’t making any promises.
“Go get your bathing suit on,” I said, shoving him toward the door.
“Why?”
“If this is going to work, you need to trust me. Don’t question it. Practice starts today.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
RYDER
“Fuuuuuck.” My teeth chattered. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
“Baby.” Sydney strolled past me, tossing the jab over her shoulder. Or had I imagined it? She didn’t saunter, didn’t walk with any deliberate seduction. And yet, I couldn’t stop watching her as she dove into the freezing water.
“Masochist.” I wrapped my arms around my bare chest, but it didn’t do much for the cold. “Whoever decided to go swimming in Alameda in late fall needs their head examined. Oh, wait, that was us.”
Sydney popped above the surface, wet blond strands clinging to her cheeks. Her eyessparkled with laughter. “It’s notthatcold.” She smacked the water, sending a freezing splash my way.
“You’re insane.”
Her smile faltered, just for a moment, but I caught it. “Sorry, I…” She shook her head and released a soft sigh, leaning back to let her legs float. “I missed the ocean.”
I would never understand this woman. One second, she was wide open, and the next, it was like she pulled everything back inside and slammed the doors.
“You just came from L.A.”
“It’s different there. I didn’t really go to the beach; I didn’t fit. Didn’t want to fit. I spent so long running from this place that I forgot how perfect it was.”
I wanted to ask why she didn’t feel like she fit in L.A., but I tried to see what she saw. Growing up in the Bay Area, it was easy to overlook the beauty tourists came for—mountains in the distance; the ocean spreading out on multiple sides, palm trees lining the streets. I glanced across the water to the city skyline. From here, it looked like a jewel, a grand adventure waiting to be discovered.
What I wouldn’t give to see it all for the first time without the memories.
“Come here.” Sydney stood and held out a hand.
