“Why not? Other than Mauve will protest. She’s not a good skater.”
“She and my brother seem to be hitting it off. Maybe that’ll change her mind.”
“I don’t know. She’s pretty guarded about her heart these days. The ex-husband really did a number on her.”
“Which means she should steer clear of Jason. He has a reputation.”
“He does?” Reese asked, looking worried.
“Models. Actresses. Socialites. You name it and he’s dated them.”
“I’ll make sure Mauve knows not to take his flirtation seriously.”
“That’s probably best.”
Mauve and Jason returned to the table about the same time.
“Who wants to go ice skating?” Roan asked.
“I’m in,” Jason said. “Although I’m probably a little rusty.”
“Maybe I could just watch from the side?” Mauve asked.
“No way. You’re skating,” Jason said.
“Are you always this bossy?” Mauve asked.
“He is,” Roan said.
“C’mon, Mauve. It’ll be fun,” Reese said. “We can go for drinks at The Moose afterward.”
“Fine. If you’re all going to gang up on me, I’ll go.” Mauve made a face. “But no one gets to make fun of the southern girl who can’t skate.”
“You do have the cutest accent.” Jason offered her his arm, juggling the pizza box with the other.
“Does that mean you won’t tease me?” Mauve asked, looking his way.
“No promises,” Jason said.
Mauve took his arm and the two of them walked toward the exit, chatting and laughing together.
“Should I be worried?” Reese asked as Roan helped her into her jacket.
“Probably. But, for now, let’s just have fun.”
“Deal.”
Roan took her hand and she smiled up at him, making his stomach flutter as they headed outside to the cold evening.
The skating rink was only two blocks from Sugarville Slice, an easy walk, despite the chill. The pop-up rink had appeared that morning in the town square park, a temporary structure with white boards forming the walls and Christmas lights strung overhead. Music played over speakers as folks glided around the ice, their laughter carrying through the night air.
Roan spotted Marcus and Cody standing outside the fence, watching people skate. Marcus had his hands shoved in his pockets, an expression of longing on his wan face. Cody stood a few feet back, arms crossed, clearly trying to look like he didn’t care. Both boys wore thin jackets and no gloves or hats. AndMarcus’s jacket was too small, his wrists sticking out. Cody’s had a rip in the sleeve.
Roan stopped walking, tugging on Reese’s sleeve. “Do you see the boys?”
Reese followed his gaze. “Oh, they look so sad. And we’ve got to get them better jackets.”
“What’s up?” Mauve asked when she and Jason caught up with them.
