Page 117 of Take the Lead
Finally, it was time to take the floor one last time.
Gina took her place with Stone, listening to the behind-the-scenes package with half her attention. The narrative played up Gina’s preoccupation with the choreography, her commitment to perfection, Stone’s determination to win, and their journey from the beginning. It made no mention of the kiss revealed in last week’s footage, or their argument in the kitchen.
Small mercies.
The music swelled, and their last dance began.
Gina folded into the first move, curling in and hugging herself with her arms. Stone tugged her back to him and led her through the steps of the rumba.
She couldn’t have kept her eyes off his if she’d wanted to. He wore an intense, stricken expression, something akin to grief flashing in his blue eyes. Every time he pulled her close, her heart broke anew. When she danced away from him, it was like swimming through molasses. All she wanted to do was let him hold her. She’d taught him too well—he knew how to lead now, and whatever drew her to him was too strong to be denied.
“What do you have to lose?” the live singer crooned.
Everything.
They flowed with the music, breaking apart and coming together, pleading with their hands and bodies. For what?
See me. Understand me. Love me.
Her body rejoiced when he held her against him. Her heart hurt when she pulled away.
This was the last time she’d feel his hands on her. She cherished every moment.
Their bodies stilled as the last line of the song rang out. “What’ll you do when you have nothing left to lose?”
Gina burst into tears.
She’d already lost the things she’d tried so hard to protect. Her private life, her relationships, her reputation.
Her heart.
What was left?
She’d done everything she could to win the trophy. It was up to the judges now.
Thirty-Two
The dance ended with Stone holding Gina against his chest. His heart pounded so hard he couldn’t catch his breath.
He didn’t want to let her go. Not now, not ever.
Gina covered her face. Her shoulders hunched and her body shook.
“Gina?” Stone turned her, cupping the back of her head.
“I’m fine.” She pulled away from him and wiped her eyes carefully. “Come on.”
They moved toward the judges’ table to receive personal comments. The judges looked concerned. It was like a flashback to last week, after the damning footage from Alaska.
Juan Carlos stepped in and urged Gina closer. “How are you doing, Gina? You all right there?”
She nodded. “It was a very emotional dance, and an emotional journey. I just can’t believe it’s over.”
“That was your last dance with Stone.”
She bit her lip and nodded. “I know.”
Helplessness washed over Stone, along with the need to comfort Gina. She was hurting, and he wanted to soothe her, even though he was hurting, too.
