He clamps a hand on my arm. “Not so fast, Goldilocks. Our start time might’ve been delayed, but you’re getting that sweet ass of yours on the ice.”
Crap.
Chapter 44
I’m Rose and you’re Jack
Kazimir
Iskate backward, looking over my shoulder, as I weave in and out through kids and adults on the ice. A few of them wave. All of them are grinning ear to ear. I jerk my chin in response.
I return my focus to my student.
Harley is gripping both my hands to the point of cutting off my blood circulation. She’s as wobbly as a newborn giraffe.
“Relax,” I say. “It’ll be a lot easier if you don’t lock your knees.”
“I’m going to die. No, I’m going to fall, crack open my skull, bleed all over this ice, then die.”
“You’re wearing a helmet.”
“So, what?” Her eyes are glued to her feet. “This is ice. Ice kills.”
I suppress a chuckle. “You’re doing great, Harley.”
“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?”
