Last Dance

by Velvet Vaughn

  Trey skipped over and nudged a surprised Mason out of the way to wrap his arm around her good side. “You get her the rest of the time. Tonight, she’s mine.”

  Mason raised a brow at the shorter, younger man but conceded with a smile and nod.

  Russell went over final instructions, making sure everyone was on board. Besides the dancing, there were two musical acts, including the man who’d won the latest star search show.

  “We’ve kept this a secret,” Russell announced, “but the other performer tonight is Layla Brooks Colton.”

  Excitement buzzed through the group as she turned to eye Mason. Over the weeks spent with him, she’d learned all about his coworkers and the astonishing—and romantic—stories of how they’d met their spouses. Layla was married to one of his bosses. “Did you know?” He gave a shrug that said he did.

  The audience filed in and an electric excitement filled the arena. It’d be a good show tonight. The theme music started, and the couples were introduced one last time. She took the arm Trey presented and they walked onto the stage to deafening cheers. Harlow and Glen were last and when they appeared, Harlow promptly burst into tears. She almost ran to her friend until she realized they were tears of happiness.

  Ted took the microphone and after a few comments about the last show and what the audience could expect tonight, he called the final four couples forward. Cassidy was prepared to hear their names. Trey patted her hand that was wrapped around his arm. “Thanks for everything, Cassidy. I’ve had the time of my life.” He was prepared to hear their names, too.

  It came as a total shock when Ted named Sheree White and Danny Marconi instead. Somehow, they’d made it to the final three.

  #

  Mason took a seat with his coworkers. He didn’t need to be behind the scenes any longer. Cassidy’s tormentor—the real one this time—was dead. The COBRA Securities group took up a sizable chunk of audience space. Both of his bosses were in attendance with their families, along with Dante, Taylor and Kai Costa. Super-fan Maggie McQueen sat between her husband and her older brother Ethan, with her other brother Noah seated behind. Grant and Melody Colton, Dan and Kaitlyn Bradley, Hillary and Reed Steele, Kendall and Dorian Demarcus, Olivia and Alex Mylonas, Kayla Hepburn and several others were here to root for Harlow. It looked as if the entire office had shown up. The only children in attendance were Kai and Zoe Duquesne. The others were back at Logan and Jade’s house with grandparents. They’d be hitting up Disneyland tomorrow.

  When Harlow stepped on stage with Glen and spotted her vociferous cheering section, she’d promptly burst into tears. Her parents were here as well, but her grandmother had stayed away, not wanting to take the attention away from her granddaughter.

  The show began and the couple placing fourth was announced. He feared it might be Cassidy and Trey since they were unable to compete last night, but it was Danny Marconi and Sheree White instead. Next, they sat through routines of the contestants who’d previously been eliminated. One musical act performed and then more dancing. The first of the finalists to take the stage was Emma Eto and her partner, Jonny Adams. They performed a lively routine that had the audience clapping along. Next came Harlow and Glen. They performed a number that had the crowd surging to their feet in thunderous applause. Mason hoped the architecture was solid because it sounded as if they were bringing down the house. Harlow blew kisses and waved to the crowd.

  Layla was up next, looking gorgeous in a sparkling black dress. She debuted a tune she’d composed a few months ago. It was soulful and haunting and good Lord, her voice was poignant, provocative. The audience sat in stunned silence when the last chord played and then they surged to their feet. Looked like she had another number one hit on her hands.

  The last couple to perform would’ve been Cassidy and Trey. Instead of live dancing, their taped routine was broadcast. It was a show-stopper. They danced, they flipped, they spun. Trey kept up with Cassidy and it was a performance for the ages. Too bad the audience wouldn’t get to see it live. When the film clicked off and the spotlight hit the couple, they smiled and waved. The roar from the crowd was deafening and Mason was the loudest of all. He was shocked to realize his cheeks were wet, and he surreptitiously brushed away the tears.

  Damn, he was turning into a sap. He’d cried more the last two days than he had since he was a toddler. He hadn’t even shed tears at Abby’s funeral.

  A moving tribute to Marcus Howe was broadcast, longer and more detailed than the first episode. Finally, it was time for all the contestants to gather on the stage, with the remaining three couples in front. Two men wheeled out an object draped with a black cloth and placed it in front of the three couples. Ted Fields, the host, thanked the contestants and the audience for a wild, event-packed season. Then he whipped off the sheet to reveal a pair of sparkly golden dancing shoes mounted on a wood base rested beneath glass. The crowd roared.

  “And now for some final results,” Ted said. Dramatic music played and the lights dimmed to spotlight the three couples. “Combining scores from last night with tonight, we can now tell you that the couple who finished in third place is…Jonny and Emma!”

  The crowd cheered as Emma and her Olympian partner smiled and waved.

  The spotlights narrowed down to two, showcasing Harlow and Glen and Cassidy and Trey.

  “This is a tough one,” Ted said. “As you know, circumstances prevented one of the couples from competing tonight. It might’ve made a difference, it might not have. Regardless, the winner of this season’s top spot and the couple who will be taking home the Golden Shoes are….”

  The wait took forever. Sawyer was turning blue from not breathing.

  “Harlow and Glen!”

  The entire arena erupted with applause. Harlow looked shell-shocked. Glen hugged her, lifting her off her feet. Cassidy, Trey, Emma and Jonny all gathered around as confetti and balloons rained from the rafters. Sawyer let out a huge whoop and hugged everyone around him.

  Mason couldn’t be prouder of Harlow. She deserved the win. Cassidy did, too, but she’d get another shot next year. This was Harlow’s moment.

  #

  Cassidy stood under the harsh spotlight, a place she’d been a few times before, waiting for the final announcement to be made. To be honest, she was surprised she and Trey were in the top two without performing two of their dances. It would’ve been nice to win the two-time bonus, but she’d do okay without the money.

  Ted was taking his sweet time making the announcement. She wanted the win for Trey, but she wanted it for Harlow, too. She’d be happy either way.

  “Harlow and Glen!”

  Balloons and confetti rained down from the rafters and the crowd roared their approval. She was so happy for her friend, running over to one-arm hug her after Glen finally let go. “Congratulations, Harlow. I’m so happy for you.”

  Before she could step back, they were swarmed by the other dancers. Trey came to her rescue, protecting her arm while squiring her away from the crush of people. Harlow and Glen were hefted onto shoulders to celebrate. As much as she would’ve loved to win, especially for Trey’s sake, she thought the right choice had been made.

  Still, she needed to apologize. He truly was the best dancer she’d worked with on the show. “Trey, I’m so sorry. You deserved—”

  “Shh, not your fault.” He gently wrapped his arms around her. “I had a blast. I learned how to dance. I got to meet you. I didn’t expect to win, so coming in second is awesome!”

  He really was the perfect partner.

  A camera crew rushed over and the endless interviews began. She and Trey started off together but were eventually separated. By the time the last one ended, she was all talked out.

  She spotted Mason chatting with a group of people—the same ones he’d been sitting with during the show. She headed in his direction. He turned and spotted her, the smile he sent her wrapping around her like his strong arms, which she walked into.

  He was careful of her injury a
s he hugged her tight. “Congratulations, babe.”

  “Thanks. I’m so happy for Harlow.”

  “Me, too. Do you feel like meeting some people?”

  “Sure.”

  He turned with an arm over her shoulder and kept her uninjured side tucked against him. “Cassidy, these are my bosses Logan Bradley and Luke Colton.”

  Good Lord, the men were gorgeous. Was that a requirement to work for the company? After shaking their hands, Luke called his wife over. “Cassidy, this is my wife Layla.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m a big fan.”

  Layla smiled and bypassed the hand Cassidy held out to hug her gently instead. “I’m a big fan of yours, too.”

  “I absolutely loved the song you sang tonight.”

  “Oh, thank you. It was the debut.”

  “Wait, don’t leave me out.”

  Cassidy turned to the woman who spoke and even knowing who Logan was married to, she still gasped. Before she could react, Jade Bradley hugged her, too. “It’s so good to meet you. I’ve admired you for years and wish I could dance a fraction as good as you.”

  “Oh, gosh, thank you. I wish I could act a fraction as good as you.”

  They both laughed. Taylor Costa joined them with several other women. She tried to memorize names and faces, but she was exhausted. Kaitlyn. Kendall. Olivia. Hillary. Maggie. Melody. Kayla. More names, more people. She met their significant others, too and she was convinced attractiveness was a job requirement.

  Jade Bradley pulled her aside. “I hear you’re looking for a new place to stay.”

  She’d momentarily forgotten about the task of trying to find a new apartment now that the show was over. “I can’t go back after what happened.”

  “I completely understand. I have a proposition for you. My husband and I have a house in the Hollywood Hills with tons of space. You can stay there. Even when I’m in town shooting a movie, there’s so much room, you’d have your own space.”

  Cassidy was awed that this woman was offering her a room in her house without even knowing her. “I wouldn’t be comfortable staying in your home while you were away.”

  “It just sits empty so much of the time and I feel guilty. You would be doing me a huge favor.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “I’m not going to force you, but I would like you to consider it.”

  It would solve her problem. She wouldn’t have to pay for a year’s lease. “I would only need to stay for a few months a year.”

  Jade hugged her good side again. “Perfect. And thank you.”

  “I insist on paying rent.”

  Jade waved a hand. “We’ll discuss details later.”

  “Do you know about the dance academy I’m opening in Bloomington?”

  Jade smiled. “I do and I’m signing our daughter Isabella up as soon as possible. Myself, too, if you take adults.”

  Emma Eto hurried over and grabbed her good arm. “Congratulations on an awesome season, Cassidy.”

  “You, too, Emma.”

  “And thank you for taking me under your wing. I’m so thankful.” Emma smiled and then glanced at Jade. She did a double-take, her eyes widening to saucers.

  “Emma, this is Jade Bradley,” Cassidy introduced.

  “Jade. Oh, I thought you were someone else.”

  “Juliet LaRue?” Jade asked straight-faced.

  “Yes. You must get that all the time.”

  “I do. And I am.”

  Emma looked confused. “You are what?”

  “Juliet LaRue. Jade’s my real name.”

  Emma jumped back with her hands over her mouth. “Shut up! Oh my gosh, you’re my favorite actress of all time! Can I take an autograph…I mean have a picture…I mean sign a selfie…ugh! I’m not usually such a ditz.”

  “Sure,” Jade said with an indulgent smile and waited patiently as Emma pulled out her phone and promptly dropped it.

  Emma smiled sheepishly, red tinging her cheeks. “Good thing it’s in a hard-shell case.”

  Cassidy turned her head and spotted Mason. Her feet moved of their own accord until she was in his arms again. Her favorite place to be.

  “I wish we could go home and have our own private celebration, but I heard something about a red-eye to New York?”

  She leaned back to peer into his handsome face. “That’s after the late-night talk show circuit, which we’ll be heading off to, soon. I should change.”

  He groaned and hugged her again. Someone tapped her shoulder and she turned to see Russell. “Cassidy, before you take off, can I see you for a minute?”

  “Sure.” Mason released her, his brows raised. “I’ll be back.”

  She followed Russell to his office, walking through the door he held open and then closed when they were inside. He indicated a chair. “Have a seat.”

  Okay, now she was getting worried. Was Russell letting her go? Had Colin caused too much trouble? He’d blown up Russell’s car, for goodness sake, not to mention murdering Marcus.

  Russell sat behind his desk and clasped his hands.

  “A couple of things. First of all, I’m so proud of you, Cassidy.” Her brows winged up. “You faced immense adversity this season and you didn’t falter. You brought out the best in your partner and almost won. Harlow and Glen are deserving but we’ll never know for sure who won since you were unable to perform your last two dances. Therefore, I’ll be inviting Trey back next season…that is, if he agrees.”

  Joy spread through her. She thought Trey would jump at the chance. He’d get the shot he deserved.

  “Second, I want your honest assessment of Irina. I know she’s been difficult, but I had no idea how badly she’d treated you until this season. You’ve never said anything.”

  “I could handle it.”

  “And I admire that, but I don’t want this to be a hostile environment. I would’ve done something sooner if I knew how bad it was. Almost every other dancer came to me in the past few weeks to tell me the things she’s done to you and to others as well. I’m truly sorry, Cassidy.”

  “It’s not your fault, Russell. I’d have told you if it became a problem. And I think she’s worried about her job. She’s been civil to me and even apologized for the way she’s treated me. I don’t know how sincere she is, but I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.”

  Russell sighed. “You’re too nice, Cassidy. She’s made your life miserable.”

  “Yes, but people can change. Plus, she has a large fanbase.”

  “She does. I’m prepared to fire her, but I will give it some serious consideration before I pull the plug.” He leaned back in his chair. “The real reason I wanted to talk to you was to inform you that I’m awarding you the back-to-back bonus.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “But…we didn’t win.”

  “Again, we’ll never know for sure. You deserve it. But I do ask that you keep this between us.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything.”

  “Thank you, Russell. And you’ve made what I want to tell you hard.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “You are not quitting.”

  It was a statement, not a question. She smiled. “No. But I do think it’s time I passed the baton to another dancer as the face of the show. I’m starting a dance academy in my hometown.”

  Russell’s head tipped sideways as he nodded. “That’s a great idea.”

  “I’ll still compete, but in the off months, I’ll be devoting my time to the academy. I won’t have time for the cruises or other appearances.”

  He nodded slowly. “I understand. But I’d like for you to remain the spokesperson for the show. We’ll use your image and maybe tape some promo ads that won’t take up much of your time. I’ll send someone else to the appearances.”

  “That would be perfect. And I’d ask that you consider Emma Eto. She’s enthusiastic and personable.”

  “Good suggestion. I’ll speak with her.” />
  Cassidy stood. “One last thing. As soon as I can get the academy up and running, I’ll be hosting a grand opening. I’d love for you to be there.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  Chapter 32

  Kellan parked the SUV at the airport in the spot BeBe instructed and left the keys inside.

  After completing a whirlwind circuit of the late-night talk shows, Sawyer, Harlow, Mason and Cassidy had jetted off for New York on the network jet. They were surrounded by security provided by the studio, so he wasn’t needed. He’d gone back to the house and packed up everyone’s clothes and items they didn’t want to tote to New York and shipped it home, including most of his belongings, as well. It was easier to travel light.

  He kept his laptop bag and a small suitcase to check his gun. He grabbed the bags from the back seat and headed for the entrance. His flight wasn’t for a couple of hours, so he had plenty of time to grab some coffee. He’d seen all the sights of LA over the last few weeks, ate at some of the best restaurants, and spent time with wonderful people. Not a bad first assignment—despite the fact that he’d killed a man. Actually, it was a toss-up whose bullet hit Colin Rafferty first, his or Sawyer’s. Didn’t matter. The man had been poised to shoot Mason. He didn’t feel remorse.

  He’d gotten to know his coworkers well during the duration of the show and they reinforced his decision to quit the force. He truly liked them, was happy to call them friends. And both men were lucky to have met two magnificent women. He wasn’t in the market for a wife, but if he met a woman a fraction as nice and caring and beautiful as either Harlow or Cassidy, he might reconsider.

  He'd almost made it to the airport terminal when a small shape jumped in front of him, sending him stumbling back.

  “Finally,” a soft voice said. “You’re late. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

  He glanced behind him to see if the woman was talking to someone else, but he was alone. She was more than a foot shorter than his six-three. A stocking cap covered most of her hair, but one silky strand of white blond escaped to curl around her chin. Aquamarine eyes the color of the sea regarded him. “Excuse me?”