Page 24 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“You know, just a few days ago you were referring to me as Little Harry and telling me I was like your little sister, and now you want to spend time alone? I’m just a little confused.”

I watched him, waiting for any sign of a reaction. He was stone faced. Giving away nothing.

We did another loop before I tugged on his hand and pulled him to the wall. I positioned myself in front of him, hopefully blocking his retreat. I stared up at him and waited.

If he wanted to give me the silent treatment that was fine, I’d just give him a staring contest in return. I wasn’t going to let this go. He couldn’t change his mind within days and not expect me to question it. I mean, he regretted the kiss and that was two days ago. No way would he flip the switch and think I’d go along with it.

I folded my arms and waited.

Happy couples and children skated past us. I knew we were getting looks, but I didn’t care. I focused my attention on Vince, not looking away.

He finally sighed. “I don’t know what to say, Harlow.”

“Anything would be good right about now.”

He looked down and smiled. “Seeing you, this you. The grown up, beautiful, new you is confusing.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”

The corner of his lip tugged up a millimeter. “Because you’re you. You’re my little Harry. My shadow, my little sister.”

I cringed at that description. His shadow? I wasn’t that bad. . . was I?

“But ever since the day you moved back, things have felt different.”

“How so?”

He looked into my eyes and I saw it. The spark from under the mistletoe.

“You’re all grown up. You’re not a little girl anymore. As much as I’d love for you to go back to that, so I didn’t feel the need to break every guy’s face that looked at you. . .”

He trailed off and I felt like we’d lost track of the conversation.

“Vince.”

He shook his head. “I don’t want to screw this up. I don’t want your brother to hate me. I don’t want your parents to feel awkward when I’m around.”

I was lost now. “What does that mean?”

He blinked and stared into my soul. I could feel what he meant, but I needed to hear it from him. “I don’t see you as a little sister anymore. I don’t see you as a sister at all.”

I held my breath.

“You’re just as amazing as you’ve always been, but now. Now you’re confident. You’re independent. You’re beautiful.”

My knees buckled, and I started to fall. Vince caught me and pulled me against his chest. “Harlow, I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m drawn to you. I want to spend more time with you, alone, like this.” He smiled, and my entire body flushed with heat. I wouldn’t mind more time in his arms, either.

“But I don’t want to mess things up. Your family is important to me. I don’t want to ruin things with them.”

I nodded and stepped back. He couldn’t decide if taking a risk for me was worth it. That hurt, and I couldn’t hide that. I headed for the opening to get off the ice. I wanted Vince to think I was worth the risk. I wanted him to want me so bad it wouldn’t matter what else happened. Sure, he and Steven were best friends and business partners, but that didn’t give my brother a say in his dating life.

“Harlow.” I sat on the bench and looked up. Vince stopped in front of me and bent down until we were eye level. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think it did. I think you told me the truth. It just sucks hearing it.”

“Let me explain.”

I pulled off my skates and changed into my boots. “Please don’t. I just want to go home.”