If You Want Me, Earn Me

Chapter 1: The Stakes are High


I have been dancing since I could remember. I started taking ballet at the age of three, jazz at the age of five, and ballroom at eight. By the time I was 13, dancing had consumed my life. I had studied every aspect of dance, but ballroom was my life. I became a champion ballroom dancer, opened a studio, and became a teacher. I never knew that after teaching for five years, that I would be competing and falling in love.

I remember the day he walked into my studio. My classes were normally open to all levels. Whether you were a beginner, advanced, or even a professional, I was willing to teach you what you know and didn't know. Our first dance was an American Tango. I began the count, "Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow". I watched the dancers danced the steps as I counted them out, but there was one dancer who I couldn't keep my eyes off of.

Drew Summers was a champion ballroom dancer. He had a style and grace that was all his own. He was also very handsome. He had sandy blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and a muscular body that showed through the shirt he wore. I watched him with the partner he brought with him as they put on show for the class. I was amazed. When the music ended, we clapped enthusiastically for them. I walked over to him hoping to know why he was here. He didn't need to take my classes. He was still competing. My answer would come soon enough.

"That was fantastic. My students enjoyed the routine. Thank you for coming." I said as I extended my hand out to him.

"I had heard you have been teaching for awhile now. I thought I would stop in." Drew said.

"Thank you. Well, I must get back to my class. You're welcome to watch." I said.

"I didn't come to watch your class. I came to ask for a favor." Drew said.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I want you to come back to competition and be my partner."

"What? No, I don't compete anymore. Everyone knows that."

"Yes, but you are a dynamic dancer. I need a dynamic dancer."

"What happened to your last partner?"

"We had creative differences."

"Drew, I appreciate that you want me as your partner, but I don't compete anymore. I have no reason to."

"What if I told you Elena is back?"

"Elena Verishnakya?"

"Your rival and my ex."

"I don't know, Drew. I have to think about it."

"Think about it, Lisa. The stakes are too high this time. Elena wants to be on top again, and she will stop at nothing to get there."

"I will think about it, Drew."

I walked back to the front of my class. Thoughts of the last time I competed against Elena were swimming in my head. She almost had me until the tango. It was an Argentine Tango. I was at my very best, and Elena knew it. It was after that competition she left quietly, and I went on to open my studio. For me to dance again was big, but to dance with Drew was even bigger. I had a lot to think about.