Love Waltzes In (Dancing Under The Stars)

by Albertson, Alana

  Antoshka, here I come.

  *****************************

  “Okay, Antoshka. Let’s go through rumba one more time.”

  Vika started the music. Tony stood in the middle of the floor, his legs slightly spread, attempting to move his hips. She seductively walked toward him and clasped his hand, then led herself into a back break and fan. She did a double rope spin and circled around Tony, sensually rubbing her hands over his back and shoulders. Tony scrunched his face like he was thinking too hard.

  “Antoshka,” she whispered, “don’t think about steps. Just follow my body.” She placed his hands on her waist.

  Vika’s words did the trick. Tony started moving his hips in rhythm with hers. His hands drifted over her body, exploring every inch of her curves. Vika got moist. Even though she’d danced these moves daily with her stepson Jared, with Tony it was different. She was drunk on his scent.

  “I can almost taste you.” He breathed in her hair, rubbing her hips, grazing her thighs. She turned away from him. He kissed the back of her neck. He led her into a spiral turn and spread her—one heel on his shoulder and one between his legs. She draped her leg around him and he pressed into every inch of her body.

  She detached herself and rose to the turn off the music and tried to regain her composure.

  “Maladeits, Antoshka. That was fabulous for your first time.”

  “That was so hot, Vika. I love the rumba. It’s so sexy when you speak Russian.” He straightened out his clothes and waited for, uhm, everything to calm down. “Man, I’m wrecked. You wanna go to this party with me at my friend’s place tonight. It is going to be amazing. Some Kabal la la thing where we dress in white like babies.”

  Vika would LOVE to go to the party. But she had to play it cool—this was only day one of a long training period, and she had to stay Alpha Dog to keep him focused and working. The first days were critical. She certainly couldn’t risk going into his world right now and seeming like another fawning groupie. Plus, she had to walk around the Emerald Ball while Benny judged. Tonight, she must play the perfect loving trophy wife.

  “Antoshka, I would love to, but I’m busy tonight. Don’t party all night – we have to work hard if we’re going to beat Dolla. I see you tomorrow, da?”

  “You bet, babe.” Tony lifted her up and gave her a huge hug. She could feel all ten inches of him hard against her. Her body ached for him, to feel a real man inside her, and she could feel herself hollow out from the fantasy.

  And they were only on the first dance.

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank my amazing editor, Deborah Halverson, for not giving up on this book and my writing.

  To my husband, Roger, a real Marine hero. Thank you for watching the boys while I write and tolerating my endless “what if” conversations about my characters. I couldn’t have written this book without you.

  To my two beautiful sons, Connor and Caleb. You are both the best part of my day.

  To my critique partners:

  M-E Girard, for your insightful edits into the characterization of Bret and Selena. You are the reason I won so many contests!

  Juliette Sobanet, for all your on spot critiques and guidance. I’m so happy you moved to San Diego!

  To my agent, Jill Marsal, for believing in this story in its many different versions.

  To my brother, Joe Chulick, for convincing me to publish it. My sister-in-law Susie Chulick, for your uplifting encouragement.

  To my mother, Diana Chulick, for fostering my love of reading.

  To my three favorite romance writers, Kristan Higgins, Lauren Willig, and Susan Donovan. Thank you for taking your time to give me brilliant critiques of this book.

  To all my fellow RWA members, for supporting this book, teaching me how to write, and critiquing this manuscript.

  About The Author

  Alana Albertson is the former President of Romance Writers of America’s Chick Lit and Young Adult chapters. She holds a Masters of Education from Harvard and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, Alana currently writes contemporary romance. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two sons, and four dogs. When she’s not spending her time needlepointing, dancing, or saving dogs from high kill shelters through her rescue Pugs N Roses, she can be found watching episodes of House Hunters, Homeland, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. Please visit her website at www.alanaalbertson.com