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foolish. Did he expect her to know all the routines without some teaching?
    â€œWatch me.” Romney bounced back up behind her and pushed on the bar with his feet, sending it up again. “When I move, you counterbalance. It should come naturally to you.”
    It should? Miki watched and tried. She couldn’t believe the ease with which Romney twisted on the side rope, spun, somersaulted, and landed on the floor, continuing to move. But this time she did try to feel the balance, make up for his twisting the trapeze and keep it straight.
    â€œThat’s better.” At least Romney was as quick to praise as he was to fuss at her. “Now when I spin away on the floor, you’re free to spin on the bar yourself.”
    â€œWith it going high?”
    â€œAs high as you’re comfortable with at first. You’ll learn it fast. Just be a part of the swing.”
    Miki longed for some gymnastic background. And her arms weren’t as strong as her legs. In no time they ached from her wrists to her shoulders. But soon she could do a simple spin around the bar and light on her feet gracefully.
    â€œI think she’s doing well for someone who’s never been a flyer.”
    A deep voice behind her resonated right through her skin, sending shivers up and down her spine.
    She took a deep breath before she turned around. The new voice had to belong to Davin.
    When she did see him, she grabbed onto the trapeze bar for support. Not only was his voice magnetic, but his dark eyes and his ready smile made her go all fuzzy inside.
    Davin, her new partner, was one of those men who are so handsome they’re almost beautiful.
    How could she possibly be expected to dance with this perfect, god-like man?

Six
    â€œY OU’RE LATE , D AVIN ,” Barron grumbled without looking at Davin. It sounded to Miki as if Davin was often late and that Barron was resigned to the fact. Shouldn’t he demand that Davin come to rehearsal on time, or did Barron have less control over his troupe than Miki had originally thought?
    Perhaps Davin was really conceited and spoiled. Maybe he did what he felt like doing without any concern for the rest of the dancers. Maybe he was the star and had star privileges, or took them without asking. Miki realized she was thinking up a lot of negative things about Davin to keep herself from falling madly in love with him at first sight.
    â€œSorry, I was up late.” Davin grinned and Romney giggled. “Had I known what a delicious creature was waiting for me here, though, I would have forced myself to get up on time.” He stared at Miki until she had to look away.
    Her stomach tightened and she could feel her cheeks flame. Her eyes met those of Primavera who walked her way. The slight girl circled Miki’s waist with one arm and spoke.
    â€œShe’s not—”
    â€œCould we get to work now.” Barron cut Primavera off. He stood up, signaling the end of standing around staring at each other. Or staring at Miki. She was glad for that. “We have to work Miki into the first three numbers, then start to choreograph the next. Davin, take Miki to the back and climb the ropes. Primavera and Rima can continue the trapeze work. The fixed ropes are easier.”
    As the two other couples started the swings in motion, Davin reached for Miki’s hand. She ignored him and ran to the back of the stage. Before he could help her, she climbed halfway up the rope-covered wall. She had postponed his touching her for now. She knew though, he’d have to put his hands on her if he was her partner, but she needed to get some control of her emotions first.
    The large ropes, stiff and scratchy, bit into her bare hands and feet. She almost welcomed the slight pain that kept her mind alert.
    Davin’s hand stopped her ascent as he clasped her ankle. “That’s far enough. Leave some room to continue to climb during the number.”
    His hand released her, but his