He picked up the extra pair of skates and approached her carefully, the blades of his own skates barely making an impression on the frozen ground.
“I’m so glad you decided to come.”
She jumped, a little startled, then looked up at him. “Oh, Mr. Mac?—”
He gave her a look, and she quickly corrected herself.
“Wyatt. Yes, the girls convinced me that I should. They said I needed practice having fun.”
“And do you?”
“I suppose I do.” She smiled.
It was the first time he saw her smile and he’d been right. That smile lit up her face. Her eyes reflected the glow of the torches even as pink patches, either from the cold or embarrassment, colored her cheeks.
“Are you planning to skate?”
“As I mentioned before, I don’t know how, but I am content to just sit and watch the others.”
“Nonsense.” He held up the skates in his hand. “I did say I had an extra pair. I’ll be more than happy to teach you. In fact, it would be my pleasure.” And he meant that. Just the opportunity to touch her, perhaps even hold her, made him happy.
Before she could say no or even shake her head, he knelt in front of her and just waited. “May I?”
With a great deal of hesitancy, she finally lifted the hem of her skirt, just a little, and raised her foot. He grasped her foot lightly and laughed softly to himself when he heard her indrawn breath. He had shocked her by touching her. It was almost as if no one had ever done that before.
He slipped the skate over her shoe and buckled the leather strap to keep it in place, then did the same with her other foot. When he was finished, he rose and held out his hands. “Skates don’t do any good if you’re just sitting here.”
She looked at his outstretched hands but still hesitated, indecision clear on her face, then she looked up at him. It took a moment or two longer before she placed her hands in his andallowed him to lead her to the ice. He didn’t let go of her once they reached the edge of the pond. Instead, he tightened his hold on her hands and began pulling her toward him, even as he skated backward.
She was clearly afraid, but after a minute, relaxed. “Is this how it’s done?”
“For your first time? Yes.”
“What if I fall?”
“Trust me. I won’t let you fall, though falling is part of learning. I can’t tell you how many times I ended up on my…the ice. Eventually, you spend more time standing.” He tightened his hold on her. “Let me lead you around like this for a while.” He smiled at her, immensely enjoying the feel of her gloved hands in his. “Just until you get the feel of the ice beneath your feet.”
She did as he instructed, though she was a bit wobbly and awkward. It didn’t take long before she started to feel more comfortable as they took a turn around the pond.
“You’re a natural.”
“No, I am not.” She laughed, and his heart skipped a beat.
He’d been right about that, too. Her laugh was deep and rich, almost magical, and touched him deeply.
“I can barely keep my balance.”
He pulled her closer, almost like they were dancing, and the subtle perfume she wore tickled his nose, though he still couldn’t figure out what it was. Hyacinth? Jasmine? Whatever it was, it made him inhale and want to get closer. “Just relax. You’re doing fine. Let yourself glide. Feel the smoothness of the ice under you.”
They took another turn around the pond, carefully avoiding the other skaters, and though he was loathe to do it, he loosened his hold on her and slowly let go.
Panic flared on her face, and she started to flail, the glide she had perfected while he held her completely deserting her. “I’m not ready to do this by myself.”
“No, I guess you’re not.” He laughed and reached for her once more, enfolding her smaller hands in his large ones, helping her keep her balance. The advantage of his position allowed him to gaze upon her face.
He enjoyed that much more than he cared to admit. She looked beautiful with the flames of the torches glowing on her smooth skin, highlighting her rosy cheeks and her eyes, wide with uncertainty and unexpected happiness. Her lips were parted in a half smile and, all at once, he wanted to kiss her. He pulled her closer, intending to do just that, but her attention was drawn away.
“Who is that lady spinning like a top? Won’t she get dizzy?”
