Page 63 of Ice Me Baby

I grin as I fly across the ice, Dean not far behind me. I turn so I’m skating backward and reach for his hands to settle them on my hips. “Get a good grip. You’re going to lift me into the air. You’re going to help me fly.”

The moment I finish speaking, I can see he’s going to argue, so I interrupt him. “I trust you. Now lift me and sing, Ghost.”

He chuckles but gives in. “As you wish, Ice Princess.”

He lifts me into the air, and I can’t stop the gasp that escapes me. I throw my arms out and close my eyes, enjoying the moment of freedom. He slowly lowers me back down, and we begin to spin. His arms encircle my waist, and I let myself fallbackward. My heart stops for a moment, and I think I'm going to hit the ice, but Dean’s hold on me tightens, allowing me to spin.

He pulls me back up as we slow to a stop in the middle of the rink. He’s breathing hard, and so am I. Our breaths intermingle as he looks over me, a smile tugging at his lips.

“I thought I was going to fall for a moment,” I say softly.

He lifts his hand slowly from around my back to brush his fingers across my cheek. His eyes bounce between mine as he whispers, “I’d never let you fall. Not when you trust me to catch you.”

“I do,” I whisper back.

He cups my cheek, and he leans forward to brush his lips against mine. The kiss is soft and sweet, which isn’t what I expected from him. But I’m finding that my ghost man has more soul than he wants to admit.

My ghost? Fuck. I should... I should stop this kiss. But... mhm... he tastes so good. Fuck it.

I reach up to cup his cheek as I return the kiss. I want this man more than my next breath. It’s about time I stopped cutting off my happiness to abide by the rules. It’s time I live for myself.

Before the kiss turns into something more, he pulls away with panting breaths. He leans his forehead to mine as he chuckles. “Damn, Ice Princess. You’re going to be the life of me.”

I grin. “Life of you? Don’t you mean death?”

He pulls away with a wide smile, his eyes filled with mirth as he shakes his head. “You’re the first one to ever make me feel alive.” His thumb caresses my cheek as he continues, “The one who makes me want to live rather than be a ghost.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

What’s a girl to do on her day off? I offered to work today, but Danni and Max told me to take the day off. Which leaves me at the common house by myself, well I suppose I shouldn’t say by myself. The guys paid one of the team’s security guards to follow me around today. It was a sweet gesture and actually makes me feel much better about being without the guys.

But I don’t want to chill at the common house all day. I suppose I could do some shopping, but who wants to shop alone? Hum... I could skate, I suppose. I won’t have a lot of time for it once the season starts.

Nodding to myself, I grab my bag with my skates and head out the door. I look around and find Robert sitting on the steps. His salt and pepper waves scattered on the top of his head. Hearing the door open, he turns to face me. His clean-cut beard is speckled with white, and his dark brown orbs find mine. With a smile, he nods. “Good morning, Ms. Elizabeth.”

I grin. “I’ve said before; you can call me Liz.”

He stands. “Of course, Ms. Liz.”

I huff a laugh as I walk over to him. “Liz. Just Liz, Rob.”

There's a twitch of his lips as he nods. “Where we off to, Liz?”

“I am thinking about going to the rink to skate for a bit.”

He gestures to his car. “The one where you teach?”

I nod as I make my way to the passenger side. Opening the door, I slide in as he does the same on the driver's side. “I figure I won’t get much time once the season starts.”

He hums and starts the car, then we are on our way. The drive is quiet, but it’s not an awkward quiet. I enjoy the silence as we cut through the streets.

We park, and Rob jumps out to open my door for me. I shake my head with a laugh as I slip out of my seat. “I can get the door, Rob.”

He shrugs and ushers me toward the doors of the rink. “I’m here for your protection.”

I snort as I reach for the door, but he beats me to it. I arch a brow. “And that means opening all doors?”

The tilt to his lip gives away his amusement as he shrugs again. “My mama taught me to be a gentleman.”

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