Dancing on my Heartstrings (Xander/Robby)

Chapter 7: Practice Makes Perfect

[In the locker room afterward:]

Ramona might have had a decade of experience under her belt, between the dance camps and recitals (something which should have made her top contender on any team). Still, she couldn't help but feel like a novice every time she had to work her way through the choreog designed by their captain.

Why were the routines so tricky?

It always seemed like the other girls could read the team captain's body language so easily and adapt their movements to synchronize with his own. It was like they could just sense what he was looking for without him having to prompt them, and her inability to do the same left her frustrated.

The uncertainty of her place in the group's dynamic only heightened as she watched Robby and his second-in-command, Sienna, demonstrate the moves he wanted them to perform during their next song.

The pair worked in tandem like a well-oiled machine.

• • •

The finale they were putting on was VERY different from their others.

Not only was the upcoming song going to focus primarily on the two of them — it was going to be flirty, sensual, and in an entirely different wheelhouse from anything she'd ever done in the past.

Ramona couldn't help but feel a little out of her depth.

'I don't know if I can do this?' she was beginning to panic internally. 'Am I really the right person for this kind of song?'

Traditionally, Sienna partnered up with the captain for any of the performances that required a more erotic edge because she boasted a sensuality and attitude about her that drew men's eyes like a moth to a flame.

The blonde dancer had a particular swing of her hips, which consistently made her the center of attention everywhere she went, and a mean girl attitude that skyrocketed her to popularity within their girl clique.

Ramona didn't even notice she had begun to tremble slightly with nerves, until she felt a strong pair of hands grasp her arms gently and make her grow still. "Hey, it's ok. Ramona? Look at me. You're alright, breathe."

The dark-haired girl took a deep breath.

"Better?" the captain asked softly.

"I've never done anything like this before," she admitted shakily.

Robby raised an eyebrow. "You didn't really think every dance was going to be as simple as "genie in a bottle," did you?"

The dancer's cheeks turned pink in embarrassment.

She couldn't help but feel properly chastised at the subtle reminder that she'd called him out for being predictable during her initial audition, but in reality, there was very little predictable about him.

Robby might have been exceedingly arrogant when he was in character (undoubtedly the most self-absorbed dancer she'd ever met). Still, he was talented and creative as a choreographer in a way she hadn't foreseen.

His voice took on a comforting edge. "You're going to have to step out of your comfort zone sometimes if you want to improve your skills. Plus, I wouldn't have picked you if I didn't think you could handle it. Just focus on the rhythm of the music, let a little of the tension bleed out of your shoulders, and you'll do great. I promise."