“It’s all pretty straightforward. We’d sign up to compete at regionals. Place in the top three to get to sectionals. Repeat a top-three finish there, and boom, nationals here we come.”
Frankie rolled her eyes. “Charlie, that’s asking a lot. A top-three finish?”
“Here’s the best part.” His smile widened. “Last season at regionals, the pairs field consisted of three teams. At sectionals, there were only five teams. All we’d have to do is layer in a little more difficulty and skate a clean program.”
It seemed too good to be true. There had to be a catch.
“I’ll think about it, but I don’t want you to bring it up again until after Wednesday. This week, I want to stay focused on the test.”
He kissed her on the cheek. “I can respect that.”
The music paused. “Wonderful. Who’s feeling adventurous?” Madame Miller asked.
A few meek hands went up.
“The dance floor is open. Take the last few minutes to freestyle. Try out the rumba, cha-cha, mambo, whatever dance captures your fancy. You’ve all earned it.”
“What do you say, Mr. C?” Frankie poked him in the chest. “Shall we try some freestyle?”
“I’d like to keep practicing the rumba.” Charlie presented his arm to her as if they were on the ice.
Holding out her long swishy skirt, Frankie swept out onto the floor, took his hand, and was pulled in tightly to his chest as they started to dance.
* * *
“I’m skipping the gym tomorrow,” she laughed, then gripped her stomach. “Ow. Abs.”
“You’re that sore?” Charlie chuckled as he opened the door to the cabin.
She poked him in the ribs and walked past him inside. “At least I know I was doing the rumba correctly.”
“And I wasn’t?” He closed the door.
“Are you sore?” she asked.
“No.”
“There’s your answer.” She slipped off her shoes and sat on his couch.
“Maybe my abs are just too well-conditioned for me to notice.”
He removed his jacket and pulled up the hem of his shirt to reveal a chiseled set of perfectly square lower muscles that disappeared into the waistband of his sweats. He poked them. The skin around them didn’t move. It was tight and firm.
She licked her lips. She’d always found Charlie attractive, but in peak physical form, he was even more handsome. Here was a man who had spent the last five and a half months working out hard in the gym and eating clean so he could skate with her.
As her eyes traveled up, she could see the veins and sculpted muscles of his forearms, biceps, and triceps. She knew exactly how powerful and strong they were. When he lifted her over his head, it was easy. Suspended in the air, she felt like a bird in flight, able to extend her wings and effortlessly glide through the skies.
He let go of his shirt, oblivious to her staring. She quickly averted her gaze.
He stepped into the kitchen and opened a cabinet, pulling out a glass. “Water?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.”
“You sure? Your throat sounds like it’s dry.”
“Um, okay. I’ll have some.”
He returned a moment later with the water and sat next to her.
