Page 25 of Carrying Your Lies
He shrugs. “A couple of thousand.”
“Thousands?” I screech. “Why?”
“I bought them when XR started making real money. I only wear them to my board meetings as a reminder of what I have achieved. Power and authority aren’t just shouting or making threats. It’s how you present yourself; how you feel about yourself.”
I’ve seen the shoes, and they don’t look a penny over fifty pounds, but I understand the sentiment. Xavier worked hard to get himself where he is. The company started with him and his laptop. It’s admirable.
The car ride is filled with soft melodies, and Xavier lost in his thoughts. When we park, he walks ahead and pays for our tickets. Seeing him do something ordinary is odd but adds to his attractiveness. After a few minutes, he walks to me with two pairs of skating boots.
“How did you know my size?” I ask as I lace up the second boot.
Xavier is already done and watching me with an amused grin. “I took a guess. I hope you are more graceful on the ice than when trying to tie two pieces of string.”
My laugh is one of embarrassment. “Not really. I’ll be observing as opposed to doing.”
He offers his hand to me. “It’s a good thing I’m an excellent teacher.”
Despite my eye roll, I take his hand and stand up. The blades wobble under my weight as we slowly make our way to the arena doors. “Handsome and humble.”
His eyebrow arches. “Was that an eye roll, Miss Hayes?”
“No,” I lie.
Xavier says nothing more as he practically carries me to the rink. There are no other bodies around us.
“At least nobody will see me fall a thousand times,” I joke.
He lets go of my hand and steps onto the ice. “It’s a good thing I paid for a private session.”
My eyes widen. I look around to see if he is being truthful. There is nobody else here except the workers of a few food stalls. “When?”
“Just now.”
“You’re crazy.”
“You say that like you’re surprised. I thought all businessmen were psychopaths?”
“I stand by my statement. Especially after meeting Huxley,” I laugh.
His lips press into a thin line as he holds back his smile. “Come on. Let me teach you a new life skill.”
Xavier slowly helps me onto the rink and doesn’t let go the entire time. We move at a snail’s pace with one hand in his and the other gripping the barrier with an iron fist. My yelps echo in the empty space as I come close to facepalming the ice one too many times.
Xavier attempted to conceal his laugh, but after forty minutes, he gave up. His laugh is loud and soft all at the same time. The skin around his eyes crinkles as he laughs, making him look adorable. The cold brings a tinge of pink to the tip of his nose.
After much convincing, he managed to get me to the middle of the rink. My hands hold onto his as he moves us around in small circles.
“My legs are aching,” I moan.
“You were a dancer before you met me.”
“That’s different. Why don’t you do a few laps? Show off your real skills.”
He nods and slowly lets go of my hands. I use all my power to stay upright while he spins around me a few times. He starts slow before he really soars. He does full circles around me, getting faster and further away each full round. The smile on his face warms me despite the ice that has chilled me to the bone.
“How did you get so good?” I shout.
“My dad!” he shouts back. “Every winter!” His legs move with grace as he skates back to me. “He always made time for me. Especially after my mum left.”
