“Yes.” He doesn’t even let me finish. He just gets up and moves the chair away from the door, sending Erik nearly falling into the room.
His eyes dart between us, taking in my flushed cheeks and Scotty’s slightly disheveled hair.
“Shit, did I miss something?”
“Oh my,” is all I can choke out as I take him in. “What are you wearing?”
He tilts his head before lifting his white bushy tail. “Princess, if you can’t tell I’m Mr. Nibbles, then we have a problem.”
“What the—”
“I know, I know.” Erik strikes a pose. “I make this look good, don’t I? Though I have to say, walking in on what is clearly post-coital bliss wasn't part of the plan. Scotty, we’ve only got five minutes.”
“We weren't—” I start, my face burning.
“Relax, Princess. I'm kidding.” He winks. “Mostly. But seriously, we've got to get out there. Our number's up soon.”
“Ournumber?” I look between them. “Erik, what—”
“Surprise!” Erik does a little spin, the tail swishing. “I'm your Mr. Nibbles for the evening. Scotty had this brilliant idea about adding some extra flair to your audition, and who better to play an adorable but slightly unhinged fox than yours truly?”
“You planned this?” I ask Scotty.
“I had a plan to help distract from any skating mistakes,” he says with a shrug. “Erik volunteered.”
“Volunteered is a strong word. I was recruited with promises of fame, glory, and a redemption arc for the ages.” Erik adjusts his fox ears. “Also, have you seen me in this costume? I'm absolutely precious.”
Despite everything—the nerves, the fear, the insanity of what we're about to do—I start laughing. Real, genuine laughter that shakes my shoulders.
“This is insane,” I manage.
“This is perfect,” Scotty corrects, taking my hand. “You ready, Princess?”
I look at him—at this beautiful, ridiculous man who just made me come in a locker room while dressed as a prince, who convinced his teammate to dress up as a cartoon fox, who's done everything to help me achieve my dream.
He’s perfect, and I’m so fucking in love with him, it’s unreal.
“Yeah,” I say, squeezing his hand. “I'm ready.”
“Good.” Erik heads for the door. “Because Mr. Nibbles waits for no one. Let's go show them what we've got.”
As we walk toward the rink entrance, I can hear the music starting. My heart is racing again, but this time it's excitement, not fear.
Scotty squeezes my hand one more time. “Remember—”
“You'll catch me if I fall,” I finish.
“Every single time.”
The lights hit us as we step onto the ice, and I take a deep breath.
This is it.
Time to shine.
Chapter 27
The ice stretches out before us, glittering under the bright stage lights. Laura’s hand trembles in mine as we take our first steps onto the ice. She tries to hide the nervousness, but I know her too well. I tighten my grip and lead her to the middle of the ice.
