Page 49 of Last Round

Hand in hand, we venture into the giant mall, which feels a thousand times larger without the usual crowds. It’s almost kind of creepy, like one of those post-apocalyptic movies. Hopefully, this isn’t a horror-themed date. I’d have a heart attack if a zombie or something popped out.

“Okay.” Killian startles me. I can easily get lost in my imagination sometimes. “Remember, I’ve never done this before, and the internet was no help.”

“Did you really Google dating tips?”

“Don’t judge.”

I swallow my laugh.

“Anyway, do you remember when you were six and begged your dad to bring you here?”

I stop dead in my tracks, and Killian turns to look at me. “Of course, I do.” My mind spins. Why would he bring that up? Not that it was a bad day. It was one of the best days of my life. Dad didn’t want to come. The place was packed and a total madhouse. But he knew how much it meant to me. Why would Killian bring it up?

“Well, I was trying to think of something you loved doing and then remembered that day, and—”

“No fucking way?” A smile spreads across my face. I tug Killian along as I run to the main rotunda.

“Slow down.” Killian chuckles but follows along. I stop at the giant open space that’s been home to several demonstrations and displays, but none of them were ever as amazing as this one. “Unfortunately, with very little notice and liability concerns, I couldn’t get a mini ramp set up. But the floor is ours for the next hour.” Killian points to my skateboard. “To do as we please.”

“Are you seriously telling me I get to skateboard in the Mall of America?” It takes all my willpower not to squeal while jumping around like a fool. He nods. “Oh my god.” I rush to the board I haven’t used in years. I turn it over as my fingers trace the signature. Before Dad passed, I begged him to bring me here when Bam and his crew were doing a demonstration in the mall. We spent almost the whole day standing in line to get his signature on my board. Upon closer inspection, I notice the hardware is tight, the wheels roll smoothly. “How did you—”

“Bex,” he finishes for me. “I had her sneak it out yesterday while you were working. She dropped it off at the shop and had the guys make sure it was ready to ride. She also grabbed a pair of shoes for you. I didn’t want to risk spoiling the surprise by telling you what shoes to wear.” Killian rubs the back of his head. “Is this okay? This is a lame date, isn’t it?”

I push up on my tiptoes and press my lips to his. “This is a dream come true.” Not only am I on a date I thought would never happen, but I’m also doing something I figured was an absolute impossibility. After the event, I practiced every second I could, hoping one day I’d be good enough to rail it at the MOA. Sneakers laced, skateboard in hand, I’m about ready to take off. “Wait… Where’s your board?”

Killian scratches the top of his head and leans back on his heels. “I don’t know how to skate and, well, I didn’t think falling on my ass was a great first date. But I like the idea of watching you.” He tilts his head from side to side. “It’s really fucking hot.”

I drop my board to the ground and step on it. He watches me intently as I circle around him. “That turns you on?” I question as I kick off the board and grab the nose.

He shrugs. “Your brother wasn’t the only one who thought Avril was hot.”

The skateboard rolls a little forward as I drop it to the ground. “Come here.”

“Why?” Despite the question, he does as I request.

“I’m going to teach you to skateboard.”

“Is that so?”

I bite my lip and nod. “Yeah. It’s easy. Watch me.” I line up and approach my board. “The key is you walk on with your leading foot pointed forward.” I demonstrate. “Then push off with your back foot. Once you’ve got momentum, lift and turn your body to the side and stand with both feet on the board like this.” I do a quick lap around the open area and stop in front of him. “Okay?” I position myself behind him and grab his hips.

Killian looks over his shoulder. “You don’t need an excuse to put your hands on me.”

“Shut up.” I give his back a playful slap. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a little hunk of wood on wheels.”

“No, I’m afraid of making an ass of myself and ending up in the ER with a broken arse.”

I laugh. “You’re not going to break your ass. I promise.” Killian doesn’t seem convinced. “Look, you’re a fighter. You have excellent footwork and coordination. All you need to learn is the sequence.”

“Sequence, huh?”

“Yup. Now turn around, pretty boy, and show me what you got.” He takes a deep breath, and I stop him before he steps on the board. “Wait, other foot.”

“You use your right.”

“Yeah, but I’ve watched you fight enough to know you lead with your left. Same rule applies here.”

“Okay.” He repositions himself and repeats.

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