All for the Mirrorball

Chapter 24 - Nothing is Going On

For the rest of the morning, Ilona's thoughts ran in a million different directions - embarrassing reality TV edits, potential gossip headlines, and the growing fear that this thing that had just started to feel safe was already spinning entirely out of her control.

She tried to ignore the spark behind Alan's gaze, quickly breaking eye contact before it could ignite within her.

He tried to ignore the stiffness in her posture and the careful mask she had donned, hoping it would fade with the shock of Jenna's intrusion.

—

Ilona stood by the mirrors, taking a long sip from her water bottle, pretending she wasn't acutely aware of Alan watching her. She could feel it - the weight of his gaze, the smirk he wasn't even trying to hide.

"You ready?" he asked casually, leaning against the stereo like he had all the time in the world.

She set her bottle down with deliberate care, rolling her shoulders back. "Some of us like to hydrate. You should try it sometime."

Alan pushed off the stereo, strolling toward her with a slow, deliberate stride. "Hydration's not my problem. Getting my partner to loosen up? That's another story."

Her brows shot up, but before she could respond, he was in front of her, sliding one hand along her arm to guide her frame. The touch was light, professional... except for the way his fingers lingered just a fraction too long.

"I'm not tense," she said, her voice steady despite the way her skin burned where he'd touched her.

"No?" His lips curved into a crooked grin. "Could've fooled me."

Ilona narrowed her eyes, stepping out of his reach. "You know, if I didn't know better, I'd think you enjoy pushing my buttons."

Alan tilted his head, his grin widening. "Maybe. But it's not my fault you make it so easy."

She crossed her arms, trying not to let him see the flush creeping up her neck. "You're really enjoying yourself, huh?"

"Oh, you have no idea," he said, stepping closer, his voice dropping a little. "But don't worry. I'll behave... for now."

Her pulse skipped, but she forced herself to hold her ground, her chin tilting up slightly in defiance. "Good. Let's keep it that way."

Alan smirked, stepping back just enough to let her think she had the upper hand, and her own grin began to tug at the corner of her lips.

"You know," she said, her voice sweet but edged with challenge, "you talk a lot for someone who keeps getting caught staring."

Alan paused mid-step, clearly caught off guard, but he recovered quickly, his grin widening. "Staring? I'm just assessing my partner's form."

Ilona tilted her head, her smile growing sly. "Oh, I'm sure. Such dedication to your craft."

He stepped closer again, his hand ghosting just above her waist but not quite touching. "What can I say? I'm thorough."

She mirrored his movement, leaning in just enough to make him swallow. "Clearly," she said, her tone low and teasing.

Alan blinked, caught off guard again, but before he could respond, she placed a hand on his chest, gently but firmly pushing him back.

"Careful," she added, her eyes flicking toward the studio door. "Two can play this game, Al."

Alan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair as if to shake off the moment. "Point taken." But his grin remained as he stepped back. "You're lucky you're cute when you're nervous."