Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
“Don’t worry,” York says with a teasing grin, gliding closer to me. “I’ve got you. Just try to stay upright and maybe, we’ll both make it to the end of the night without a trip to the ER.”
I snort, grabbing onto the edge of the rink for support. “Great. That’s exactly the kind of confidence I need. I’m sure this will be a disaster.”
“Hey, think of it as fun,” York encourages, extending a hand toward me. “We’ll take it slow. You’ll be skating like a pro in no time.”
“Famous last words,” I mutter, but I take his hand anyway, letting him help me glide forward. My first few steps are wobbly, and I cling to him more than I’d like to admit. “So, Mr. Hockey Player, do you have any tips for a klutz like me?”
York chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Keep your knees slightly bent, look straight ahead, and remember, if you fall, it’s just part of the fun. And if you really want to impress me, try not to fall for at least five minutes.”
I laugh despite my nerves. “Deal. But if I end up face-first on the ice, I’m blaming you.”
“Fair enough,” he replies, his voice warm and encouraging as he helps me find my rhythm. “But just so you know, I’m only responsible for your graceful falls, not the ones where you try to show off.”
As we glide slowly around the rink, York’s presence is reassuring, and his teasing remarks help ease my nerves. The ice might be slippery, but with York by my side, it feels like the night is filled with endless possibilities.
Chapter 8
York
“That’s it. You’ll be a pro in no time,” I tell Noelle, my voice full of encouragement as I watch her gradually find a smoother rhythm on the ice. She’s still wobbly, but there’s a determination in her that’s hard to ignore. The rink is bustling with people, and it feels like the whole town has come out to watch our little performance.
As she gains confidence, I can’t help but smile, thinking she’s doing great. That is until, with a dramatic flourish, she runs smack into me. I burst into laughter as I catch her before she can hit the ice, pulling her close.
“Smooth move there,” I tease, holding her steady. “You’ve got the whole ‘crashing into your partner’ thing down. I didn’t realize we were going for a duet.”
Noelle’s cheeks flush a rosy pink, and she grins up at me, looking a bit embarrassed but amused. “Yeah, well, I thought I’d add a little drama to our night. You know, to keep things interesting.”
I raise an eyebrow, still chuckling. “Interesting is one word for it. I was thinking more along the lines of ‘heart-stopping.’ But I guess that’s just part of the fun.”
“Glad I could keep you entertained,” she retorts, playfully pushing me as she regains her balance. “If you’re going to keep making me laugh, I might just end up on my backside again.”
“Don’t worry,” I say, still smiling as I guide her back into the center of the rink. “I’ve got a strict ‘no falling’ policy. I’ll make sure you stay upright—or at least, I’ll do my best to keep you from hitting the ice too hard.”
However, my mind’s instantly turned dirty, and the thoughts of Noelle on her backside have my body growing warmer. She’s breathtaking, and I want nothing more than to kiss her again.
Noelle glances around, taking in the lively atmosphere. “I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. But don’t get too confident. I might surprise you with some unexpected moves.”
“Now that’s the spirit,” I reply, guiding her with a gentle hand. “Just remember, if you’re planning on any fancy footwork, maybe save it for the next time we’re not in danger of a major collision.”
We skate together, the banter and laughter making the experience feel less like a test and more like a playful adventure. With every glide and twirl, the ice under our feet feels less intimidating.
My emotions are a whirlwind right now, and honestly, I feel like I could talk to Noelle for the rest of my life. More than that, I think I could kiss her for the rest of my life too. The connection between us is undeniable, and every moment spent with her feels like a dream I never want to end.
As we finish skating, we make our way over to the chocolate shop next to the rink. We quickly remove our skates and exchange them for our shoes, the process almost becoming a dance of its own as we hurry to get inside.
The moment we step through the door, the warmth of the shop envelops us, a welcome relief from the chill outside. Noelle’s eyes light up as she rubs her hands together to warm them. “It feels so good in here,” she says with a contented sigh, her cheeks still rosy from the cold and her bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement.