Page 78 of Faith

She wanted to push him, but for this one day, she would simply go with the flow and enjoy his plans.

* * *

Jensen was sopleased with how the day was going, but he was a little apprehensive about the next part. He had talked over his plans with Serenity, and she seemed to think they were perfect. In fact, she had seemed positive that Nicola would love them. He took the Salt Lake exit.

“Is the Aloha Stadium Flea Market open today?” she asked looking over in the direction of the stadium.

He shook his head and turned to drive under the overpass. He pulled into a parking lot for a shopping center, his destination right in front of them. He parked in front of the building. She said nothing as she stared at the sign.

“Nicola?”

She looked at him.

“Are you mad?”

She shook her head. “I just don’t want to hog the ice.”

“I rented out the place for two hours. You get the ice all to yourself.”

She blinked. “I don’t have my skates or gear.”

“In the trunk.” When she continued to stare at him, his worry increased. “Say something. We don’t have to stay. We can just leave after I tell the owner.”

She raised both of her hands to cup his face, then she leaned forward and brushed her mouth over his. When she pulled back, there were tears in her eyes. “Thank you. It’s one of the best birthday presents I have ever gotten.”

His heart danced. “Yes?”

She nodded. As she wiped at her eyes. “Let’s go in so we can hit the ice.”

“Oh, no. I’m here to watch you. I’ve never seen you skate in person.”

She frowned. “Really?”

He shook his head.

“Let’s go. But once I skate, you are getting your cute ass out there too.”

He hoped that wasn’t true, because he could not skate to save his life. He slipped out of the car and grabbed the bag from the trunk that he’d packed. It only took ten minutes after they got into the skating rink for her to hit the ice. She was warming up when he gave a song to the manager.

“Nice thing you are doing for her,” the manager said.

“It’s her birthday and she loves to skate.”

“I recognize her.” Jensen tore his attention away from Nicola to look at the manager. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Thanks.”

Then he sat down and watched as she skated around the rink, doing jumps and twirls.

She came over to him. “I wanted to skate to this Sia song.”

“I know.”

“How do you know?”

“I talked to Serenity. She told me that was your new favorite song to skate to. Just signal the booth when you’re ready.”

She crooked her finger, urging him closer. She leaned over and kissed him again. “I was serious, you will come skating with me.”

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