I thrust out my hand, and a tender smile curved his lips. That was hard for me to do, and he knew it. He took my hand and tugged me to my feet.
“Whaaaaaaaa!” I fell into his chest and threw my arms around his waist, squeezing the breath out of him.
“I like you, too,” he wheezed, “but if you want me to show you how to skate, you’ll have to loosen your hold.”
“Sorry.” I started to let go, but my feet began to zig then zag. Grabbing back onto him because my life depended on it, I shook my head firmly. “Uh-uh. No way. No can do, Detective. You’re not leaving me on my own out here.”
He chuckled and wrenched my arms loose, but he kept hold of my hands. “Relax, Mac. I’m not going anywhere.”
And he didn’t. He stayed by my side. Or rather, in front of me, skating backward and holding my hands for the next hour, until I gradually gained confidence. Grinning that cute crooked grin, and wearing those heat shields that had become less annoying and more a part of who he was, he urged me on, never once losing patience. Most guys might have been bored or tired of me by now, but he truly seemed to be enjoying himself, confusing me even more.
“Hey, this isn’t so bad. I think I’m getting the hang of it.” I smiled, feeling the excitement surge through me. With the afternoon sun shining and the air mild, I felt happy. Really happy for a change. And that terrified me. What did it all mean?
“Ready to go solo?” he said, breaking into my thoughts as he released my hands.
“W-Wait! I can’t. It’s too crowded. Look at all the people whizzing by. Hey, get back here this instant.” I kept grabbing at him but missing.
He shook his head and stayed just beyond my reach.
I wobbled to and fro, my arms and legs jerking, making me feel like a really bad break-dancer. When I gained my balance, I took short little glides across the ice and nailed him with a murderous glare. “Just wait until I catch you.”
“Bring it on. I’m waiting. And while you’re at it, take a look at what you’re doing.”
“I’m coming to get you is what I’m doing. And when I do, I’ll...” My voice trailed off. “Holy cow, I’m doing it!” I shrieked. “I’m really doing it. I’m ice skating all by myself.”
He laughed, grinning from ear to ear over my obvious elation. Skating circles around me, he kept encouraging my every move. A few strands of black hair slipped from his ponytail, snagging in his goatee. He shook it free and flashed those pearly whites, making me lose my concentration. God, he was gorgeous, his olive-toned skin glowing in the sunlight. What I wouldn’t give to have him hold me in his arms, right here, right now. He swung around behind me as though he’d read my mind and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Whoa, there, chief. What are you doing?” One of my nervous giggles slipped free.
“Shhh. You’ll be fine. Hold on tight,” he said, then I felt him stagger his skates between mine and pick up the pace. We glided around the rink.
“W-Wait. I don’t think I’m ready for this.” I wrapped my arms tightly over his and held on for dear life, mentally making the sign of the cross. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Oh, God. Oh...” I gradually got the rhythm, my feet finally falling in sync with his. “Oh, wow. This is incredible.” I loosened my death grip on his forearms just a little, but I’d be darned if I’d let go completely.
Pulling me in closer, he whispered, “You’re incredible.” My skate slipped, and he chuckled softly. “I have to say you are refreshingly unique from any of the city women I’ve dated.”
“Hypothetically dated, you mean,” I shot back, failing to keep the smile out of my voice.
“Is there any other kind of date?” He laughed.
“Not that I can think of.” We rounded a corner. “Woohoo,” I yelled, ignoring the odd stares directed my way. I didn’t care. This was as much fun as the toy store. Maybe more. I could be myself around him, and he was okay with that. I peeked over my shoulder, and he shook his head, grinning.
In fact, that ridiculous silly grin hadn’t left his face all afternoon, no matter how much he’d tried to cover it. I was glad I’d seen it, because it made me feel less self-conscious. I was having too much fun to worry about making a fool of myself. The day was perfect--sunshine, fresh air, adults chatting, and children laughing. Perfect until I looked back. He’d taken off his sunglasses, and I couldn’t help getting lost in his eyes. He couldn’t seem to look away, either.
“Holy Mary, mother of God,” a hoarse voice croaked out.