Page 37 of Just One Chance

"If you want to get a feel for a place you have to partake in the festivities."

"If you think I should, then let's do it." My heart rate picked up. "But you should know, I've never been on skates."

Boone nodded. "There's a first time for everything."

I appreciated that he wasn't irritated with me or hadn't mentioned how I'd once again showed my city-girl ways. And I secretly enjoyed that I was experiencing this for the first time with Boone.

He handed me his cup. "I'll grab the skates."

I sat on a nearby bench and waited for him to pay for our skate rentals. He must already know my size since he'd guessed right on my hiking boots. When he returned with two pairs of skates, he knelt in front of me, sliding off my shoe.

He helped me maneuver my feet into the stiff boots and adjust them so that they were snug. Then he sat next to me and secured his skates.

I watched nervously as others made their way to the gate for the rink. How was I going to skate on ice? I was going to make a fool of myself. This was crazy. I should have stuck to the tour of the town. That was safe. There was no way I could get hurt walking on steady ground.

Boone stood and held his hand out.

I licked my lips. "I can watch you for a bit."

His eyes crinkled at the corners. "No can do. I said I'd take you skating."

My nose pinched. "I've never skated before. It's going to be a disaster."

"But you might have fun," he drawled as if he was amused by my reluctance.

I let out the breath I'd been holding.

He raised a brow, his hand still outstretched. "Do you trust me?"

My heart softened because I did. He'd taken care of me in more ways than one. So I placed my gloved hand in his. "Yes."

He grinned as he assisted me to stand.

It was awkward walking on blades, but when we reached the gate, my heart was beating wildly. "What if I fall?"

"You probably will," he said matter-of-factly while we watched a seven-year-old fall on her butt, laughing as her friend pulled her up.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"It's the law of averages. You've never done this before, and it's ice. You're going to wobble and most likely fall. But you'll get back up again, and I'll be there to help you."

I loved the idea of him staying by my side. "Don't leave me."

"I won't." He stepped onto the ice, turning to face me. "Now it's your turn."

"Here goes nothing," I murmured as I took one tentative step onto the ice and immediately wobbled.

He pulled me into his chest and said into my ear. "I've got you."

I shivered at the tickle of his breath across the shell of my ear. Those words settled deep in my soul. I always took care of myself, but it was nice to have someone by my side, protecting me and caring for me.

He kept my hand in his and put his free one on my lower back. "You ready to push off?"

I nodded shakily.

"We're going to stick to the edge so you can grab onto the wall if you need to. But I'm here on the other side."

"Okay." My voice wavered, and I wasn't proud of it. I had visions of smacking my butt hard on the ice. It wouldn't feel good. Why was I doing this again?