Abby snorts. “Oh, yes, you’ll see me competing at the next US National Championships. I’ll be on the wobbling ankle team.”
Her humor never fails to make me smile.
The colorful lights reflect off the ice. We continue our skate, and I enjoy having her pressed close against my side. She looks up at me with sparkling eyes and a soft smile that makes my heart sigh.
After a few more laps, Abby’s confidence grows. “This isn’t so hard.”
She hits a rough patch of ice. Her arms windmill, and she loses her balance. I reach out to steady her, but we both end up tumbling to the ice in a tangle of limbs.
“Oof.” Abby grunts, landing on top of me. “So much for you catching me.”
I sigh. “My hero complex is bruised, but my ego will recover.”
We lie there, nose to nose, breathless giggles escaping us both. I’m acutely aware of every point where our bodies touch. Abby’s eyes meet mine, and I think she might kiss me. But then she rolls off with a groan.
“That’s enough winter games training for one night.” She struggles to her feet. “How about we find somewhere to thaw out?”
I nod, but my body already misses her warmth. After we return our skates, we walk to a café. As we enter, the bell over the door jingles. We settle into a cozy booth near the fireplace, grateful for its crackling warmth. I can’t tear my eyes away from Abby as she sheds her layers, her hair messy from her hat.
“Two hot cocoas, please,” I order when the waitress comes by. “Extra whipped cream for the lady—she’s earned it after her acrobatic performance on ice earlier.”
Abby kicks me under the table, but she’s grinning. “My bruises will have bruises tomorrow.”
Our cocoas arrive with the cups topped with whipped cream. Abby takes a sip, and a dollop of whipped cream gets stuck on her upper lip. I want to lean across the table and lick it off, but then she does it herself. I shouldn’t have waited. Next time, I’ll be ready.
Abby sets her mug down and takes a deep breath. “So, I have some news. I, uh, turned down that job offer.”
“Oh?” I try to keep my voice neutral, not giving away that I’m thrilled by her decision.
Abby nods, not quite meeting my eyes. “Yeah, I mean, being made an offer was flattering, but when I really thought hard last night, the position isn’t compelling enough to leave my current job. And, well…”
“And?” I prompt gently, hardly daring to hope.
Pink colors her cheeks, and a shy smile plays at her lips. “There are other factors keeping me where I am. Things—and people—I’m not ready to leave behind.”
Relief and joy flood through me. I reach across the table to take her hand. “I’m glad. I don’t know what I’d do without my best financial consultant.”
Abby shakes her head, but she leaves her hand in mine. “That’s right. The office and clients would be lost without me.”
I laugh. “They would, and so would I. But I spoke to the higher-ups about our…situation today.”
Abby’s eyebrows shoot up. “What did they say?”
“As long as I’m not your direct supervisor, we can date. So, we’re in the clear, professionally speaking.”
A slow smile spreads across Abby’s face. “That’s great news.”
I nod, returning her smile. “It is. I didn’t want to jeopardize your career, but I also couldn’t imagine not pursuing whatever this is between us.”
Abby leans forward over the table. “What exactly are we pursuing here, John?”
My mouth goes dry. I should’ve known she’d ask. “I want us to figure that out together.”
“I’d like to do that with you.”
We gaze at each other, and the rest of the café fades away.
Abby clears her throat. “So, would it be possible for me to meet with the higher-ups sometime? You know, to discuss my future at the company and all that?”
