Page 56 of Give Me Forever

"I like skating this late in the evening," I said. We both had curfew at 8:00 p.m. back in high school, so we never came out this late. There were fewer people this time of night, and it was quite romantic under the moonlight. I liked feeling the breeze on my face. Sometimes I caught a whiff of Sam's cologne—and what do you know, my knees weakened exactly during those moments.

Coincidence, I was sure.

"You were right. This was just what I needed," I said as we skated side by side.

"I'm glad to hear that. You look more relaxed."

"I am. This week has been a tad insane, so I'm happy I get to cool down a bit. Thank you for bringing me out here."

"My pleasure."

We skated in silence for the next half hour. Getting more and more confident, I increased my pace.

"Hey, do you think I can still do a pirouette?" I asked Sam. We’d been out on the ice for two hours, and I knew we’d probably call it a night soon. I could try a revolution or rotation or whatever the heck they called it in artistic skating.

"Sure. Why not?" Sam said. "Got the doctor right here if you need one."

I laughed. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

I stopped by the entrance. I bit my lip, stretching out my hands, one in front and one in the back, before simultaneously moving them sideways. Gathering momentum, I performed my pirouette.

For a brief moment, I thought I did it. Then I realized I was losing my balance. I wasn't sure where the moon or the ice was.

"Holy shit," I exclaimed. The ice was definitely coming closer to my face.

"I've got you," Sam said. He reached for me just as my ass hit the ice. My tailbone took the brunt of the impact. Thankfully he caught my head before I could hit that too.

"I've got you," he repeated.

"My instincts are shit. Why didn't I put my hands down first?"

"It's good you didn't. You might have broken a wrist. Think you can stand?"

I nodded. "Yes." My tailbone was still protesting, but it wasn't too bad.

He chuckled, looking at me.

"Why are you laughing?"

"You look cute with your beanie all lopsided." He came closer to me, straightening it up before running his hands through the hair hanging below it. "You're so damn beautiful."

"You aren't just a knight in shining armor anymore but one with an official diploma. The way you rushed to my side, putting your hand under my head? Pure sexiness gold."

"You saw that? You were in free fall."

I tapped my temple. "No, but I'm very good at imagining how things went."

We both started laughing, and then his lips were on mine. He moved them slowly, and I opened up without reservation. This evening was magic, and I wasn't going to fight it.

He deepened the kiss, groaning against my mouth. Even though it was cold outside and my tailbone was still sore, I got so turned on, I could've jumped him right there.

Someone cleared their throat.

"The ice rink is closing," a female voice said.

We flew apart like we'd been electrocuted. I lost my balance again, and Sam put a steadying hand on my back while the woman glared at us.

"We're heading out right now," I said, fighting a smile.

---