Page 34 of Christmas on Ice
Susie’s mom came over to collect her, and the girls hugged goodbye. I was glad Ryleigh had made a new friend today.
“What are you ladies planning next?” Trask asked.
“I’m not sure. Ryleigh, are you hungry?” We’d eaten dinner in the gym, but Ryleigh was usually ready for a snack after physical activity.
“No. Yes! Can we get hot chocolate and thestnuts?”
“Thestnuts? Do you mean chestnuts?” I was used to her lispy pronunciations, but sometimes they threw me.
“Yeah. Thestnuts. In a bag. And can we go in the sleigh?”
“We can try. There might be a long line, though.”
“It’s okay. Mr. Tiggerman, can you come with us?”
“I have to do the meet and greet now. But I’m sure I can reserve a time later, if that’s okay?”
I nodded, and we went to the craft fair to pass the time. We ran into Svetlana, Dmitri, and Natasha, and they invited us to go with the team the next day to pick out a Christmas tree at a nearby farm. I’d just been planning to get a small artificial one, but Ryleigh was so excited, I couldn’t say no.
An hour later, we met up with Trask, and bundled up under a fur blanket, the three of us coasted in a sleigh around the back fields of the Plex. I was completely content and enjoying every moment with my girl. And now, snuggled up with her and an amazing guy that liked us a lot, I couldn’t help but think that this is what itshouldfeel like at Christmastime.
The crisp air nipped at my face, but under the blanket, I was toasty. I leaned into Trask’s side, telling myself it was for the added warmth, but even I couldn’t make myself believe that lie. His arm rested behind us, and I seemed to nestle perfectly to him. Bright stars sparkled above us in the clear night sky, and I lost myself in the romance of the moment.
“I think she’s sleeping,” Trask leaned over to whisper.
I bent to check the still form that leaned against my side. “I think you’re right.”
“She’s an amazing kid,” Trask said. “You’re doing a wonderful job raising her.”
“Thank you.” His compliment had me all choked up. “I really am trying to do the best I can.”
“I know you are. And it’s good to see you having fun instead of just working.”
“It’s good to be having fun.” I snuck a glance at him and flushed when I caught him staring at me. Our eyes locked as the moonlight lit up his face.
“Are you … available next week? For fun?”
My heartbeat sped up. Was he asking me on a date? “Um…” I glanced at Ryleigh.
“Just you, Kami.”
“Just me? Like … a date? Or as friends?”
He studied me. I blinked. I didn’t want this to be awkward. A date might end in a kiss. Was I ready for that?
I think I wanted to be.
That was terrifying.
There were so many reasons why I shouldn’t date Trask, the biggest of which being I was moving home next summer, and who knew where his career would take him? Ryleigh was already getting so close to him. If we tried dating, what would that do to her?
“What do you think?” he finally answered. I held my breath, debating between what I should say and what I wanted to say.
“I'm not sure I can do anything more than friends right now,” I said hurriedly, a sense of panic coming out of nowhere. A shadow crossed his face. I hated to disappoint him—and myself. “Ryleigh’s dad has her Thursday after school until Sunday sometime.”
“Thursday, then. I’m leaving Friday morning for a few away games.”
“Sounds great. I have that night off work, too.” I broke eye contact and turned to face forward. It felt like I’d been in some sort of dream state. When our eyes connected, I’d had tunnel vision. Everything around me blurred and fell away. I’d never experienced a connection like that. It was otherworldly.
