Page 46 of Boards & Betrayal

She tried again, managing to get one lace looped but not nearly tight enough.

"It's important to have them tight," I explained. "If they're loose, you won't have control on the ice. You'll be more likely to fall and snap an ankle."

Ally’s fingers trembled slightly as she worked on her skates again, but she still couldn’t get them right.

"Here," I said, getting on my knees in front of her. "Let me do it."

Her eyes locked onto mine as I knelt before her, the charged moment thickening the air between us. Memories of tasting her this morning surged back, a raw desire stirring deep within me.

I pushed it down and focused on the task at hand. Taking one of her skates in my hands, I pulled the laces tight, making sure they were secure before tying them off. The intimacy of the act wasn’t lost on either of us; it was a simple gesture layered with unspoken emotions.

"Better?" I asked softly.

She nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah."

I moved to the other skate, repeating the process with deliberate care. As I finished tying the second skate, our eyes met again—a heated look passing between us that made my pulse quicken.

For a moment, we were both caught in that gaze, everything else fading into the background. The rink, Cooper’s smirking face at the counter—none of it mattered.

It was just us.

I stood and helped Ally to her feet, my hands firm on her waist. Her eyes met mine, a flicker of trust mingling with the unease in her gaze. She was like a deer on wobbly legs, her balance shaky as she clutched at me for support.

“Easy now,” I murmured, guiding her towards the ice. “Take it slow.”

She nodded, biting her lower lip as she stepped onto the ice. Her grip tightened around my arm, and I could feel the tension in her body. The cool air enveloped us, a stark contrast to the warmth of our shared touch.

“Okay,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “First things first: find your balance. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight centered.”

Ally did as I instructed, her movements tentative but determined. She glanced up at me for reassurance, and I gave her a nod.

“You’re doing great,” I encouraged. “Now, let’s try moving. Small steps at first.”

I moved slowly alongside her, my hand steady on her back. She wobbled but managed to stay upright, each step a little more confident than the last.

“Remember to keep your knees bent,” I reminded her. “And use your arms for balance.”

She nodded again, focusing intently on each movement. Her face was a mix of concentration and trepidation, but there was also a spark of excitement in her eyes.

“Good,” I said, as she took another shaky step forward. “You’re getting the hang of it.”

She laughed softly; the sound warming me more than I’d like to admit. “I feel like Bambi out here.”

I chuckled, squeezing her hand gently. “You’re doing better than Bambi ever did.”

We continued across the ice at a slow pace, my arm still around her for support. Her movements became more fluid with each step, and the tension in her body gradually eased.

“All right,” I said after a few minutes. “Let’s try gliding now. Push off with one foot and let yourself glide on the other.”

Ally hesitated but then nodded, pushing off with her right foot as instructed. She wobbled for a moment, but managed to glide smoothly across the ice.

“There you go!” I exclaimed, genuine pride swelling in my chest. “You’ve got it.”

She beamed up at me; her face glowing with accomplishment. “Thanks,” she said softly.

“Anytime,” I replied, tightening my grip on her waist as we continued our journey across the rink together.

"I wish I had my camera," Ally said, her voice wistful as she looked around the rink.

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