Page 18 of A Miracle for the Reserved Flyboy

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she looked down, feeling the weight of her own actions.

“Don’t apologize,” he replied softly, his hand hovering close to hers. “I’d do anything…” he started, his voice faltering, eyes drifting back to the rink, where the empty space and skates laid out looked more like a final farewell than a romantic evening.

“I should go,” he said, rising slowly, brushing off his jeans. “I’ll meet you at the Cozy Cup later?”

“You don’t want me to introduce you?”

He shook his head, a hint of humor in his eyes. “After yesterday’s setup, I think it’s best if you stay as far away as possible. Keep yourself in the clear, right?”

“Gary…”

He gave her a short, gentle nod, offering her one last smile before heading toward the rink like he was walking to his own doom. She watched him go, knowing he was only doing this because she’d asked him to – sacrificing his time, his comfort, his own peace. The man she couldn’t have, but who’d given so much of himself anyway.

She stared at her coffee, unable to stomach another sip. She would have to find a way to fix this, somehow – even if it left her with a broken heart in a few days when he left for good.

Chapter 6

CASANOVA

Gary hoveredby the entrance to the ice skating rink, feeling like a man waiting for the gallows. Every fiber in him screamed with reluctance, but something else, something deeper, kept him rooted. His gaze couldn’t help but drift to the side of the rink, where Krista sat alone under the twinkling lights of a large pine tree, folding costumes. The way she’d tugged his arm playfully, nudging him to come out tonight, still lingered in his mind. That gentle insistence of hers, so sincere and hopeful, was the very thing that made it hard to resist her in the first place. It was killing him, seeing her sit alone while he played out this absurd charade.

He dragged a hand down his face, still unsure how he’d ended up here. Krista—she was pure warmth, her heart open and generous. She couldn’t help but want to connect people, to give others a chance at joy. That trait made her shine in his eyes, even as it sliced through him now. How could he begrudge her this happiness? But she didn’t know the agony it causedhim, trying to stay close while keeping himself at a distance. She didn’t know that every time she looked up at him with that glowing smile, he felt a visceral pull, like an anchor dragging him toward a future he couldn’t promise her. Not without risking everything he knew was holding him together.

A gust of wind cut through his thin coat, but it wasn’t the cold that made him shiver. It was the way she looked at him—like he was someone worth believing in. Krista saw him with a kind of reverence that had nothing to do with titles or badges; it was as if, in her eyes, he was already the best version of himself. The way she laughed at his dry humor or the way her eyes softened when he spoke…it was intoxicating. For a moment, he could almost let himself believe he was worthy of that admiration. That maybe, just maybe, he could be the man she thought he was. But he knew better. He’d seen too many promises broken, too many people shattered by the whims of fate, and he couldn’t risk being the reason her light dimmed.

“What am I gonna do?” he whispered, pain tightening his throat. He absently rubbed the back of his neck, the words meant for no one but himself.

“Hi there! You must be Gary.” A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts, jolting him back to the present. He turned to find a bright-eyed blonde woman standing nearby, her gaze expectant and warm.

“Are you Margie?” he asked, steeling himself, though he could feel the edges of his resolve fraying.

“The one and only,” she replied, flashing a smile as she offered her hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” he muttered, shaking her hand. But even as he smiled, his stomach churned with unease. Margie was attractive, sure, but it felt like looking at a pretty painting with no depth. Involuntarily, his gaze slipped back to the side of the rink, finding Krista almost instantly. She sat in the shadow ofthe tree; her head bowed in quiet concentration as she folded the costumes with gentle, practiced hands. Each movement was graceful, a reflection of the kindness she carried with her everywhere she went. The sight made his heart clench, the realization piercing through him—he couldn’t go through with this.

“Margie…” he began, his voice hesitant, laced with regret.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, the easy smile slipping as she studied him. “You’re not…backing out on me, are you?” she asked, half-joking, though something in her gaze grew serious when he didn’t immediately answer. “Wait. Oh my gosh, you are?”

“I’m really sorry,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t think I can do this.”

She folded her arms, eyebrows lifting in bemusement. “What’s stopping you?”

He hesitated, swallowing. “There’s someone waiting for me,” he said finally, his eyes flitting back to Krista.

“Another date?” she guessed, her tone laced with curiosity.

The love of my life… “A friend,” he said quietly. But before he could get another word in, Margie grabbed his arm and tugged him onto the ice. He stumbled, his feet sliding on the slick surface as he tried to catch his balance in the borrowed dress shoes that skidded with every step.

“Oh no, you don’t,” she laughed, steering him around, her grip firm. “You’re not getting off that easy. Spill it. What’s really going on?”

He glanced around helplessly, feeling completely out of his element. “Look, I think there’s been a mistake,” he started, but she silenced him with a knowing smirk.

“Oh, I get it,” she said, her tone wry as they glided along. “Using me to make someone jealous, huh? Because if that’s what you’re up to, I don’t mind—I’ve got an ex skulking around overthere by the cider stand who could use a little reminder of what he’s missing.” She gave a wicked smile, her gaze flicking over to a tall guy with a dark scowl.

Gary felt his cheeks flush. “No, it’s not like that,” he stammered, feeling like the world’s biggest idiot.

“So if it’s not that, why are you even here?” she challenged, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

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