Page 49 of Second-Rate Superstar

My heart was running away with him, and my brain was trying to catch up. I was in big trouble.

Swallowing around my heart suddenly lodged in my throat, I croaked out, “I want to see you skate.”

His brows furrowed. “You’ve seen me skating for the past half hour.”

“No.” I shook my head. “The way you skate in a game. Not the snail's pace we shuffle along. Show me what it looks like when you push yourself.”

Rising to his full height, he studied my face. “Are you sure? We can do this another time.”

“Please?” I breathed out.

“Okay. You stay right here. Don’t move a muscle. Understand?”

I nodded, and he turned my body slightly so I straddled the red line at center ice, facing the benches where the teams sat.

Notching his front skate into the ice, I was fascinated when it dug in. He’d explained that ice resurfacers smoothed the ice between periods because the skates cut into it. But we’d barely made a nick in it during our time out here.

There wasn’t much time to ponder the force the players must use to carve a path through the frozen surface before he took off like a bullet. Streaking away from me, he kept to the edge of the rink. Just when I thought he would crash into the wall when he reached the end, his legscrossed—one over the other—multiple times, aiding in a smooth turn along the short wall before heading back in my direction.

Amazed at the ease at which he propelled his body with complete control, I was oblivious that he was speeding right toward me. When I realized he was on a collision course, my muscles locked, and I remained frozen to the spot. Was this what it was like for deer when they saw headlights coming toward them? Knowing their demise was imminent but powerless to step out of the way?

Slamming my eyes shut, I braced for impact as Braxton barreled toward me like a train speeding down the tracks. The sound of his skates hitting the ice drew closer, and I suddenly missed that uncomfortable helmet that would have kept my head from cracking like an egg when Braxton inevitably crashed into me.

This is it. This is where I’m going to die.

My muscles ached with how tense I held them, which I knew would only make this hurt more. I couldn’t help it. It was a natural human response.

There was a sharp “chhh” sound, and I flinched, squealing as icy wetness sprayed across my face.

“Aw, you missed the best part.” Braxton’s voice was full of humor.

Well, the good news was that I was alive. The bad news was that I was going to kill Braxton.

Opening my eyes, I glared at the man standing before me, a smirk on his handsome face. “Jerk.” Using two hands, I shoved at his chest. “You did that on purpose!”

Laughter echoed throughout the empty rink, and I glimpsed down to find myself covered in what looked like snow.

“Glad you’re amused,” I grumbled as I brushed off my clothes and wiped away the water droplets across my face.

Reining it in, his laughter slowly died, but his dazzling smile remained.

“You’re right,” I mocked, gesturing around. “None of this makes you happy.”

Skating closer, his eyes darkened. “It’s being here withyouthat makes me happy, Firefly.”

Oh, God. I wasn’t going to survive this man. My chest tightened, but I managed to breathe enough not to embarrass myself again.

Sensing that he was walking a fine line, he changed the subject. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I know a great little ice cream place.”

Taking my hand in his, he led me off the ice, and the door to my heart cracked open the tiniest bit.

Chapter 12

Braxton

I was making progress.

As Dakota and I spent more time together, I watched her defenses lower, and she stopped pushing back. Teasing her, making her laugh—those were great. But what I really enjoyed were those moments when I pushed the limits, flirting with her and watching her response. She was no longer outright shutting me down, and I knew if I was patient, I could eventually win her over.

---