Penny nods, “You catch on quick. I got as far as mock trial in high school.”
“Gently,” I murmur, keeping her steady as she attempts to glide, her movements still shaky, clinging to my forearms with an iron grip.
“What about you? Did you want to be a pro hockey player?”
“For about a year, yeah. Then I wanted to be a fireman, but I ultimately went to college and changed my major every other semester until I landed on history. Only to end up owning a game store.” I’m struck by the absurdity of it all.
“History must come in handy, though.” She says, squeezing my forearm as she glides forward, “All those battles and political intrigue to add to your campaigns.”
“You’re right. I never thought of it that way.” I smile, slowly loosening my grip as she becomes more sure on her feet, moving to her side to shield her from the flow of ice skaters around us, including the little old lady in leopard print leggings doing laps which put me to shame.
Soon she settles into a steady pace, holding onto my hand as we make our way around the rink and talking about anything and everything.
After 5 o’clock, the sun sets, and bright LED string lights along the edge of the rink flick on, making the ice nearly glow. Penny lets go of my hand, emboldened by the change, and starts skating on her own with slow, measured movements.
I smile, keeping at a safe distance beside her.
The lights have brought out more skaters, their laughter and chatter whizzing by as we slowly make our way around the rink.
There’s a sharp laugh from behind us, and I glance over my shoulder.
The next moment I hear her blades click loudly against the ice, and turn in time to see Penny stumbling forward, her arms wheeling, as she tries to grab the edge of the barrier.
I surge forward, my heart racing in my chest as I wrap my arms around her waist.
“Are you okay?” I ask, brushing her hair out of her face.
“Yeah, I think I hit a rough patch.” She bites out a hiss as she stands. “Ah.”
“Hold on tight.” I say, guiding her arm over my shoulder.
“Asher, it’s fine. I can make it back.”
She tightens her grip as I slide an arm behind her knees, hoisting her up against my chest with one swift movement. I cut a path straight across the ice, dodging the other skaters until I hit the carpet and set her down gently on the benches.
“I should have double-checked the skates.” I say, loosening the ties and slipping them off of her feet, my hands go to her ankles, tenderly checking for injury.
“It’s okay. It’s just a light sprain. I’ve twisted my ankle walking on the sidewalk before.”
I shake my head, “I shouldn’t have let go of you.”
“Asher.” Her hands cup my cheeks, directing my face upwards.
I catch the sparkle of her green eyes before she presses her soft lips to my forehead, lingering there, the sound of her breath drowned out by the thudding of my pulse in my ears.
She stares at me as I pull away, the thoughtful look in her eyes fades and her eyes widen.
“I—” Penny stammers as her hands fall to my shoulders.
I push up onto my knees and close the distance between us. Her pink cheek fits perfectly in my palm as I tangle my fingertips in her golden blonde hair.
Penny sighs, nothing more than a puff of air on my lips as I cover her mouth with my own. Above us, the tinny PA system belts out the chorus from ‘My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion.
One, two, three seconds, or an eternity passes while I’m caught in her touch. Wishing to sink into her soft curves, to feel her body pressed against me, her weight settled across my thighs as she grinds down against my cocks.
The sound of cheers breaks us apart, the group of teenagers clapping and hollering while the older skaters leer in our direction.
Penny clears her throat and gingerly pushes me away.
