Page 21 of No Time for Traditions

Chapter 8

After a few faulty steps on the ice, Greg had gotten the hang of skating. Not well, but good enough to not fall. He could’ve sped up. And he could’ve let go of Brittany’s arm. But neither of those options would’ve allowed him to stay close to her.

They made it to the rink exit, and he had to let go. He didn’t want to, but he also didn’t want to push his luck with Brittany. Aside from jabbing his arm a few times out of frustration for something he’d said, she’d never touched him until now. And for the first time since Autumn, his body welcomed the closeness of a woman.

Companionship was what he’d missed most.

While he’d love nothing more than to touch Brittany’s soft cheeks and pull her in for a kiss, he enjoyed her company too much to rush anything. For all he knew, she might not think of him the same way. Bringing him lunch and then helping him skate could mean nothing more than her trying to prove she no longer hated him.

Greg slid to the side to let Brittany exit the ice first. He carefully touched her back as she stepped onto the walkway. Partly because his body wanted to stay close to hers, and partly to test how she’d respond.

Nothing. She didn’t flinch or give him a scolding look. That could be good or bad. He decided to count it as a win.

Greg stepped out after her and stomped over to where he’d left his boots.

“My shoes are over here. Be back in a second.” Brittany motioned to the other end of the sitting area and went to retrieve her shoes. A moment later, she was back.

Greg watched her from the corner of his eye as she sat in the chair beside him. Her hair was pulled back so that he could see her face. She changed into her own boots, paying him no attention. He examined her a little longer, then changed his own shoes before she could catch him staring.

“You want me to take your skates, too?” Greg held a hand out.

“Thanks.” She smiled. When she held out her skates, he took them, making sure to brush his fingers across hers. He watched her face as he did. Her lips curved slowly into a half-smile. He took that as another small win.

“I’ll be at that table with Scott and Amber.” Brittany pointed to the left of the rink beside the hot chocolate stand.

“Okay.”

Greg took their skates back and then met them at the table.

“Greg, how’s it going?” Scott stood and extended a hand.

Greg shook his hand. “Not bad, man. How’s the drug business?”

“I can’t complain.”

Somehow, referring to pharmacists as drug dealers never got old to Greg. Scott and Amber laughed. Maybe Brittany didn’t quite get his style of humor.

Oh well, two wins and one loss wasn’t so bad.

Greg sat down in the empty seat next to Brittany.

“I skated for the first time today.” Scott’s son proudly announced his accomplishment after taking a huge gulp of hot chocolate.

“Me, too.” Greg winked at him.

“But you’re old!”

“Scotty. That’s rude.” Amber put her hand on his shoulder and gave him a scolding look.

Greg laughed. “It’s okay. I am old for some things. But your aunt’s a great teacher.” Greg turned to Brittany. Either the cool air had chapped her pretty face, or she was blushing. They locked eyes for a second before she started glancing around at the food trucks.

“I haven’t eaten in Hillside for almost a year. What’re the best food options?”

“Down Home has the best burgers.” Scott pointed to the brown and yellow truck near the gazebo.

Greg wrinkled his nose. “Speaking as someone who has tried them all, I’d have to say the best option is Smokey’s BBQ.”

“Yum. I don’t get a lot of Southern barbecue in New York. Sold.” Brittany smiled, sending a warmth through Greg’s chest.

---