Page 12 of 12 Gays of Christmas

GIL

“I almost asked you out,”Georgie says, lacing his skates and tying them with a double knot before pushing the ends into his skate. He glances at me with that flirty look he always seems to have on his face. His blond hair is closer to white than gold, and he keeps it tied back, with little tendrils escaping around his face.

“Really?” Smooth Gil. He just laughs. He puts his hand on my arm and squeezes. Even through the gloves, I can feel the warmth of his hand. It strikes me, in that moment, that this could be a done deal. If I say let’s skip the skating and get right to the good part, he’d be okay with it. Heck, I think he’s already suggested it by the looks he’s been giving me.

So what is my problem? Fear? Yup. That’s a big one. Fear that I’ll humiliate myself. That I won’t be any good at it. And as much as I enjoy listening to Georgie put people in their place, I don’t think I could survive his scathing wit.

But most of all, I want more than that.

“What’s taking you so long?”

None of the responses going through my head are remotely good enough. I shrug, and he laughs.

“All right. Hurry up and get those shoes laced. Unless you want me to do it for you,” he says, his voice lowering. The image pops into my mind. Georgie on his knees in front of me, lacing my boots and hinting at what I have to look forward to. Crappity crap crap.

“I’ve got it.” I lace my skates as quick as possible while he watches. I try to think of something, anything to say. “Did you know ice skating was first introduced as a sport in the1908 Summer Olympic Games and became part of the Winter Games in 1924?”

“I didn’t. Aren’t you full of surprises?”

“I know things.” And I need to shut up right now.

Georgie grabs my hand and pulls me toward the opening of the rink. His hand is small in mine, and I like that. I’m not opposed to a big, muscled guy. But I definitely like this too.

I thought ice skating would be fun. But I realize my mistake when little kids zip around us like they were born with skates on. I haven’t been skating in years. I’m nervous and a little wobbly. I texted Colin, but he hasn’t answered.

I’m on my own.

Georgie grabs my other hand and skates backward, leading me. “You’re doing fine. Don’t worry about those Shoma Uno wannabes.”

I glance over at a little kid. He has to be four or five or ten. I don’t know kids’ ages. But he’s grinning at me. Georgie puts his gloved hand on my face and turns me to look at him. “Just you and me here, big guy.”

He is a cutie. And sweet. And his eye makeup sparkles. I squeeze his hands. “Thanks. I’m okay.”

Maybe this can work.

And then someone skates past me, and I spot the strawberry-blond color of their hair. My heart rate jumps before it even registers. Colin. He came. He catches my gaze and gives me a nod before zipping away.

He’s just letting me know he’s here.

Even though it’s cold at the rink, warmth spreads across my chest.

Just having him around helps me feel more confident. Georgie and I skate, and every so often, I look for Colin. I didn’t realize he was so good at this. Georgie keeps the conversation going, and I only have to nod yes or no to a question now and then. It isn’t like the gym rat, Ray. I can tell Georgie is trying to make me feel more comfortable.

“I think you’re getting this. You’re a very quick learner.” Georgie bites his lip. I don’t mention I already know how to skate. But then I get his point. He’s hinting at all the things he can teach me. I don’t think he can tell how inexperienced I am. He’s just telling me how experienced he is.

My eyes immediately search for Colin. Only this time, when I find him, he isn’t alone. He’s skating with another guy who is much bigger than him. I want to yank that guy’s hand off Colin’s back. I’m so focused on them that I trip over something. Georgie’s foot? Air? A child? Who knows? But I go down and take Georgie with me.

Thankfully, I break his fall.

Georgie and I leave the ice after that. “Are you okay?” His hands roam over me, looking for injuries or maybe just a reason to touch me.

I laugh and step away, grabbing his roaming hands. “I’m good. Are you okay?” I don’t check him, although I’m sure he’d be fine with it if I did.

“Never better,” he says, removing his skates and putting his shoes on before I can settle into my chair. My fingers don’t want to work, so it takes me longer. I try to hurry, worried he will drop in front of me again. I’m not sure where Colin is or why it even matters.

Georgie announces he’s going to fix his face and then just stands there. Does he want permission? I’m definitely okay with some space. “Good idea.”

He rolls his eyes, and with a huff, he leaves.

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