Page 55 of Power Play with My Brother's Irish Friends

“That’s not what I meant.” Miranda waved a hand in front of her face. “Never mind.”

“If you think that’s cool, watch this.” Charlie took off like a bullet, his legs flashing and arms pumping. He cartwheeled across the ice, his hands and feet spinning him around and around like a starfish.

Miranda gaped. We all did.

The rush of cold air in my throat made me snap my mouth shut and grind my teeth. I didn’t have either of those abilities, but I might have something better. I took Miranda’s hand and led her in a smooth circle. Our speed increased in increments until we hit the peak. I spun her toward me and lifted her off the ice, spinning her overhead in a whirl and dropping her back to the ice, within the safety of my arms.

Her head fell back in a laugh that made every part of my body snap to attention. I’d kill to hear that laugh every day for the rest of my life.

“That was incredible.” She hugged me tight, letting me guide us around the rink.

“You could have hurt her.” Duncan slammed to a stop in front of us. “That was dangerous.”

“Funny hearing that from you.” I poked him in the chest with my free hand.

Charlie tore up the ice, coming our way at top speed.

“Boys.” Miranda shook her head. “Please don’t fight.”

“We’re not.” All three of us spoke simultaneously, our petulant tones disagreeing with the statement.

“Right.” She rolled her eyes and backed out of my embrace. “I’m not a prize for you to compete over.”

“I beg to disagree.” Charlie locked his arms in a rigid cross over his stomach. We stood in the middle of the rink, bodies tense and eyes snapping. “It’s pretty obvious we all care for you.”

“And we’re not going to ruin the day by talking about that.” Duncan took Miranda’s hand and pulled her into an easy glide. “Let’s dance.”

“Dance?” She looked at each of us, the bright hope shining with every puff of breath she exhaled. “That sounds fun.”

“All right.” I shrugged off the discomfort of seeing her in Duncan’s arms and moved into a position further away. “Send her this way, Duncan.”

Surprisingly, Duncan did as I ordered, spinning Miranda into an arc that sent her flying into my arms. I spun us both around, her hands tight in mine, and let her go at the precise minute we lined up with Charlie.

He caught her around the waist and they waltzed several yards further away. Charlie said something that made her laugh, and the sound made the stadium seem brighter than ever.

“Duncan.” Charlie released Miranda, and she ended up back in Duncan’s arms. He kissed her cheek and propelled her back to me. Halfway there, her toe caught in a chip on the ice, sending her wobbling. Her arms windmilled. Fear closed in, locking her expression in one of panic as she spun sideways, tried to right herself, then slammed backward.

Her head hit the ice with a hollow, sickening thud.

Complete and utter silence choked me. “Miranda!” I screamed even as I burst into motion, closing the distance and crashing to my knees beside her.

---