TAMING THE TANGO CHAMPION
By CAIT O’SULLIVAN
LYRICAL PRESS
http://lyricalpress.com/
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/
Without the support and belief of my family, Ava and Matthias would never have made the long trip out of my head. Big thanks.
Acknowledgements
Calisa and Corinne, you guys are the best. Thanks so very much for all your dedication and work.
Chapter 1
Matthias de Romero exploded out of the ranch house, wrenching at his hair to pull the very thoughts from his head. Was no place sacred? Not only had Ava Whittaker invaded his life by rendering the places they had been together no-go areas, it now seemed she happily had a firm grip on his dreams. Dio. What was a man to do? He stared across the acres of well-run ranch which, lying in the shadow of the magnificent Aconcagua Mountain, failed to generate the solace the view normally did.
After picking up his cowboy hat, he stepped off his low-lying porch and made his way to the riding school. Perhaps another attempt to tame the newest wild beauty, Shadow, would help. So far the three-year-old stallion had withstood all attempts to have a saddle on his back, but maybe today was the day. Certainly Matthias was in no mood for games.
Spotting Edwina Astoria at the stables, he muffled a groan. A regular visitor from England, she viewed the de Romero ranch as her second home, especially since she had left her politician husband after his much vaunted affair.
He tipped his hat. “Morning.”
He nodded to Alessandro, the stable hand, to get Shadow ready. An in-depth conversation with Edwina was the last thing he wanted this morning. A lovely woman, and someone he had a lot of respect for, but today was for driving the aggression from his soul.
“Matthias, Alessandro was just telling me about your dancing experience.” Edwina laid a red tipped finger-nailed hand on his forearm to stall him.
Perfecto.
“Twice tango champion of Argentina is no mean feat, darling, why didn’t you tell me?” She was an ex ballet dancer, only retiring when her body made it clear she could not expect the consistent high standard she’d enjoyed in her twenties and early thirties.
Matthias gritted his teeth and kept silent, easy to do as it became clear Edwina was on a mission.
“Remember the dancing competition in London that I told you about? The same conversation where you told me you were going to be in London to meet those horse traders?”
Vaguely.
There was a pause and he glanced at the rangy red-head curiously. She stared at him with a gleam in her bright blue eyes. “I’ve had the most marvelous idea. Come and be a judge.”
A laugh burst from his lungs before he could stop it. “Non.” Was the woman mad?
“You simply must, Matthias. You would be the perfect person to judge. The cameras will love you—how could they not love those beautifully proud Argentine features? I tell you darling, if I hadn’t sworn off men for life…”
Matthias cast a quick glance at her, amused despite himself. She was pumped up with pride for her great idea.
“It’s a bit of fun, something to keep you amused while you’re there. London can be a big lonely ol’ place. I know you love your ranch, sweetie, and training your thoroughbreds. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very noble thing to be doing. Doesn’t do your thighs any harm either.” She gave a laugh as Matthias raised his eyebrows. “But lighten up a little. You’ve been dark and broody for too long now.”
Matthias took off his cowboy hat and ruffled a hand through his hair. His home outside Mendoza had been sullied by memories of Ava. When she’d visited, she’d been living a dream, and her reality delighted her twenty-four hours a day. Happiness shone from her, a light glowing within, and for a brief moment he had become one with her radiance. And Dio, he wanted more. Similar to the weeds crowding out the path they had ridden together, so bitterness crowded his memory of her. Did he need reminding of who he had lost? Or that she had walked out on him?
Although, maybe he would get some answers.
Perhaps Edwina was right. “Mmm…”
“Don’t mmm me! Say yes. Then the only thing I have left to decide is who to ask onto the show.”
He tapped one finger against the side of his mouth. “How do you mean?”
“We need ten celebrities, television personalities and sports folk, to invite on the show. When I return to London the other judges and I will go through the list of available men and women. Come on, it will be perfect if you’re with me.”
Ava had been a television presenter returning to work after her sabbatical. She would be the ideal candidate.
“And if I’m to be one of the judges, I can choose who to invite on?” His mind whirled with the thought he may just track her down. Once and for all.
Edwina drew her chin into her neck, thinking. “Well, of course, you can use your dancing experience to help us make a decision. Why? Is there someone you’re thinking of?”
Decision made. He was going to see Ava. And soon.
“I can’t commit to the entire six weeks. I can be a guest and mentor on the show, though.” He folded his arms and saw Edwina through hooded eyes.
Edwina smiled. “For you, Matthias, it can be arranged.”
There it was. He would find Ava without actually searching for her. For Matthias de Romero chased no girl.
But then again, no girl had ever left him sleeping after one incredible night.
Over the last two years, enlightenment proved as elusive as it had been from the moment he had woken to weighty silence. All he did know was the part of his heart which Ava had set beating wildly had shriveled into a cold black knot.
* * * *
“Ava, wait until you hear what I’ve got for you…the pilot of a new dance show, To Dance or Not to Dance.”
Ava Whittaker choked on her cup of tea, dropping the phone in her fluster. Caroline, her agent, must have gone mad if she thought this totally preposterous idea was anything but. She picked the phone back up and caught it between her ear and shoulder to clear away the lunch dishes.
“Absolutely not, sorry Caroline. I don’t dance.”
The memory of dancing with him beneath the stars, in the company of the magnificent Aconcagua Mountain, raised its head and she hammered it back down again. Thoughts such as these were becoming stronger, not fading with time, dammit.
“Ava, luvey, stop and think for a minute. You will get fantastic visibility, the kind money can’t buy. Reality programs do wonders for flagging careers. Not that yours is flagging.” Caroline spoke quickly but decisively.
“Well…” Caroline was right. Ava had recently signed back with her, a friend and her agent from pre-travelling days, and asked her to call if something interesting came along. As interesting goes, this certainly qualified.
Caroline pounced.
“You’re a single mum, who used to be the pride of the breakfast presenting team, until you took yourself off on a sabbatical for an entire twelve months. Then you return pregnant and six months later, you’re off on maternity leave. Isabella is what, nearly fifteen months? Come on, get your dancing shoes on. Or are you planning never to return to work after having a baby?”
Ava paced through to the living room and down the corridor. The door to Isabella’s room creaked ajar as she gently pushed it, and she glanced in to make sure her toddler still slept soundly. Arms flung back over her head, the sweet sound of little puffs of air came from her heart shaped lips, pouting in her sleep. Shiny black curls obscured most of her face. Ava’s heart expanded as love for her child flowed through her.
“Technically, she’s not a baby.”
“Details, darling, details.”
Ava tiptoed away from Bella’s room.
“I know you could return in your own good time to present the news. But come on, this is much more fun. And what better way to get to top shape than by dancing your way to fitness?”
Perhaps it was time to haul herself back into the saddle. She winced at the analogy, thoughts hastily rebounding from the image that still had the power to turn her limbs to jelly. Matthias helping her dismount Polly, big hands encircling her waist, holding her close for a fraction of a second too long.
Bella—how about Bella? She couldn’t leave her. Who would look after her?
Her mum, of course. She lived a short tube ride away and would spend every day with her beloved, only granddaughter given the chance.
How would Ava manage, being away from Bella, though? Her heart plummeted.
But Bella had a good routine, which meant there was little need to be with her 24/7. If she was honest with herself, she needed to do something outside her own home. She had mistakenly thought living without a great love would get easier in time, hoping she would learn to see past the memories and forget Matthias.
Outside her kitchen window, her small garden bloomed, now rife with wildflowers, blue forget-me-nots and white crocuses run through with tidy tips, the yellow daisies with white trim which always seemed to smile. Where she lived in Fulham didn’t have big gardens, but in her many dreams about the future, a large, preferably wild area for Bella to grow up in featured highly. Not a busy city—she didn’t want Bella to grow up street wise before her time.
She had said yes to the dance show. It was time to re-enter the world again, distract herself from the disastrous decision she had made in leaving behind the one man who made her feel alive.
* * * *
Ava kissed her mother and daughter goodbye and kept them in sight as they headed to the park next door to feed the ducks. Standing on the circular steps of the National Television Corporation Halls, she tried not to feel the tug on her heart when Bella waved her chubby hand.
Deep breath.
Anticipation warmed her and she held her head high going through the swinging doors. Her heels echoed through the high-ceilinged hall as she walked toward the open lift door. At first she didn’t recognize herself in the full-length mirrors. Her eyes sparkled and the red and white sleeveless dress emphasized her small waist before flaring out in a full skirt. She felt pretty, for the first time in a long time.
The lift took her to the top floor and opened straight into a sunlit room, swarming with smartly clothed people. Waiters with bright smiles held trays laden with champagne flutes, expertly balanced above their head as they weaved throughout the crowd. A pianist in the corner was engrossed in the music she was making.
Without doubt, this would help Ava forget her mess of a personal life.
“Ms. Whittaker?” A petite redhead stood by the doors, clipboard pressed to her chest. “Hi, I’m Felicity Moore, assistant producer. I’m very pleased to meet you. Let me get you a drink and introduce you around.”
Felicity raised her eyebrows at one of the circling waiters, and before she knew it Ava had a drink in her hand. She took a grateful sip, savoring the cold fizz and glanced around the room. An ex-Olympian runner and a couple of current presenters seemed relaxed, standing and chatting together.
Scattered through the crowd were men and women who, it seemed, she should recognize. They walked with important, perfect posture and the gait of a lion stalking its prey.
Felicity scanned the room. “Oh great, there’s one of the judges, come and meet Daniel.” She took Ava’s arm and guided her over to one of the suited and booted men standing by the window. “Daniel Fiennes, meet—”
“Ava Whittaker. Of course, how do you do?” A tall man of about fifty, Daniel’s brown eyes twinkled as he spoke. “Lovely to make your acquaintance.” Taking the hand Ava offered, he bowed and kissed the back of her palm.
Felicity smiled at Ava. “You’re in good hands with Daniel. Now, I’ve just seen someone I must welcome. If you need me, ask one of the waiting staff to find me.”
Nerves switched to excitement as she sipped her champagne. She smiled at Daniel. “Will you tell me about this show? I’ve only heard the bare bones from my agent.”
Daniel spread his hands, eyes bright with enthusiasm. “We have ten celebrities matched with professional dancers who teach them how to dance. Every week, there’s a dance off with the judges scoring them. Then the public vote, and the combination of their score and the judges’ decide who stays. The lowest scoring dancer leaves the show.”
Ava nodded along, spotting the get-out-clause. If she decided she couldn’t, after all, be apart from Bella or dance in front of live audiences, then she would just ensure she fluffed her moves and hey presto, be safe at home that very night. “Felicity told me you were one of the judges. How many of you are there?”
“Two full-time and one part-time, but we’re hoping he’ll stay longer. See over there, by the flowers?” Daniel gestured to a huge vase filled with blooming lilies, set on a long, gleaming wooden table. “The lady with the black hair. Edwina Astoria, one of the other full-time judges. Do you recognize her? She was the best in her day and was right in at the start when we put the show together.”
Of course she knew Edwina Astoria, the darling of the dancing world just ten years previous. Perhaps it would be worth staying on throughout the competition if she were being coached by Edwina. What an opportunity. Ava sipped her drink, trying to calm her inner fangirl.
Daniel continued, “Do you have any dancing experience?” He narrowed his eyes in a stern parody, judging by the smile on his face.
The memory of dancing with Matthias flung itself open like a book in her mind. She could run through each movement of his body, every delicious press of his body against hers. Even now, after two years, a warmth lingered in her lower tummy and she knew how hot it could get if she let herself daydream. Taking a deep breath, she cast her ghosts behind her. “Not really, no.” She sized up her dancing shoes, turning one up at the heel. “Put another way, this is the first time I’ve worn such pretty dancing shoes. I hope you’ve paired me with a good, patient man.”
“Do you know any professional dancers? I don’t think either of those adjectives could be applied to them.” The glance Daniel cast her was amused.
Yes I do, and you’re right. He was neither good nor patient…unless he was making love to me.
Ava drew in a shaky breath. What a fool she’d been to think this would distract her from thoughts of Matthias—so far, they were more vivid than ever.
Daniel tapped his finger against the side of his mouth, scrutinizing her, the other arm folded across his chest. “You’re what, five-foot-eight?” He waited for Ava’s nod of confirmation. “The dancer you’ve been paired with will be perfect for you. Luca is one of the best. With your honey colored hair and bluebell eyes, you’ll be the perfect foil for his Latino looks. We want you all to look your best, you know. Bring in some good ratings.” Daniel smiled in a very fatherly way, and patted her upper arm. “He thinks he will be the best dancer on the show.”
Great, the last thing she needed. Another hot-blooded male thinking he’s God’s gift. On the bright side, perhaps he was arrogant enough to keep her thoughts on him, not scattering to the winds of Argentina.
“Let’s bring him over.” Daniel raised his chin to peer over the crowd, and Felicity soon appeared by his side. “Ah good, Felicity, there you are. Will you send Luca over please? I want to introduce him to Ava.”
Felicity smiled and nodded. “They’ll be great together. Let me just find him.”
Ava’s heart thumped out a painful beat when Felicity stopped by a group of dancers. A man stood with his back to her, thick shiny black hair, strong, broad shoulders filling out a white shirt.
Matthias?
Don’t be daft. Relief mingled with sorrow. She would never see him again. Would she ever get it through her thi
ck skull? She was an idiot for imagining, even for a split second, he would ever share the same room.
Felicity made her way back with Luca who, now his face was visible, appeared nothing like Matthias. Black hair gelled back from his high forehead, his face was all edges but softened by his calm brown eyes. She accepted another glass of champagne at the same time, warning herself to take it easy.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Whittaker.” Luca held his hand out.
Ava eyed him as she shook his hand. How could she have thought this man to be anything like Matthias? Even from the back? Raw masculinity, the kind Matthias possessed in huge quantities, and contributed to the charisma that made people want to be around him, was lacking. Perhaps most telling, her body remained quiet.
“You too, but please call me Ava.”
“Ah good.” Daniel raised his voice and held his hand up to beckon someone over. “Matt managed to make it. We’re over here, Matt.”
Ava shook, the bubbly in her glass held halfway to her mouth mimicking the tremors running through her. For pity’s sake, get a grip. A tingling sensation accosted the base of her spine. Matthias had no reason to be in London to judge a dancing competition.
But he was a dancer…
She grimaced to herself, making a mental note to get out more. Jeez, the first time she left the house and look what happened, imagining every man was Matthias. Perhaps her ability to socialize had been stunted from the time spent in the safety of her own home. Maybe her brain was a stuck record. Oh, who knew…
Ava stepped back from the circle to allow space for the newcomer, and maintained a tighter grip on her shaking glass. Despite her pep talk, her heart still hammered as though someone had put it on loudspeaker. Keeping her eyes downcast, she felt a presence loom closer. Apprehension squeezed her heart. She drew a shuddering breath, a breath which told her all she needed to know. The tantalizing smell of dark amber and spices sent her nerves sky high. Daunted, she closed her eyes to the flickering images of her and Matthias in the firelight until she summoned the courage to open and take him in.
Taming the Tango Champion Page 1
