Page 63 of Lucky Shot
Rubbing the spot on my back that will probably be a bruise, I continue to shake my head as Nick approaches me.
“I know you said that you’re not athletic,” he says gently.
Is he for real? Not athletic? That’s like saying he’s not a bad hockey player. True, but wildly underselling it.
“I fell walking on ice,” I say dryly. My heart is racing at the idea of going out there. No, not just going out there, going out there withhim. It’d be one thing if I were learning with someone less…professional. And less hot.
“You didn’t have on the right gear,” he says and bless him, he sounds like he genuinely believes that all I need is the appropriate footwear. “Learning about hockey and experiencing hockey are two different things. Look how fast you picked up poker last night.”
That didn’t require me to wear blades as shoes.
His expression is earnest as he says, “Think of it as more research for the book. And if I’m wrong, then we’ll go back to doing it your way.”
A logical and practical argument, but I’m feeling far from level-headed right now.
“No. I…can’t.” It’s a bad idea. Terrible, in fact. “No,” I say again, this time determined.
There is absolutely no way I’m going out there.
16
NICK
I’m trying really, really hard not to laugh.
Ruby glares at me as she stands on the ice, clutching on to the wall so hard her knuckles are white.
“No,” she says for maybe the millionth time since I suggested she learn to skate. “I want to go back.”
“You can do it.” I’m standing two feet away—close enough that I can catch her if she falls but far enough away that she can’t punch me—which feels likely right now.
“You can do it,” she mocks back to me.
I can’t help the rough chuckle that slips free. She glares harder.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to grab a skate aid?”
“My pride is already taking a real hit here and you want me to use a walker in front of a professional hockey player?!”
“We all start somewhere,” I assure her as I move closer and hold out a hand.
She eyes it, blue eyes on fire with a mixture of annoyance and determination. She’s sexy as hell. Not that I should be noticing.
Slowly, she lets go of the wall with one hand and then flings it at me, now gripping my forearm like a lifeline.
“I’ve got you. Now let go with the other hand.”
She shakes her head as the tip of her mouth pulls down at the corners. It’s a real role reversal, her glowering at me like she’s always accusing me of doing. I doubt she finds it as hot as I do.
“This is the most humiliating moment of my life.”
“Really?”
“No.” She sighs, staring down at her feet. “But it’s top five, for sure.”
“No reason to be embarrassed. You’re doing great.”
“I’m barely moving and only upright because you’re a brick wall of muscle keeping me that way.” Her tone is full of exasperation so I fight another laugh. “And I’m a fashion disaster.”
