Page 4 of Waltzing on Ice

We go over the basics—handholding, lingering looks, the way we’re supposed to act like we can’t get enough of each other. It should be simple. But Daisy is so tightly wound, I’d bet money she sleeps in a perfectly straight line.

The best way to loosen her up? Push her buttons.

“You’re forgetting the most important part,” I say as I skate up beside her, letting my fingers brush against her arm. She stiffens immediately, and damn, that reaction is golden. “If we’re supposed to be in love, we need chemistry.”

She snaps her head toward me, hazel eyes flashing. “Don’t touch me.”

I smirk. “Too late.”

She shoves me back, and I can’t help but laugh. This is going to be so much fun.

“Strictly business,” she mutters under her breath, skating away like she can outrun this situation.

But I catch up easily, gliding beside her, making sure she feels every inch of my presence. “Sure, Daisy.”

The way her name rolls off my tongue makes her falter for just a second. Just enough to let me know that beneath all that ice, there’s heat. I can’t wait to break through to it.

She recovers quickly, jaw tightening as she spins to face me. “I don’t think you understand how serious this is. My reputation is on the line.”

I lean in just enough to make her uncomfortable, dropping my voice. “Oh, I understand, princess. But if we’re supposed tobe madly in love, you might want to work on not looking like you want to murder me every time I get near you.”

Her lips press into a thin line. “That’s a tough ask.”

“Come on, Daisy. Fake it.” I grin, reaching out and tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear just to see how fast she’ll slap my hand away.

She sucks in a sharp breath, eyes flicking to my mouth for a fraction of a second before she jerks away. “Touch me again, and I’ll make sure you fall face-first on the ice.”

I chuckle, skating back a step. “Kinky.”

She groans, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I hate you.”

“Yeah?” I skate behind her, close enough that she can feel my breath against the nape of her neck. “Because your pulse is telling me a different story.”

She whirls around, shoving me again, and this time I let her, mostly because the pink rising in her cheeks is way too satisfying.

“New rule,” she says, voice clipped. “No getting in my space unless necessary.”

I grin. “Define ‘necessary.’”

She narrows her eyes. “You know what I mean.”

I hold up my hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll behave,” I say even though we know I absolutely will not.

Daisy exhales like she’s debating whether this is worth it. But she needs me, and deep down, I think she knows that.

“Alright,” she says finally. “Let’s get this over with.”

I watch as she skates to the center of the ice, standing poised, every inch of her carefully controlled.

This is going to be so much fun.

Chapter Four

Daisy

The past has claws, and sometimes, it digs in when I least expect it. Tonight, it happens the moment I see Lucas Moreau across the ballroom.

He stands near the bar, effortlessly charming a group of sponsors, his polished smile exactly as I remember. For a moment, I can’t breathe. My grip tightens around the delicate stem of my champagne glass, and I remind myself that I am not that girl anymore. The one who let him into my life, only to watch him walk away when something better came along.

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