AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Then we’re at the opening in the half wall that encircles the rink.
“Hope you have more of that stupid salve,” I mutter as I try to push the aches and pains from last time out of my mind.
Luke steps onto the ice, turning to face me and offering me his second hand. “You’re not gonna need it.”
I grip his hand tightly so both my hands are palm to palm with his, and put my first skate onto the ice. “Why’s that?”
Holding my breath, I put my second skate onto the ice.
“Because I won’t let you fall.”
His words are so simple.
So matter of fact.
So… everything I want.
I inhale, the ache in my heart intensifying with each second that passes, but I force it away. Force it down. Because I won’t let my affection for this man be filled with dread.
Even my hummingbird is stepping in, jumping up and down, using her wings to add weight as she tramples on the bad feelings building in my chest, trying to make them disappear.
“Relax, Green Eyes. We’ll start easy.”
I lift my gaze from Luke’s chest to meet his. “Okay.”
He dips his chin. “Just hang on, alright?”
I nod.
Luke keeps his arms bent, his elbows tucked against his sides, so I do the same, leaving our hands clutched between us.
Then his feet start to move.
The ice is smooth under our skates, and the people skating around us fade from my awareness as I let him pull me across the rink.
We move faster.
“You okay?” Luke asks.
“I’m okay,” I answer.
“Good. Now start skating.”
His hands drop away from mine, and my arms automatically shoot out to catch my balance, but I’m moving fast enough that I’m already steady.
Luke is still moving backward, somehow aware of the people behind him, but he doesn’t move away from me. He keeps pace, still within reach.
So I skate.
I know how. I’ve proven I can. But I’ve also proven I’m not good.
My first movement is jerky.
The second is smoother.
By the fourth, my arms are moving with my body, and I’m skating at the same speed we started at.
“There you go.” Luke beams at me.
