Page 115 of Pucking Daddy

“You’re doing fine,” I say.

She glares at me. “If I face-plant, I’m taking you down with me.”

“I’d expect nothing less.”

We move across the ice.

Awkward at first. Then… less so. She starts to relax. Her grip on me loosens. Her steps grow steadier.

“See?” I say. “Told you.”

She huffs. “Don’t get cocky.”

Too late. I’m already enjoying this more than I should.

Twenty minutes later, we end up sitting on the bench.

She’s flushed. Slightly breathless. And smiling.

“I didn’t die,” she says.

“You’re welcome.”

She nudges my shoulder lightly. “Don’t push it.”

I look at her. She looks… happy.

I reach into my jacket.

“Zara.”

She turns her head. “Yeah?”

I hold out a small box.

Her brows draw together. “What’s this?”

“Open it.”

She hesitates for half a second, then takes it and lifts the lid.

Inside is a keycard. Simple. Black. Her name engraved on it.

Zara Halberg.

“Jaxon…”

“It’s for the penthouse,” I say. “Full access. I mean, you already have that. But this one isn’t temporary or conditional. It’s yours.”

“I know this isn’t what you planned,” I add. “But I’m not going to let it become something you regret.”

Our eyes meet, and I hold her gaze.

Her lips part slightly. “Jaxon…”

I lift a hand, hesitating for a second before brushing my fingers along her arm.

Then I slide my hand up to her shoulder and pull her in, until she’s right there against me.