“Spare me the bullshit. I’m going to die.”
“All kids start off unsure on their feet.”
“Yeah, well, by the time they reach my age, they’re no longer making fools out of themselves.”
“You’re not. What you’re doing takes courage.”
Her gaze lifts to meet mine.
“You’re stepping out of your comfort zone.”
She offers a lopsided smile.
It’s a shy one, but it could still light up this arena.
She’s adorable in her helmet with blonde strands spilling from it.
“Thanks for saying that— Whoa.”
She loses her balance, her feet moving at a rapid pace on the ice, as she tries to right herself.
I brake and steady her. “I got you.”
“Oh my God, I just saw my whole life flash in front of my eyes.” She huffs out a breath. “I think this lesson is over for today.”
“Skating is so freeing. I want you to experience that.”
She bites on her lower lip. “I don’t know, Kaz.”
“Do you trust me?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“Answer me.”
She arches a brow.
“Harley, do you trust me?”
“I do.”
I grab her around the waist and lift her up in my arms.
She shrieks.
“Wrap your legs around my waist. Careful with the blades.”
She does as she’s told.
“We’re going to skate together.”
Her arms snake around my neck. This close, the floral scent of her shampoo tickles my nostrils.
“Why didn’t you suggest this from the beginning?”
“I’m not going to torture you any further, but I do want you to experience this.” I hold her gaze. “Since I retired, the charity is my way to keep skating at the level that made me who I was as an athlete. I don’t expect you to turn pro overnight, but I want you to leave here understanding a little bit more of who I am.”
Her eyes are misty. “Okay, Number 22. Show me what you got.”
