Page 66 of Hearts on Ice
Meghan looked up, surprise widening her eyes. “Like how-to videos?”
“Yes, just simple lifts and combinations. We were actually going to ask you to be our cameraperson but Declan said you’re working. And Sandra is right there in the snack bar. She’s pretty funny directing us.” Colby smiled to herself at Sandra’s mock outrage over Declan smacking Colby on the ass. Like his hand hadn’t just been up between her legs as he held her over his head.
“So are you doing it so you can get a TV show or a sponsorship or something?”
Colby lifted a shoulder. “A sponsorship wouldn’t be a bad thing, but we’re hoping it might draw some more students to the rink.”
“Declan doesn’t want any more students.”
“No, but I need some more income, and choreographing doesn’t take as long of a commitment as coaching.”
“And that’s what you like about it? That it’s not such a long commitment?”
The question drew Colby up short. She had honestly never thought about that aspect, though the question was fair. She hadn’t been great about commitment in the past. “I don’t know. I’ve only been at it a short time, but what I like about it so far is that it’s fun to put moves to music, to come up with songs and moves that showcase a couple’s strengths. I did it for Deck and me for years, so I don’t suck at it. That’s what I like about it.”
Meghan was still looking at her, silently, then nodded. “That’s a good reason. Let’s get these kids fed.”
Colby kept her distance from Declan as she helped Meghan serve the kids. She knew he was watching her interact with the children, and she knew the same questions were running through his head as Meghan had asked her.
She didn’t want him to ask her. She didn’t want to disappoint him. She’d done that enough. He didn’t deserve it again.
He must have sensed her shift in mood, because when he walked up behind her and touched her hip, she shied away, and he gave his parents a knowing look.
And she was coward enough to let him believe that she was keeping her distance because of their judgement.
“They’re coming to watch tomorrow.”
Sheer terror rolled through her at his words. “Watch what?” She couldn’t imagine what he meant.
He stepped back and looked at her in surprise, then grinned when he figured out what she’d thought. “Watch us. Watch us coach.”
“What? Why?”
“They’re bringing Nicole. She wants to have another lesson.”
She literally felt her blood pressure shoot up. “This week? We don’t have enough going on?”
“Colby, it’s no big deal. Half an hour maybe. We can fit it in before we work with Josh and Lexi.”
“Sure. I’m just not too excited about your parents judging us.”
“You used to like being judged.”
She rolled her eyes. “I suppose they’re going to judge us whether they are there or not.”
He studied her for a long moment, like he knew something was going on in her head. Of course, one of the dangers of loving a man who had known you most of your life.
Loving a man.
Oh no.
What an idiot she was.
CHAPTER 26
Since Josh and Lexi only had lessons in the morning on Mondays, Declan’s parents were coming in around six to watch the kids skate.
Declan was uncharacteristically fidgety as he and Colby walked into the rink.
