I hadn’t skated in years. I could feel Niklas close behind as I wobbled toward the little door to enter the rink. I braced myself for the first step, but the slick ice seemed to move under my feet.
“You have skated before, haven’t you?” he said in my ear. “I don’t think I ever actually asked.”
I turned and gave him what I hoped was a withering look. This was the moment I wanted more than anything to shine. I had a brief fantasy of letting go of his hand and skating away for a double axel. Right now, I wanted to surprise him. I wanted it badly. Maybe in the years since I last laced up my skates I had somehow gotten better. Unfortunately, the sport didn’t seem to work that way. I took a tentative step that gave me a few inches of glide.
“Of course I’ve skated,” I said. “Michigan native, remember? It’s just been a while.”
He put his arms up in mock surrender. “Okay. Got it.”
Of course, it was at this moment that I lost my balance. I stumbled back, arms flailing. Niklas grabbed my waist to right me, and one of my hands landed next to his groin.
“Nice idea,älskling,” he said dryly, “but maybe you can save it for when we’re a little more private.”
I removed my hand and glanced over my shoulder to glare at him. And slipped again.Arrg.
He righted me again.
“Easy, girl,” he chuckled.
“I’m not a horse,” I snorted, pushing away his hands. “Just give me a minute. Do a couple laps or something so I can gather my dignity.”
Niklas gave me a skeptical look, but he let go. And I didn’t even fall.
“No head injuries while I’m gone,” he said, gliding away effortlessly.
“Thanks for the encouragement,” I called after him.
I actually could skate. Or at least I could back in middle school. Just like riding a bike, right? I took another wary step, trying to ignore the fact that Niklas was undoubtedly watching me.You can do this.
I leaned forward, took two more baby steps and then pushed off for a glide. This time, the glide lasted long enough for me to step again. I was skating. Steps turned to strides, still a little wobbly, but at least I was moving now. I made it around the turn and caught sight of Niklas, arms crossed, resting against the boards, watching me with what looked like amusement.Damn, that man had an arrogant streak. Sometimes I found it funny, but right now…
I waved and smiled, but the sarcasm behind my gestures might have been lost across the rink. He waved back.
And that was enough to throw me off. I stumbled but caught myself before falling this time. I could feel Niklas’s eyes on me, but I forced myself not to look.Shit.No wonder Niklas had been punched in the nose more than once. I might just have to try it myself. If I could just make it around the rink.
I started again, turning smaller steps into strides until I felt the movements all coming back. I glided around the other end of the ice, a little faster now and headed back toward Niklas.
Don’t fall. Don’t fall.
His smile broadened as I approached. I gritted my teeth.
“Impressive,” he said, pushing off from the boards and gliding toward me.
“That I made it around the rink?” I said dryly. “Such high standards you have for me.”
“It’s a pleasure watching you skate.” Niklas smiled. “You looked so sexy out there, all—”
I cut him off. “All helpless woman?”
His smile faded. “I was going to say, ‘all bundled up in your jacket and gloves.’”
We stood silently apart. Other skaters had entered the ice rink now, and a few slowed as we passed, undoubtedly catching a whiff of drama.
“Sorry to ruin the romantic date vibe,” I finally said.
Niklas’s eyes softened. “I hear what you’re saying. And I’m sorry about all the teasing.”
“I’m sensitive about standing on my own two feet,” I said. “Literally, as well as figuratively, in this case.”
