The first blast of cooler air had me sucking in a breath as we made it to the ice. I meant to wait for Emma, take it slowly, but I stepped out onto the ice like a man let out of jail. Pure, pristine white stretched out before me, a perfect glide.

And I flew, the wind kissing my face, air filling my lungs. Racing along, I took a circuit around the rink, pivoting to run an old drill from high school days. My hands flexed with the need to feel my stick. I ached for that. Ached to drop a puck and play.

A wolf whistle pierced the air, and I caught sight of Emma clapping and cheering me on. She looked so damned impressed by some simple skating that I found myself showing off for her, going faster, weaving through imaginary defenders. Circling back around, I headed her way but stopped nice and easy, because I might have been a showboat, but I wasn’t going to be the asshole who sprayed ice at a girl.

Cheeks pink, indigo eyes sparkling, she grinned wide. “You’re beautiful.”

“That’s my line.” I held out my hand. “Come on, then. Let’s get you skating.”

Over the years, I’d been involved with different charities and drives to teach kids hockey and skating basics. I enjoyed it immensely. Seeing a kid’s eyes light up when they finally got the hang of it, watching their little bodies take to the ice, fed the kid in me who remembered what it was like to find something wonderful, something I could shape and control. I’d forgotten that.

Emma’s teeth snagged her bottom lip, and she eyed me with clear hesitation. I knew that look too. She was nervous. Warmth spread through my chest, and I gave her an encouraging smile.

“We’ll take it slow—” My words cut off abruptly as Emma shot onto the ice and took off. Just flew past me, all grace and flowing beauty.

Mouth gaping, I stood stunned as she raced along, doing figure eights. For a long moment, it didn’t compute. Hadn’t she said she couldn’t skate? But there she was, gliding around like she was born to be on the ice. When she executed a jaunty camel spin, I burst out laughing. The little sneak had played me. She’d played me well and good.

I watched her move, golden hair trailing behind her like a banner, and it hit me hard, fast, and with utter completeness: I adored this woman. I was crazy for her.

I went out to meet her, keeping enough space so we wouldn’t accidentally collide. She caught sight of me and flushed, gliding up to get close. We didn’t stop but skated along with ease.

“Teach you to skate, huh?” I huffed out a light laugh.

She made a guilty face. “Technically, I said, If I couldn’t skate, would you teach me?”

“Hmm . . .” I dragged the sound out, letting her squirm just a little. Mainly because I loved teasing her. She responded so beautifully to it.

“You mad?” she asked, slightly winded.

“Do I look mad, Snoopy?”

Her nose wrinkled cutely as she peered at me. “No . . . you look . . . weirdly smug.”

Was that what she saw?

Grinning wide, I gave her a chance to skate a bit away; then I rushed her, scooping her up in my arms as she squealed in shock. Her thighs wrapped around my hips, and she clung to me. “Lucian!”

I kissed her forehead. “I’ve got you.”

“You’ve got me; who’s got you?” she quipped, relaxing a bit.

“Did you just quote super-campy seventies Superman to me?” I asked, chuckling.

“You started it.” She held on a little tighter. “With your superhero body and whatnot.”

“Whatnot?” I nuzzled her cheek, kissing my way along her soft skin as I took a lazy circuit around the rink.

“Skating with me in your arms like it’s no big deal,” she grumped while tilting her head enough to let me nip the edge of her jawline.

“You’re light as a feather,” I said. She snorted, and I kissed her again. “Tell me more about this superhero-body thing, though.”

“Put me down, and I’ll show you all my favorite highlights.”

“Hold on,” I instructed, then spun her around as she laughed and screeched. I set her down by the boards but kept my arms around her. “Where’d you learn to skate like that?”

Good to her word, her hands smoothed over my chest, stroking with appreciation. “There was a rink about two blocks from my house. I’d go there after school and take classes.”

My hands found their way to the plump curve of her ass. “You have no idea how much it turns me on that you can skate.”

“I have some idea.” Her hips pressed against mine. “A pretty prominent clue there, Lucian.”

“You are so getting some when we get home, Em.”

She burst out laughing, her eyes sparking with humor. “I had no idea you were so easy.”

“Yes, you did.” I dipped my head and caught her mouth with mine, kissing her slow and deep, luxuriating in the warmth of her mouth against the relatively cold air. It swept over me that I was on the ice, enjoying myself. Happy. I was happy.

“Thank you,” I said when we parted.

Her lips were slightly swollen and softly parted. “For what?”

“Bringing me here, getting me on the ice.” I touched her cheek, brushing away an errant strand of her hair. “I didn’t think I’d ever enjoy any aspect of skating again. But this is good. Necessary.”

So was she. She had slid into my life at one of the worst possible times, and yet now that she was here, the thought of letting her go was unimaginable. Gratitude flooded me, and I rested my forehead against hers. As though she knew I was undone, she wound her arms around my waist and hugged me.

Before Emma, I didn’t put much stock in hugging lovers. I hadn’t seen the point of hugging unless it was a family member. I wasn’t ashamed to admit I craved them from Emma. The press of her smaller curves against my larger frame made me want to cradle her with care. But the way she held me tight made me feel protected. And wasn’t that a mindfuck?

I wrapped her up in my arms and grunted, wanting to tell her how much she meant to me but unable to form any actual words.

“I’ll do the charity event,” was what I ended up saying.

She kissed the center of my chest. “You’re a good man, Lucian. And I’m proud of you.”

I couldn’t understand why she would be; all I’d done with my life was play hockey to the best of my ability, but I’d take her praise and hold it close. I didn’t know how long we stood there; it felt so good I had no inclination to move. But eventually, she eased back.