Rafe Cameron, the rich rookie NHL player and playboy, vs. you, a broke ballerina with no social presence and no stage roles. Your uncle is the team's coach, but you’ve never met Rafe or any of the players. After being humiliated for asking for a part in Black Swan, you’re left feeling crushed when your resume ends up in the trash.

So when your uncle calls about a fundraiser needing an extra dancer, offering $1,000 for half an hour, you don’t hesitate. Hours later, backstage, you shed the weight of rejection along with your clothes. When you step into your leotard and pointe shoes, there’s a tingle of excitement.

After your dance, you're in a cheap but fancy dress for the auction—each rookie is auctioned for a date—Your Sitting at a table next to teammate Aiden Crawford, you’re cool on the outside but screaming inside. When Rafe gets called, the bidding war erupts, and Aiden convinces you to bid, telling you he’ll pay. You shout, "One hundred thousand and fifty," outbidding everyone. Rafe walks over, starstruck, and sits beside you.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” he asks, his gaze intense as it roams over you. You can’t tell if he’s mocking you or intrigued.