“Dancing is all I’ve ever tried to do.” She dashed at the tears falling from her eyes. “But I’m a complete failure.”
“You’re on one of the top ten network TV shows,” he reminded her. “How is that failing?”
“I got it because of Gina. She found the audition forEverybody Dance Now.They liked us because we were friends, and we moved toThe Dance Offtogether for the same reason. She found our apartment, she made sure our bills were paid, she—”
“Okay, so your friend helped you out, and you’re bad at managing money. You can learn. I’ll help you.”
“No. I need to stop getting help from people. I have to do it on my own.”
“Damn it, why won’t you let people help you? Why won’t you letmehelp you?”
Startled, she met his gaze. Her dark eyes sparkled, and he wanted so badly to kiss her until she stopped crying and forgot all these ridiculous notions about not accepting his help.
“I don’t want your help,” she whispered.
“For god’s sake, why not?”
For a second, it seemed like she wouldn’t answer. And then she blurted out, “Because I don’t know why you’re giving it! Or I do, and it’s not a good enough reason. And Ineedto make it on my own. I have to prove I can do it, that I can be a success as a dancer. That’s all that matters.”
“Why the hell are you so stuck on this? It’s not about the end result, Tasha—”
“That’s really easy for someone in your position to say.” She waved her arms. “Look at this house. You’ve done it. Kevin’s done it. Now Gina’s done it, and I’m the fuck-up left behind.”
“Stop saying that about yourself.” He was done listening to her berate herself. “You’re hard-working and you have incredible talent. You were born to dance. And I’m not going to listen to you call yourself an idiot just because no one ever taught you to manage your money.”
“I am.” She let out a shaky breath and ducked her head. “I’m so stupid for thinking I could do this on my own.”
“No, you’re only stupid for pushing away the people who want to help you.”
She lifted her head and gave him an offended look. “Did you just call me stupid?”
“No.” Except he had.Chert.He rushed to explain. “I mean, you called yourself stupid first.” Damn it, that was worse. “But you’re not. You’re amazing. And you’re going to let me help you, because you’re smart. I mean, what the hell, Tash? If you were stupid, would I be in love with you?”
Her eyes grew round, the whites visible all around them. Her eyebrows shot up on her forehead, high and arched.
He blinked. Shit. Had he just said that? Yes, he really had. Well, no taking it back now.
“Yeah, I said it.” He shrugged. “Don’t make a big deal about it. We’re not changing the subject.”
She grabbed the crutches and struggled off the sofa.
“Whoa, there. Where are you going?”
“Bed. I’m tired. Goodnight.”
“Are you serious?” He snatched the crutches and tossed them out of reach. “I just said I love you and you’re running away?”
“You said not to make a big deal about it. So, I’m not. Besides, it’s not true.”
He reared back. “What the hell do you mean,it’s not true? It damn well fucking is.”
She covered her face and shook her head. “No. It’s not.”
“Why did I say it, then?”
“To be nice. You’re trying to make me feel better.”
At that, he laughed. “When have you ever known me to say anything just to benice?”
