CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

John

The next afternoon, I stand near the outdoor ice rink, waiting for Abby. I can’t believe how excited I am to see her again, even though it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours since we said goodnight. I fight the urge to recheck the time, but being impatient won’t solve anything.

Still, I glance around to see if she has arrived. I arrived early. I couldn’t sit at home any longer. I never imagined wanting to be with someone so much, and it’s incredible to see how much things have changed between us. Our fake dating has turned into a real and unexpected relationship.

Despite the chilly weather, my feelings for Abby keep me warm. I’m so lucky—she’s intelligent, funny, and kind. My family adores her, which makes everything even better. They keep asking about her and expect to see her at our New Year’s Eve party. It’s surreal in the best possible way.

For months, I thought I was only crushing on an employee, but our pretend relationship has given me something genuine—something I didn’t even know I was missing from my life. I’m excited about the future and the memories we’ll make together.

Who would have thought faking it could lead to something so wonderfully real?

Tiny snowflakes drift lazily from the sky. It makes me think Mother Nature has a romantic side and is adding her touch to go with the twinkling lights surrounding the outdoor rink. I smile, willing to accept all the help I can get.

When I spot Abby approaching, her cheeks rosy from the cold, my heart skips a beat. She looks adorable in a cute peacoat and knit hat.

“Hey there, Ice Princess.” I kiss her. “Are you ready to show off your skating skills?”

Abby laughs, which is music to my ears. “I’m more like ready to embarrass myself spectacularly. I hope you brought a first aid kit.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll catch you if you fall.” I offer my arm as we head to the rental booth. “Is your car running now, since you didn’t ask me to pick you up?”

“Yes, the garage came and got me earlier today, so I didn’t have to call you or a ride service.”

“The mechanic fixed the issues you were having?”

She nods. “It was the alternator, as you said. The mechanic replaced it, and my car’s running smoothly again. Such a relief.”

The crisp air nips at my cheeks as Abby and I carry our rental skates to a nearby bench. All around us, the outdoor rink buzzes with activity. Cheerful holiday music drifts from speakers, mingling with blades scraping against ice and laughter across the rink.

“I can’t believe you’ve never been ice skating before,” I say, sitting on the cold, wooden bench.

Abby shrugs, her breath visible in the frosty air. “It’s not something my family ever did. Rachel went once for a birthday party and hated it.”

After spending time with her family, I wonder about her childhood. I bet whatever Rachel wanted was what they did. Shopping was probably more her style, even at a young age.

I lace my skates, fingers fumbling slightly in the cold despite wearing gloves. I glance around at the other skaters gliding by—some gracefully, others clinging to the rink’s edge.

“Don’t worry,” I reassure Abby, “I’ll make sure you don’t fall…too much.”

Abby playfully swats my arm, laughing. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence. Though I’ll be looking to see you do that triple axel.”

I laugh. “You remembered my story.”

“Oh, I’ll never forget that.” She winks.

Once I lace my skates, I stand carefully, wobbling slightly on the thin blades. It’s been a few years since I’ve skated. We make our way to the rink’s entrance, the cold seeping through our socks.

Abby bites her lip. “You sure about this?”

“Positive.” I step onto the ice, move my feet back and forth to get a feel for the ice, and then extend my gloved hand. “It’ll be fun.”

“Oh, no. If I fall, I’ll break something important, like my pride or tailbone,” Abby jokes, her vulnerability making her even more endearing.

I smile. “Just take it slow and lean on me, or we can get you one of those push things the kids are using so they don’t fall.”

She bats her eyelashes. “I’d rather you be my push thingy.”

As we make our way around the rink at a snail’s pace, Abby clings to me. I don’t mind, because I want her to know I’m here for her. And not just on this ice rink—everywhere.

Despite her initial fear, she relaxes and even giggles as we skate.

As we complete our first lap without incident, I smile. “See? You’re a natural.”

Abby snorts. “Oh, yes, you’ll see me competing at the next US National Championships. I’ll be on the wobbling ankle team.”

Her humor never fails to make me smile.

The colorful lights reflect off the ice. We continue our skate, and I enjoy having her pressed close against my side. She looks up at me with sparkling eyes and a soft smile that makes my heart sigh.

After a few more laps, Abby’s confidence grows. “This isn’t so hard.”

She hits a rough patch of ice. Her arms windmill, and she loses her balance. I reach out to steady her, but we both end up tumbling to the ice in a tangle of limbs.

“Oof.” Abby grunts, landing on top of me. “So much for you catching me.”

I sigh. “My hero complex is bruised, but my ego will recover.”

We lie there, nose to nose, breathless giggles escaping us both. I’m acutely aware of every point where our bodies touch. Abby’s eyes meet mine, and I think she might kiss me. But then she rolls off with a groan.

“That’s enough winter games training for one night.” She struggles to her feet. “How about we find somewhere to thaw out?”

I nod, but my body already misses her warmth. After we return our skates, we walk to a café. As we enter, the bell over the door jingles. We settle into a cozy booth near the fireplace, grateful for its crackling warmth. I can’t tear my eyes away from Abby as she sheds her layers, her hair messy from her hat.

“Two hot cocoas, please,” I order when the waitress comes by. “Extra whipped cream for the lady—she’s earned it after her acrobatic performance on ice earlier.”

Abby kicks me under the table, but she’s grinning. “My bruises will have bruises tomorrow.”

Our cocoas arrive with the cups topped with whipped cream. Abby takes a sip, and a dollop of whipped cream gets stuck on her upper lip. I want to lean across the table and lick it off, but then she does it herself. I shouldn’t have waited. Next time, I’ll be ready.

Abby sets her mug down and takes a deep breath. “So, I have some news. I, uh, turned down that job offer.”

“Oh?” I try to keep my voice neutral, not giving away that I’m thrilled by her decision.

Abby nods, not quite meeting my eyes. “Yeah, I mean, being made an offer was flattering, but when I really thought hard last night, the position isn’t compelling enough to leave my current job. And, well…”

“And?” I prompt gently, hardly daring to hope.

Pink colors her cheeks, and a shy smile plays at her lips. “There are other factors keeping me where I am. Things—and people—I’m not ready to leave behind.”

Relief and joy flood through me. I reach across the table to take her hand. “I’m glad. I don’t know what I’d do without my best financial consultant.”

Abby shakes her head, but she leaves her hand in mine. “That’s right. The office and clients would be lost without me.”

I laugh. “They would, and so would I. But I spoke to the higher-ups about our…situation today.”

Abby’s eyebrows shoot up. “What did they say?”

“As long as I’m not your direct supervisor, we can date. So, we’re in the clear, professionally speaking.”

A slow smile spreads across Abby’s face. “That’s great news.”

I nod, returning her smile. “It is. I didn’t want to jeopardize your career, but I also couldn’t imagine not pursuing whatever this is between us.”

Abby leans forward over the table. “What exactly are we pursuing here, John?”

My mouth goes dry. I should’ve known she’d ask. “I want us to figure that out together.”

“I’d like to do that with you.”

We gaze at each other, and the rest of the café fades away.

Abby clears her throat. “So, would it be possible for me to meet with the higher-ups sometime? You know, to discuss my future at the company and all that?”

I freeze, remembering that said “higher-ups” are my uncles and my grandfather. “Uh, yeah, I’m sure that could be arranged after the holidays. I’ll set something up in the New Year.”

Abby nods, seemingly satisfied. I feel a twinge of guilt for not being fully honest, but I push it aside. That’s a conversation for another day, not our second official date.

As we finish our cocoas, I gather my courage. “So, on New Year’s Eve, would you and Powerfluff mind staying the night at my grandparents’ house? There’s plenty of room, and that way, we don’t have to worry about driving home late.”

“Are they sure about my cat coming?”

“Yes, both of you are expected.” It’s all I can do not to hold my breath.

“Okay.”

My relief is palpable. “Great.”

And it will be great, though based on what Grandma said, she assumes Abby and I will share a bedroom. We have already at her parents’ house. I don’t know if sleeping together on her count counts since that wasn’t in her bedroom, but one night was under duress and the other due to tiredness. But I told Grandma that two rooms would be best with Powerfluff, and even though Grandma sounded disappointed, she agreed.

* * *

Before I know it, New Year’s Eve has arrived. “Can you believe it’s the last day in December?”

Abby shakes her head. “No, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the new year.”

I park next to Lizzy’s car at my grandparents’ house. “Me, too.”

Powerfluff meows from the back seat as if to let her opinion be known. That cat has such an attitude I’m relieved she tolerates me.

This time the drive was much more comfortable than our first trip to her family’s house. We were only coworkers then, practically strangers. So much has changed since then.

We step out of the car, the cold air stinging my lungs. I open the passenger door and carefully lift Powerfluff’s carrier, her disgruntled meows insistent.

As we approach the front door, it swings open, revealing Grandma’s beaming face. “Oh, you’re here! Come in, come in.”

The house is still decorated for Christmas. None of the decorations come down until after Epiphany, but black-and-gold hats and noisemakers sit on a table. There’s also a stack of board games and a karaoke machine.

I set Powerfluff’s carrier on the floor, and she paws at the door, eager to explore her new surroundings.

“John, can you set these platters on the coffee table?” Grandma calls from the kitchen, emerging with an array of colorful appetizers.

I nod, carefully arranging the snacks while Abby helps Grandma with the remaining dishes. The spinach dip, Grandma’s specialty, takes center stage, its aroma mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread.

As I finish, Abby checks her phone and sighs.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

She looks up. “My mom texted me. She’s not feeling well, and my sister’s stuck at work.”

I try to ignore my disappointment, but I understand. That’s her family, even if they treat her like an outsider. “Do you want to leave?”

“Not really. Does that make me a bad person?”

“No, it makes you human.”

Gratitude shines in her eyes. “Thanks. I want to stay.”

Amidst the commotion, I turn my attention to Powerfluff, who is still meowing indignantly in her carrier. As I let her out, all I feel is happiness. I’m surrounded by the warmth of family, both human and feline.

“Who’s this little princess?” Grandpa exclaims, scooping Powerfluff up. She purrs contentedly, seemingly at home in the warm, festive atmosphere. I’m surprised given how she hides at Abby’s parents’ house.

As more relatives arrive, Powerfluff makes her rounds, accepting pets and treats like the feline royalty she is. She settles on the back of Grandma’s armchair with regal satisfaction.

After I change into nicer clothes, I rejoin the party. Powerfluff seems to be the guest of honor. I wait my turn to scratch behind her ears. The cat closes her eyes in bliss, the queen of our New Year’s celebration.

I laugh. “The queen has found her throne for the night.”

“She does look like a queen. Guess that makes me her lady-in-waiting,” Abby says. She’s wearing a sparkly dress and heels.

Flutters fill my stomach. “Wow.” I drink in the sight of her. “You are stunning.”

She blushes, smoothing her dress down. “Thanks. You clean up well yourself.”

As other guests arrive, we mingle and chat, but I find my gaze constantly drawn to Abby. She fits in seamlessly with my family and our friends. Wherever I am, I can pick out her laugh above the music and chatter.

As midnight approaches, anticipation builds. I make my way to Abby’s side, my palms sweaty.

“Hey.” I touch her elbow. “Want to step out on the balcony for the countdown? The view of the fireworks is great from there.”

She nods, following me outside. The temperature has dropped, and I drape a blanket over Abby’s shoulders. We lean against the railing, our arms brushing.

“Ten! Nine! Eight!” The chant from inside grows louder.

As I turn to face Abby, my heart pounds. “Thanks for coming here tonight.”

“Seven! Six! Five!”

She looks up at me. “This is exactly where I want to ring in the New Year.”

“Four! Three! Two!”

I cup her face gently.

“One! Happy New Year!”

As cheers erupt and fireworks explode across the sky, our lips meet in a tender kiss that sends sparks shooting through my entire body. Abby arches against me. Her arms wind around my neck as she deepens the kiss. I lower my hand from her face and wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer.

When we finally part, Abby rests her head on my chest. I hold her close, feeling as if we are a perfect fit.

“Happy New Year.” I brush my lips over her hair.

She tilts her face up to mine and smiles. “Happy New Year, John.” And then she kisses me again .