Dancing to the Beat

Chapter 5- Alexsei's POV

        I managed to get to the warehouse while there was only a few celebs there to photograph.  I had to meet with my partner, Addison Fisher, but I didn’t see her around yet. I just hoped this girl could clap to the beat. I wanted to win the competition more than anything. I was so tired of losing to James. I don’t know how he did it, but he seemed to get the best performers every time. I found Raul, my favorite photographer, getting his camera all set up.

        “Hey man! How’s it hanging?” I slapped Raul on the back.

        “Not bad, not bad. Although, I’m not looking forward to this long day, you know the other dancers, always being so critical about their light or covering up the fact that their partners can’t dance for crap.”

        “Been there. But come on you can’t deny the fact that there are some major hotties this year.”

        “Oh hell yea! Hoping I get some ‘private’ photography sessions. If you know what I mean.” He lifted his eyebrows up and down.

        “Yea like Vanessa Haggerty.”

        “Or that Zoey Calhoun! She is smoking” Raul looked around to see if Zoey had appeared yet.

        “That teen show star? I don’t know man, I think she’s a little too young for me.”

        “Fine more for me. Your girl isn’t too hard on the eyes though.” I thought about Addison I had seen her name on the news and in the magazines, but I never really paid all that much attention. When I looked up her pictures and bio online she seemed alright. She looked really perky.  All of her smiling and hair flipping I figured she was pretty ditzy. At least for a little while she could be entertaining to dance with. But after coming second for so many times I knew I needed a girl with spunk. Not some bubble gum princess.

        “No she’s not bad, but I doubt she’ll be my type.”

        “Isn’t girl your type?” Raul joked as he hit me over the shoulder.

       “Oh always, so maybe I’ll just have a little fun.” I gave him a wink and we both laughed.  I hadn’t had a long time girlfriend for a while. I wasn’t really looking for one because the last time I fell, well, let’s just say I’m not putting my heart into a position to feel that way again.  In the mean time I’ll play, have some fun with girls that are just looking for some good times and no strings.  I heard my name and felt atap on my shoulder, which got my attention.  I turned around to see Valerie and this girl that seemed to be hiding behind her.

“Alexsei” Valerie cooed. She lifted her arms to grab me.

“Hey Val. You’re looking good today.” I winked at her and kissed her cheeks. I liked Valerie she was a very enthusiastic woman. She always seemed to support me after my continuous losses. In fact, she was the one who convinced me to dance again this season.

“Why thank you. Alexsei this is your partner Addison Fisher. Addy this is Alexsei Merkovich. Have fun and smile pretty!” She gave us a thumbs up and busily walked over to another couple. I looked at Addison, or Addy as Valerie called her. I wondered if Addison liked that nickname or Valerie just gave it to her. This was the first time I got a full look at Addison without her Valerie shield to hide her.  She was, gorgeous! Way better than her pictures had let on. Her light purple outfit encrusted with jewels here and there made her milky white skin seem to glow. The headband in her hair looked sort of like a crown. Her long black curls that trailed down her back made her look like some exotic princess. I found myself really trying not to take one of those curls and twist them in between my fingers. I bet they were soft. They looked really soft. I saw a soft blush rising over her cheeks, and I knew I wanted to make that appear again. I didn’t know how long we were silent until I heard Addison say.