Page 130 of Skate the Line

They’re awful at staying quiet.

Not only can I see the tops of their heads behind the covered grill, but I hear Ellie’s quiet laughter mixing with Sunny’s.

Before long, I have six snowballs clustered in my hands. Three in each. I’m certain they have an arsenal too, but they’re no match to me.

Slowly, I head to the back door and open it, only to close it a moment later. I put one leg over the ledge of the deck, and with my long legs, I’m able to silently land in the snowy yard. I have to force myself to keep my own laugh under control when I hear the two of them whispering, wondering if I’ve gone inside.

Ellie is arguing that I left, but Sunny knows better.

This is fun.

When was the last time I had fun like this?

It’s like I’m a kid again. My lungs expand with energy, but it’s different from when I climb onto the rink for a game. I have a zest for life, and it’s been a very long time since I felt this way.

“On the count of three, we’ll take a peek, okay?”

I stare at the two of them between two wooden slats. Ellie nods, and Sunny reaches up to adjust her beanie. She pushes the few strands away from her face and bops her on the nose.

Something swells in my chest.

How will Ellie and I ever survive without her?

How did we survive before?

“One,” Sunny whispers.

I grin and stand straight.

“Two.”

The snowballs shift back and forth in my palms.

“Three,” I say.

They both turn toward me. Ellie squeals, and Sunny’s eyes fill with something that I can't help but want to chase.

I toss one snowball at Ellie, but the other goes right for Sunny. She gasps when it splatters against her chest, and yes, that was purposefully placed.

Her gaze narrows, like she’s ready for a challenge.

I run through the snow and climb the slippery steps, allowing Ellie’s snowballs to hit me in various spots.

Like some type of monster, I growl, and she screams playfully. She scurries to the back door, swings it open, and slams it shut. Sunny and I both laugh, but neither of us move to end the fight.

I’m holding four snowballs.

She’s holding two.

I raise an eyebrow, and she does the same.

My dick twitches at the thought of her running away only for me to chase her.

I silently beg her.

Run, malyshka.

There I go again, calling her a name in Russian.Baby.

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