“Plus being a barista has surprisingly good benefits.” I’m spared from any more questions by the fact we’re approaching a sign promoting the rink that’s been temporarily set up in Club Knotty for the day. “I thought we could go skating. What do you think?”
“I haven’t been since I was a child.” Her eyes shine with excitement before shutters fall over them. “I’m not the most coordinated, though.”
“It’ll be fun.” I wave away her concerns. “I promise I’ll catch you if you fall.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” She smiles shyly as we join the line. “Let’s do it.”
When we get to the front, I pay before she has the chance to find her wallet in her backpack—where I swear I see a mixing spoon poking out.
We’re pointed in the direction of the bar to pick up our skates. With ’50s music playing, the booths around the bar look like they belong inGrease. Groups are sitting around drinking coke floats piled with ice cream or sipping on oversized milkshakes through stripey straws.
“The dance floor downstairs has been turned into the rink,” the person behind the bar explains in a bored voice as she retrieves the pink and white skates in our sizes and slaps themdown on the counter. “You’re just in time for the Mates and Skates session.”
Before she has time to tell us what that is, she’s already speaking to the next customer.
I notice Delilah eyeing up the milkshakes. “Do you want a drink first?”
“Maybe after?” she suggests. “With that amount of sugar, I’ll be skidding across the rink.”
Carrying our skates downstairs to the dance floor area, lights flash across the shiny floor, sending shimmering sparkles everywhere. There are already a few skaters in the rink, showing off with elaborate jumps and twirls. I spot Delilah’s gaze flit nervously to them as she slides off her shoes to put on her skates.
I note the shapely curve of her calf and dainty ankles, my eyes travelling up over her curvy thighs before tearing back up to her face again.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She winces as she ties her laces. “If I cause you any physical injury, I’m not gonna be held responsible.”
“I can handle myself.” I nudge her playfully. “I spent most of my time as a kid in a skatepark. You’re in safe hands.”
Gingerly rising to her feet, her legs wobble a little as we glide over to the edge of the rink. She grabs my arm for support, clinging on tightly.
“You’re doing so well already.” I hope I sound encouraging.
“I’m practically Bambi on ice,” she mutters, but some of her earlier fear wavers as her grip on me loosens.
“Why don’t we do a lap?” I offer her my hand.
She looks at it for a second before taking it. Her soft palm heats mine, her touch sending tingles up my arm. The smell of freshly baked muffins clings to her hair, wafting up to me as we begin to circle.
Despite other guys trying to make me feel less than because of my designation, I’ve never truly wished I was an alpha. But right now, I’d give anything for their heightened sense of smell. Most omegas wear scent blocking spray, but I’d love to know what her scent is like.
“See?” I squeeze her hand as she gets more confident. “You’re doing great.”
Suddenly, the DJ’s voice booms over the speakers, making her jump. “The Mates and Skates session will now begin.” He drags out his words in a way that makes me cringe. From what I can see from my position, he’s dressed in a sequin leotard that definitely shouldn’t see the light of day because of its overly tight fit. “Are you ready to skate away to the sound of lurrrvvvve?”
The lights change to pink and red hues that swirl over the floor as a slow love song comes on. Other skaters around us turn toward one another, reminding me of when couples paired off for slow songs at prom.
“I swear, I had no idea about this,” I grimace as Delilah turns to face me.
“What’s wrong, Tae?” She smirks. “Don’t like the sound of lurrrvvvve?”
All around us, couples are slowly coming to a stop to rotate in circles.
“Would you like to dance?” I ask. “Or we can do a few more laps, if you prefer?”
“Staying in one spot is probably safest,” she says. “There’s definitely less chance of me causing anyone an injury that way.”
“Trust me, the only accident that’s likely to happen is over there.” I nudge my head in the direction of a couple to our far left. They’ve completely forgotten they’re on skates, dry humping against the wall like wild animals.
Wanting to be respectful, I hover my hands by her hips. “Do you want to…?”
