He turned off his engine and got off his ride. He reached at the back and grabbed my helmet, and helped me into it. “Are those boots warm?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“How about those gloves? They look okay.”
“Yep, I stole them from my brother.”
“Okay, we’re good to go. You’ve been on a sled before?”
I smiled up at him. “Yep.” I didn’t have one, but everyone in the park had been for a ride at some point.
“Good, so you know how to handle yourself.”
I smile. “More than you know,” I teased.
He smiled and turned back to his ride.
I hopped right behind him. He told me I could either hold on to the passenger bars, or I could hold on to him. Of course I chose the latter, and wrapped my arms tightly around his torso.
As soon as he sped off, I felt more alive than I had in a long time. It was perfect, just me and him, a winter wonderland, and the sensation of escaping. It was exactly what I needed. We swerved along trails and bounced over hills. I mimicked his movements, my body becoming an extension of his. My toes got cold, but I could have done this all day, frostbite be damned.
I hollered as we spun circles, and I held on with all my might, smiling so hard, my mouth ached. When we finally came to, he turned around and asked me if I wanted to give it a go. I didn’t hesitate and was quick to settle in the front. I’d never ridden before so he had to give me a quick lesson.
I was cautious when we set off, distracted by the feel of his arms wrapped around me. It drove me crazy. He was so close. And I knew that he had the option of holding on to the bars, but he obviously wanted to be close to me. I could barely focus as I rode slow circles and headed to the trails. I took it easy, because the last thing I wanted to do was crash into a tree or flip us over.
It was the best time of my life.
He dropped me off at the dunes, and sped off. I trudged through the snow back to my place, my legs wobbly, my toes frozen, a goofy smile plastered on my face. When I finally got home, I walked around to the back, and snuck into Gavin’s yard, which was the custom. I made sure no one was around, and quietly made my way to his back door. I knocked and he answered quickly. I couldn’t wait to get warm inside. He already had the wood stove going, and some hot drinks ready.
I peeled off my heavy jacket. “Slipping out of a cold damp suit is the best feeling in the world.”
He handed me a cup of hot chocolate. “Tell me about it. I think it might be my favorite part of sledding.”
I laughed. “I thought it was the speed, and the fearless quest for adventure.”
He shrugged. “Oh yeah… that too.”
I took a seat on the sofa, and he sat next to me at a respectable distance. “So, how did you like it?”
“It was fantastic,” I was quick to tell him. “Let’s do it again soon.”
He smiled. “Hold on there, cowgirl.”
I laughed. “It was fun, but my feet were freezing. I can’t feel my toes. I guess my boots weren’t as good as I thought.”
His lips drew thin, and he cocked a brow. “Let me see.”
“What?”
“Let me see your feet,” he urged.
I pulled off my socks and stretched out my legs on the sofa. He studied my feet for a few seconds, and wrapped his large warm hands around them. It was pure heaven, and I could have died right there. “How’s that?” he asked.
“Amazing,” I moaned.
He hopped off the couch. “Wait right there.”
I wanted his hands on my feet again. I desperately longed for his warmth. The fire was keeping us warm, but I also wanted Gavin’s heat.
