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With one graceful push of his powerful legs, he was gone, soaring all the way to the other side of the rink. I eyed him, watching him mentally prepare himself before flying off into a series of jumps.
His form was impressive, stunning even. I didn’t understand how Jasper could have any doubts about his abilities.
What was it in that handsome head of his that tripped him up when push came to shove?
Was he afraid that even the minor pressure of this “backwoods” competition would throw him off his game and he’d embarrass himself?
Before my eyes, he kicked off into a flawless triple Axel. My jaw dropped so fast it nearly hit the ice.
Here was a glimpse of the skater I’d seen on television, the man whose career I’d followed. Even with no music, Jasper swept across the ice as if he were moving along to a symphony, one only he could hear.
With his broad shoulders and brawny chest, he looked regal, princely even. I couldn’t help but stare.
And possibly my fingers were tingling with the impulse to find out what those shoulders and that chest would feel like if I got to handle them for more than just fleeting lifts.
Niko’s hand came to rest on the small of my back as he joined me in watching the other man. A headier tingle rushed through me at the ease of that casual intimacy—along with a little pang of guilt.
I probably shouldn’t be checking out another guy while the one I’d been hooking up with was right next to me, should I?
Niko dipped his head so his warm breath ruffled my hair as he spoke. “He’s pretty amazing, isn’t he?”
“I can see why you’d cross an ocean for the chance to coach him.”
“Mmhm. And is his skating the only thing you’re admiring?”
A blush flared in my cheeks. Was I really that obvious?”
I groped for an appropriate answer. “I—I mean, he is something to look at. Objectively speaking. If you can get past the infuriating personality.”
Niko laughed. “That wasn’t an accusation. I’m not going to be offended if you’re interested in him too.”
I guessed I might as well admit it now. “I might have a bit of a thing for hot, grouchy men, it turns out. But I also like the cheerful, sexy ones.” I prodded Niko in the chest with my thumb. “So you don’t need to worry.”
Niko’s smile didn’t waver. “Not worried at all. If you can crack that man’s shell, I’d behappyto see you do it. I didn’t get the impression that you’re the kind of woman who’s looking to be tied down, Lou. I don’t mind you playing the field as long as you stay honest with me.”
I swallowed the rock that had somehow found its way into my throat and found it dissolved on its way into my stomach. He sounded like he was honestly okay with the idea of me pursuing Jasper too.
Not that I had any illusions aboutJasperbeing okay with it. I wasn’t sure it’d be worth the hassle of taking a hammer to that guy’s shell in the first place.
I shot a glance over my shoulder, an unexpected wobble passing through my stomach. “Does that mean you’re playing the field too?”
Niko gave my temple a quick peck. “Between training the two of you and enjoying your company in other ways, my days are pretty full as it is. I didn’t expect even you to sweep me off my feet.”
He said the last bit with a teasing note that I couldn’t help giggling at. “So I’m your Prince Charming now?”
Niko flashed one of his brilliant grins. “Princess Charming-ko.”
We both dissolved into laugher. When I got control of myself, I noticed Jasper had glided over to the boards where he’d left his water bottle.
He jerked his gaze away just as I looked at him. He was probably wondering what the hell was wrong with the two of us.
Niko’s approval gave me a little boost of courage. I pushed off and skated over to join my partner.
Oh, fuck me. Did he have to toss his head back like that while he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing on full display?
Did some part of me have to want to lick the sweat right off it?
His dark blue tee clung to his well-muscled form. I yanked my attention back to his face.
