Page 50 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
When our meals have been consumed—or at least most of mine—he jumps up and throws our containers in the trash. “Are you ready?”
“For ice skating? I’m always ready,” I declare with a big smile.
“Do we need to run back to your place to get your skates?” he asks.
Even though my apartment is literally across the square, I shake my head. “I’m just going to use theirs. It’ll be easier and quicker.”
“We can run back. It won’t take long.”
I appreciate the offer, but it’s not necessary. On the weekends, during festival hours, you can rent skates. “No, really. I usually just rent them on nights like tonight.” I use my own during the times the rink is available but the skates aren’t.
“All right,” he announces with the clap of his hands. “Let’s do this.”
“I’m goingto feel this tomorrow,” Burk announces between fits of laughter. He’s sprawled out on the ice, having fallen for the second time.
A giggle slips from my lips, and I try to cover it with my gloved hand. “You need a little practice is all.”
He starts to stand up, and I reach out to help keep him steady. “My ego is taking a huge hit tonight,” he grumbles good-heartedly.
“I’m sure your ego is plenty padded,” I tease as he returns to his full height.
His eyebrows pull up in question. “Is that an ass joke?”
I can’t stop the laughter once more. “You’re nuts.”
“Because my ass might have some extra padding, but I’ve been told it’s one of my finest features,” he quips, reminding me of one of our early conversations where I basically told him his ass was nice.
Grinning, I take his hand, and we start to skate once more. We make several laps around the rink, and a huge wave of contentment washes over me.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, why?” I ask, turning my attention his way.
“You sighed.”
“Oh,” I reply, feeling heat warm my cheeks. “I’m just…happy. This is my favorite time of year, and we’re doing one of my favorite activities. It’s such a beautiful night with the twinkle lights surrounding us and the holiday music. It feels magical, and I’m just…yeah.” My blush deepens. “Plus, the company isn’t so bad either.”
He glances down and grins widely. “The company may be my favorite part.”
We skate around the rink for a while, talking and just enjoying our time together. I know this isn’t one of his favorite activities, but he never complains. Just holds my hand and skates beside me as we circle the ice.
Two young kids zoom past us, laughing and carrying on as the boy hollers, “Too slow!”
“Punks,” Burk mutters, making me laugh.
“That’s the exact same thing we used to do at that age,” I remind him as the young boy and girl spin circles around some of the other skaters.
“Yeah, but that boy has talent. I did not,” he grumbles as the boy starts to move backward with ease and confidence.
I giggle and shake my head. “You’re doing just fine.”
“Yeah, well my best asset is going to be bruised tomorrow morning,” he mumbles, cracking the hint of a smile.
Just then, the two younger kids come by once more. This time, the young boy spins a circle in front of Burk, and what happens next can only be described as chaos. Burk tries to stop so he doesn’t run into the boy but ends of shifting to the side. Unfortunately, when he does that, his body pitches somewhat violently and his feet start to dance.
Not in the good way either.
In the flash of a second, he realizes he’s going down, so his grip on me tightens as he attempts to stabilize himself.
