Page 78 of In the Net
Hm. He has a point.
“See, you know I have a point,” Sebastian says.
That’s creepy. Are we getting to know each other so well that we can sense what the other is thinking? Next thing you know, we’ll be finishing each other’s sentences.
My stomach dips at the thought.
“So, what, then? You want us to pose for a cute photo for me to post on my page?” I ask.
Sebastian shakes his head, but that grin on his face notches higher. “I have a much better idea. You’ll post pictures of the very romantic outing I’m about to take you on.”
For some reason, I don’t feel inclined to protest. “Where are you dragging me to?”
“Today, you’re going to learn how to ice skate.”
I give him an ambivalent look. “Ice skate?”
“Of course. There’s no way I’d be dating a girl for this long without taking her out on the ice. It would look suspicious if you didn’t learn.”
A feeling of excitement swells in my chest. It’s a sensation I’m growing too used to when it comes to spending extra time with my fake boyfriend.
With a pairof ice skates tied to my feet for the first time, I shuffle toward the entrance to the ice rink. We’re alone. I guess Sebastian has access to the ice whenever he wants.
Sebastian stands on the ice, holding his hand out for me to grab onto. I cut a proud look in his direction.
“I’m sure I can step onto the ice by myself without falling flat on my butt,” I say, a little defensive.
Sebastian’s eyes gleam archly. “Don’t be too sure. It’s a pretty butt, and it would be a shame if something happened to it because you were being stubborn.”
Sebastian thinks my butt is pretty? Wings flap in my stomach before I come to my senses and remind myself not to read too much into his sophomoric quips.
“I’ll be fine,” I insist, setting one skate on the ice and testing how it feels.
“Just grab onto me,” he urges.
Something about his tone makes me want to stick to my guns. “I can get the hang of it myself just fine,” I announce, lifting my chin.
Sebastian looks argumentative, but he shakes it off, shrugging and shaking his head with a laugh. “Fine, suit yourself. Learn the hard way.”
My stomach feels heavy as I contemplate setting my other foot on the ice. I wish arguing with Sebastian weren’t so addictive. I probably could’ve used his help.
But just as that thought occurs to me, my pride rises to banish it. People learn to skate all the time without clinging to hockey players.
“I can get the hang of it just fine,” I say out loud, more to stiffen my own confidence than to Sebastian.
He slides a little bit back from me, giving me room to step onto the ice. “If you say so.” His voice sounds like he’s champing at the bit to say,told you so.
My legs are wobbly when I step fully onto the ice. But I’m still upright.
“See,” I say. “This isn’t so hard.” I push forward, gliding across the slick surface. “In fact, I bet?—”
My words choke in my throat as my skates glide a way I don’t anticipate. I lose my equilibrium. My arms flail, my legs feel like noodles, and I’m lucky that I’m still close enough to the barricade that wraps around the rink to grab onto it for dear life.
The first thing I say when I’ve caught my breath is, “Shut up, Sebastian.”
His chuckles vibrate the cold air as I sense him skate up behind me.
“My headstrong girl,” he says, shaking his head. “It’s one of my favorite traits of yours, but you gotta accept help sometimes, you know?”
