Alex laughed softly. “Subtlety isn’t one of Mel’s strong suits.”
I turned toward him, ready to tease, but the words died in my throat.
Because in the shifting disco lights, in that soft glow, with music swirling around us, Alex looked at me like he wasn’t sure whether to smile or kiss me.
And surprisingly, I wanted to kiss him, and the feeling in my belly told me I might want more.
The disco ball spun overhead, scattering little constellations across the hardwood rink. The lights softened everything in the room, my breath, the sharp edges inside my chest.
Alex held out his hand in invitation.
“You want to try another lap?” he asked, voice low and warm.
Still, I nodded.
He took my hand, gentle and warm fingers sliding against mine as he guided me back onto the floor. My heart thudded so loudly I was shocked he couldn’t hear it.
We skated slowly at first, wheels humming beneath us, our hands brushing together in a way that felt accidental and purposeful at the same time.
I could feel him watching me out of the corner of his eye.
Not judging.
Not assessing.
Just . . . seeing me.
We rounded a curve, the music turning sweeter, and my balance faltered.
Just a little.
My skate moved out from underneath me and my body lurched forward.
“Oh—!”
His arms were around me before I even understood I was falling.
Strong. Warm. Steady.
One hand firm around my waist. The other bracing my upper back. My body pressed against his, breath locked tight in my throat.
For one suspended, electric moment, we just stood there, wrapped up in each other, the world shrinking to the warmth of his chest and the gentle pressure of his hands.
My palms were flat against his chest. His heartbeat thudded under my fingertips. I tilted my head up.
He was already looking down at me.
And in the pink and purple glow of the rink lights, his eyes weren’t just kind.
They were . . . something more.
Something that made my knees feel unsteady in a way that had nothing to do with skates.
He didn’t move closer. He didn’t assume. But there was a softness in his gaze, an ache, almost, that said he wanted to.
For one dizzy second, I wanted to kiss him.
I wanted it badly enough that the thought burned through me.
