Page 43 of Back On Ice

Why am I nervous?This is Sophie we’re talking about. The same Sophie I’ve been on countless dates with.

But it’s not, is it?

I mean, she’s still sweet and caring, but she’s different now. Grown up. I can’t just show up and expect her to automatically like the same things. But I’ve grown up too. I’m not the same eighteen year old kid coming by to pick Sophie up for burgers and a movie.

I’m Carter Fucking Williams. I can do this.

I can take a girl on a date. Not just any girl.Thegirl.

I can show her how well I can treat her.

The light of the setting sun casts Sophie’s front door in a golden glow, and I take a moment to get my nerves under control. With a deep breath, I finally reach out and ring the doorbell to the townhome that she and Tom share.

Shit. I had thought that the flowers would be a good idea, but I hadn’t wanted to risk running into her at the flower shop, so Igot some from the grocery store. But now she’s going to think I’d rather support Big Flora than their small business?—

“Carter!” Jordan’s eyes light up with glee when he opens the door and sees me.

“Jordan!” I mirror his enthusiasm, and we do the overly complicated handshake he spent a full hour teaching me at the rink the other day.

“Hey! I thought that was a you and me thing!” Tom calls out from behind Jordan in feigned offense.

“Sorry, Dad,” Jordan shrugs grinning, “You told me Carter was like family though, right?”

“I did.” Tom rolls his eyes, coming to stand next to his son. “Hey, man.” He finally acknowledges me. “Lookin’ sharp.”

I glance down at my outfit, a light blue button down, and dark gray jeans. It’s nothing particularly special, but I feel good about the outfit. Soph always used to tell me she liked me best in blue.

“Thanks.” I grin, then glance behind him at the stairs. “Is she almost ready, or…?”

“We’ve been sent to distract you while Aunt Fee finishes putting her face on.” Jordan supplies helpfully, and Tom lightly elbows him.

“Jordan, you weren’t supposed to say that out loud. Now she’s going to get mad atme.”

“What? It’s not like Carter thinks her eyelids arenaturallygold!”

I know she already agreed to go on this date with me, but it makes me almost giddy that she’s getting ready and cares about what I think. It’s like she’s giving me a real chance.

“It’s fine, you guys,” Sophie’s voice calls from the top of the stairs. “I’m ready now.”

Then, she descends, and my jaw nearly drops. She looks so beautiful.

Her auburn hair is barely curled and frames her face. Her makeup is done, and she does, in fact, have gold eyeshadow. But what really gets me is the dress.

The sleeves of the light green dress drape off her shoulders in a way that’s innocent and sultry at the same time. The fabric scrunches around her waist before flaring out, hitting just at the knees. She has on these sexy little strappy heels that remind me just how amazing her legs are.

She’s gorgeous.

Breathtaking.

And I wasn’t lying when I told her nobody else has ever measured up.

“Soph,” I get out once I’m no longer speechless, “you look amazing.”

“Thank you.” A soft pink blush colors her cheeks.

Jordan leans in close to me, whispering conspiratorially, “Youdoknow they aren’t actually gold, right?”

“He knows, Jordan,” Tom chides, then gently ushers Jordan out of the way as Sophie makes her way down the stairs. Tom steps toward me, speaking low so only I can hear. “Listen… I know you had your reasons last time, and I know the way it happened was for the best, but just… don’t hurt her again, okay?”

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