Page 33 of Beneath Southern Stars

With our fingers interlocked, I tug her toward the booth marked “Tickets.” Handing the teenager a twenty, I give him my shoe size. Only, he doesn’t move to grab a pair and instead looks to Laney and then exhales.

“Mr. Miller. I wanted to apologize for... uh... well for gossiping about you being in Magnolia Grove.”

“Ryan, this is Nash Hanes. You’ve met his mom and dad, Dolly and Boone. Nash is the one who told me you were you and led me to your house that night.”

In many ways, I have this kid to thank for being here with this woman tonight. I extend my hand. “Call me Ryan. Thanks for the apology but it isn’t necessary. I’m just glad you told Laney and your mom and didn’t post it online. That would have sucked.”

Nash exhales, obvious relief written on his face, and shakes my hand and mumbles his appreciation. Quickly, he confirms our shoe sizes and passes us each a pair of skates before moving on to the next customer. I suppose this is what I need to prepare for in Pepper’s teenage years. Small spurts of conversation followed by mumbles and grunts.

As I’ve come to expect when I’m with Laney, no less than three people stop by to offer their appreciation for the rink and other activities of the Jubilee. She is humble in her acceptance of their praise, and it makes me wonder if she truly doesn’t realize how much she means to this town or if compliments make her uncomfortable.

“I’m telling you now, this skating thing is going to be over quickly. I can hardly walk on a flat surface in a pair of heels let alone two blades on ice.”

I tug Laney to her feet, my arms sliding around her waist. She lets out a gasp of surprise but instantly relaxes, her hands resting on my biceps. If the music was playing something a little less pop rock, I could easily sway us into a slow dance. Something that suddenly feels like a requirement this season.

“We’ll probably fall but that’s all part of the experience. Just think of the reward after.”

Her eyes widen and I chuckle. “Hot chocolate, Laney. Geez. Get your mind out of the gutter.”

“I’d like it put on the record that I don’t think I’ve ever visited the gutter before meeting you. You, Ryan Miller, are a bad influence.”

Living up to her opinion, I lean down and capture her mouth. Laney doesn’t hesitate to respond and while we keep it public appropriate, it’s still a kiss full of promises. Suddenly, this outing sounds like a bad idea when I could be alone with this woman.

Laney pulls back and smiles. “Let’s go fall on our asses.”

I bark out a laugh and let the woman who continues to surprise me lead me to the ice. Where I manage one skate on the frozen surface before I fall flat on my ass, Laney landing next to me.

Never in my life have put myself in a special class of people. I recognize my career has me experiencing things from a different view, but I have the same highs and lows as anyone else. Like most people, my career could end tomorrow. We’re all replaceable. But this may be the first time in my life I will declare I am superior to everyone else. Superior in sucking at ice skating. Laney was worried about her abilities, but it turns out, she’s a natural. Or at least less of a mess than I am. Tonight’s dessert will include pain medicine and an ice pack. If I can walk tomorrow, it’ll be a miracle.

I’m currently nursing my bruised ego and possible permanently bruised hip on a bench as Laney helps one of her friend Zoey’s twins with the little walker available to children learning to skate. If they had one for a six-foot man, I would have gladly accepted to the aid. Unfortunately, that is not a thing, and I’m stuck here watching my date move around with ease.

“Mind if I join you?”

I look up to see a man standing nearby, two cups in his hand. “I brought an adult cider,” he comments holding a cup my direction.

Cautiously, I accept the offering, and he chuckles, taking the seat beside me. “I’m Jayson Lincoln. Town physician and Mattie’s brother. Those are my girls out there with Laney.”

“Thanks for this,” I say and hold the cup up in acknowledgement. Slowly, I take a sip and let the burn of whiskey, apples, and cinnamon slide down my throat. Spiked cider will definitely help take the sting of embarrassment out of this night. So much for looking attractive to Laney.

“No problem. You’re brave to try the ice.”

Scoffing, I shake my head. “Stupid is more like it. Maybe if I was fifteen years younger, but I have a feeling tomorrow I’m going to be moving slower than usual.”

“Have another one of these ciders and maybe soak in some Epsom salts. If you have any real pain, come by the clinic or give me a call. I’ll check you out, no problem.”

Jayson and I sit, watching the girls on the ice, laughing as they slip and slide. He’s a cool guy and seems so at ease in this life. I’m a little envious to be honest. It’s something I’ve noticed about everyone in Magnolia Grove. They easily maneuver through their lives, not fazed by the amenities a town of this size doesn’t offer. It’s strange to think of that as I’ve not considered myself a man who focuses on such things. The reality is, I do like a nice night out and I see nothing wrong with a big box store and buying large quantities of canned goods.

“Not to sound like someone’s dad, or in her case uncle, but what are your intentions with Laney?”

I do a double take and stare at the man who gives the same expression back. He’s not faltering or laughing. Not joking.

“I wasn’t expecting that. But then again, I shouldn’t be surprised. This town loves her.”

“And you?”

As if she knows we’re talking about her, Laney glances our way and offers me a little wave before focusing on the little girl who is now moving quickly with the walker contraption.

“We’ve known each other just over a week. I hardly think you can love a person that quickly.”

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