Page 13 of Stick Handled

I do what he says, pushing off and letting the ice carry me forward. His hand slips away from mine, and I feel like I’ve just lost my life jacket. My skates feel unsteady beneath me, but Damien’s calm gaze gives me some confidence. He’s skating backward, his strides powerful yet graceful, his entire body in sync with the rhythm of the ice. He makes it look so effortless.

“Good. Now, shift your weight a little more when you turn,” he instructs, skating circles around me like it’s nothing. “Don’t force it. Just let the momentum take you.”

I try again, and this time, something clicks. My legs start to move a little more fluidly, my body relaxing just a fraction. A faint sound comes from the direction of the entrance, and my eyes snap toward it for a moment, my heart stopping. I can’t get the image of Rowan storming inside out of my head.

“You’re doing better than you think,” he says as he skates past, his voice low and smooth. “You’ve still got it.”

I blush again, trying to ignore how his praise makes my pulse race. I focus on the ice beneath me, pushing off with a little more strength this time. Each glide feels smoother and less forced, and the anxiety that’s been gripping me starts to loosen.

“See?” Damien says, skating close again, his hand brushing against mine. “Told you. It’s all in your head.”

I smile, despite myself, but then I remember what happened the last time I was here—the blood, the panic. I freeze again, my body stiffening as the memory crashes back into me.

Damien notices right away. “Hey.” His voice is softer now—no teasing, just reassurance. “Get out of your head. You’re doing great.”

I meet his eyes, and something in his gaze steadies me. He’s serious now, no smirks or playful glances. Just a steady, unwavering confidence that makes me want to believe him.

I take another breath and push off again, this time gliding more easily across the ice. Damien lets go of me entirely now, skating backward a few feet ahead, his eyes on me the whole time.

“Come to me,” he says, his voice low but commanding.

I hesitate for a second but then push off, my legs moving more naturally beneath me. Each stride feels better than the last. Damien watches me closely, his grin widening as I get closer.

“That’s it,” he says, his voice filled with quiet pride that makes me bite my cheeks to keep from smiling. “You’ve got this.”

By the time I reach him, my heart is pounding for more reasons than just the skating. I stop in front of him, breathing hard but exhilarated. Damien leans in, his eyes locked on mine.

“That was perfect,” he says softly, his tone genuine.

I blink at him, completely caught unaware. The warmth in his gaze makes my chest tighten, and for a second, I forget how to breathe.

“Thanks,” I murmur, my voice barely a whisper. He smiles, that cocky grin creeping back into place as he skates around me once more, teasingly close.

“At least three times a week, and you’ll be back where you left off in no time,” he says as if it’s already decided.

Forty minutes later, we’re heading back toward the parking lot. I’m still riding the high of the lesson when I spot a tall blonde leaning against a sleek black car, her eyes lighting up when she sees Damien.

“Damien,” she says, her voice smooth and dripping with confidence. “I saw your car and decided to stop by. I didn’t know you were practicing today.”

I stiffen immediately, insecurity slamming into me like a punch to the gut. She’s attractive, confident, and fit, with her hair styled perfectly. I tug at the sleeves of my hoodie, suddenly feeling insignificant next to her.

Is that his girlfriend?

To my surprise, Damien barely acknowledges her.

“We were just leaving,” he mutters, his tone flat like he’s irritated by her presence.

So, not his girlfriend.

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you,” she purrs, stepping closer. “Thought you’d want to grab a drink.”

“I’m busy,” Damien replies and places a hand on my upper back. “Have a nice day,” he says, already moving past her and heading toward his car without even a glance back.

She looks taken aback but doesn’t push it. She shoots me a look like she’s only just noticed I’m standing there, and her expression shifts.

“Is that all you’re going to say?” she finally huffs, her cheeks a little red. Damien rolls his eyes before turning to face her.

“What more do you want me to say, Lexi? I have a game coming up. I’m busy. Enjoy your day.”

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