“I’ll be there to catch you, no matter what.”
“I’m counting on it.”
We get dressed in layers and head out to the outdoor skating rink open on Boxing Day. The sky is clear, and the sun is shining bright, but the air is still cold. It’s a perfect winter day.
As we approach the rink, laughter and chatter grow louder, and feel Vivian’s grip tightening on my arm.
“Hey, it’s okay if you want to turn back,” I assure her. “I won’t be disappointed; not everyone needs to enjoy skating like I do.”
“No, it’s not that. I just haven’t done this in a long time, so my nerves are getting the best of me.”
“Let’s get you all laced up—once your body remembers how to skate, it’ll be like you never took a break from it.”
She snorts and rolls her eyes playfully. “Not everyone was born with the natural talent you have.”
“Okay, okay, let’s just get ready,” I huff and push her through the door to the locker room.
* * *
I slip on my skates first and then help Vivian with hers. It’s clear that she’s still a bit nervous, but it doesn’t stop her from doing this with me. I can see the determination in her eyes. And I admire her for it.
I hold Vivian close as we cross the threshold onto the ice. She takes a few hesitant steps forward, wobbling, her ankles still unaccustomed to the blades underneath her. After a quick recap on how to balance on the ice, we are off. Soon, she’s gliding on her own without my help. I can tell she’s been skating before, as her movements are too smooth for someone on the ice for the first time.
I spin in widening circles around her, her laughter echoing in the crisp air. “Jasper, you’re such a show-off!”
“This is one of the only things where I’m better than you, so let me be.”
“If you insist.”
We circle the rink, the blades of our skates grinding on the ice, creating a unique sound that calms me in a matter of seconds. Vivian’s skating next to me, her shoulders almost grazing mine at every turn. Where I felt the cold air starting to seep into my bones just a moment ago, I now feel the warmth spreading, taking its place. Every time she’s close enough, the heat of her sends goosebumps over my body. And I can’t get enough.
Holding her hand tightly, we skate together, laughing and chatting. It’s such a beautiful day, and the winter air is refreshing as it whips past us. I hear my name said a few times but keep moving, ignoring the curious glances.
After we’ve skated for twenty-five minutes, Vivian suddenly releases her hold of my hand. Before I realize what’s happening, she’s lost her footing and starts to fall forward. I grab her at the last moment and help her stand straight again. Our gazes lock for a moment, and her eyes shine like diamonds from the light reflecting from the ice. It’s one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
“Vivian.”
She must hear the desperate tone of my voice as she glances up again. I can feel the warmth of her breath on my lips as I lean in toward her. Her deep blue eyes are wide with surprise as I slowly press my mouth against hers for the first time. The touch is gentle yet intense. We are suspended in perfect stillness for a moment, and the world around us disappears.
Vivian moans and I swallow the sound with my mouth. What was soft at first grows into a passionate kiss. I feel my entire body tremble with pleasure as my hands explore her curves that are, unfortunately, covered by her winter coat.
Lost in the moment, I don’t realize where we are until there are a few catcalls. Too soon, the kiss ends, and reality comes crashing back.
She opens her eyes slowly, blinking like waking from a dream, and I see what I’m feeling reflected in those deep blue pools. The intensity of the emotions that passed between us during that kiss caught us both off guard.
We stand there on the ice, gazing into each other’s eyes with a mixture of awe and wonder, and I know nothing will ever be the same again. It’s incredible how much a person can feel in such a short time…but I know something magical has just taken place on this ice, and I can’t deny it anymore.
Vivian finally breaks the silence. “Should we head back inside?”
“Can we skate a few more minutes first?”
“Sure. You should go and do your thing without me.”
“Don’t be silly—I won’t leave you here after that.”
She smiles softly. “So all it takes is a kiss to have all your focus?”
“With that kiss, you have more than my focus.”
