Chapter 10
“Ithoughtyou weren’t coming,” she managed as he set her aright, turning her to face him.
“Thought I’d surprise you,” he smirked. “Looks like you were attempting to skate.”
“Kate was making me. I’m awful and she knows it.” Her cheeks flushed.
“Let me.”
Her eyes widened in refusal, but the words never had a chance to be uttered. Before she could think, Mike’s arm was wrapped around her waist, his hand holding hers for stability while the other rested gently against her stomach, as his body fell into line with hers.
“First trick. Find your centre,” he instructed, eyes fixed upon her. The intensity of his gaze caused something in her stomach to flutter. Her heart stuttered as his fingers splayed beneath her ribcage, his grip tightening slightly as he told her to slide her right foot forward slowly.
“That’s it,” he encouraged.
She wobbled.
“Don’t worry, I have you,” he added as she squeezed his hand. “Now the left.” He smiled. “Good, now the right again.”
Penny hardly noticed as they moved away from the side of the rink, where Kate and Ian watched silently. Her mind was otherwise engaged.
Mike was so close.
She could smell his cologne. It was strong but not overwhelming, much like his grip – firm but gentle, cradling her against his body. She’d never paid attention to how strong he was before. She could feel the curve of his bicep against her back, the solidness of his chest where her arm rested against it, even from under his coat.
She swallowed hard, her face flushing as she took a deep breath.
“Penny…” he said her name and she felt her skin tingle. She liked the way it sounded on his lips.
This was all confusing. The feelings were strange after so long.
“Penny?” he repeated.
“Sorry?”
“I asked if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight,” he chuckled at her confusion.
She nodded, unable to reply. His face was right there. All she could see was the curve of his mouth, the way the right side rose slightly higher than the left. How the white lights in the trees reflected like crystals in his eyes.
“I’d love to,” she fumbled for words.
“Great. I made a reservation.”
The corners of her eyes wrinkled at the announcement. “You planned this?”
“Let’s just say I hoped,” he replied, gently turning her to face him, their bodies flush. “I was a boy scout. They taught me to always be prepared,” he smirked.
“You were a pretty good scout weren’t you,” her voice trembled.
“Very good.”
