Chapter 8

York

“That’s it. You’ll be a pro in no time,” I tell Noelle, my voice full of encouragement as I watch her gradually find a smoother rhythm on the ice. She’s still wobbly, but there’s a determination in her that’s hard to ignore. The rink is bustling with people, and it feels like the whole town has come out to watch our little performance.

As she gains confidence, I can’t help but smile, thinking she’s doing great. That is until, with a dramatic flourish, she runs smack into me. I burst into laughter as I catch her before she can hit the ice, pulling her close.

“Smooth move there,” I tease, holding her steady. “You’ve got the whole ‘crashing into your partner’ thing down. I didn’t realize we were going for a duet.”

Noelle’s cheeks flush a rosy pink, and she grins up at me, looking a bit embarrassed but amused. “Yeah, well, I thought I’d add a little drama to our night. You know, to keep things interesting.”

I raise an eyebrow, still chuckling. “Interesting is one word for it. I was thinking more along the lines of ‘heart-stopping.’ But I guess that’s just part of the fun.”

“Glad I could keep you entertained,” she retorts, playfully pushing me as she regains her balance. “If you’re going to keep making me laugh, I might just end up on my backside again.”

“Don’t worry,” I say, still smiling as I guide her back into the center of the rink. “I’ve got a strict ‘no falling’ policy. I’ll make sure you stay upright—or at least, I’ll do my best to keep you from hitting the ice too hard.”

However, my mind’s instantly turned dirty, and the thoughts of Noelle on her backside have my body growing warmer. She’s breathtaking, and I want nothing more than to kiss her again.

Noelle glances around, taking in the lively atmosphere. “I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. But don’t get too confident. I might surprise you with some unexpected moves.”

“Now that’s the spirit,” I reply, guiding her with a gentle hand. “Just remember, if you’re planning on any fancy footwork, maybe save it for the next time we’re not in danger of a major collision.”

We skate together, the banter and laughter making the experience feel less like a test and more like a playful adventure. With every glide and twirl, the ice under our feet feels less intimidating.

My emotions are a whirlwind right now, and honestly, I feel like I could talk to Noelle for the rest of my life. More than that, I think I could kiss her for the rest of my life too. The connection between us is undeniable, and every moment spent with her feels like a dream I never want to end.

As we finish skating, we make our way over to the chocolate shop next to the rink. We quickly remove our skates and exchange them for our shoes, the process almost becoming a dance of its own as we hurry to get inside.

The moment we step through the door, the warmth of the shop envelops us, a welcome relief from the chill outside. Noelle’s eyes light up as she rubs her hands together to warm them. “It feels so good in here,” she says with a contented sigh, her cheeks still rosy from the cold and her bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

I’m momentarily stunned, unable to take my eyes off her. The glow of the shop lights accentuates her beauty, making her look even more enchanting. My heart pounds in my chest.

Just as I’m lost in my silent reverie, a sudden flash of light pulls me back to reality. I turn to see a flash from a camera—someone just took a photo of us. The unexpected intrusion jolts me out of my daze, and I glance around, spotting the paparazzi in the corner of the shop, quickly retreating with their camera.

Noelle notices the commotion too and gives a small, nervous laugh. “Well, looks like we’re still in the spotlight.”

I manage a grin, trying to regain my composure. “Seems like it. I guess our little chocolate detour is getting some extra attention.”

With the paparazzi gone, I focus back on Noelle.

The need to taste her lips again consumes me, a fire that burns hotter with every passing second. The shop is crowded, filled with the buzz of people chatting and enjoying their treats, but I no longer care about any of that. All I can focus on is Noelle, and the magnetic pull between us that’s impossible to resist.

We find a small alcove in the shop, a cozy corner that offers just enough privacy to make me feel like we’re the only two people in the world. My heart is pounding steadily in my chest, the rhythm matching the growing desire coursing through my veins. The world around us fades into the background, leaving only the intensity of the moment.

“Noelle,” I whisper, my voice thick with longing as I lean in closer. “Maybe we should give everyone a show.”

Her eyes widen slightly, curiosity flickering in those bright blue depths. “How?” she asks, her voice barely above a breath, laced with both anticipation and uncertainty.

I let my fingers glide through her silky hair, the strands slipping easily between my fingers. With one swift, gentle tug, I remove her cap, freeing her hair to cascade down around her shoulders. The sight of her, so natural and beautiful, sends a rush of warmth through me.

I inch closer, the space between us shrinking until our breaths mingle in the air. “Like this,” I murmur, my lips brushing against hers as I speak, the contact sending a shiver down my spine.

Noelle’s lips part slightly, and I capture them in a deep, lingering kiss, the world outside our little alcove fading even further into insignificance. There’s a passion in our kiss that I can’t ignore, a raw, undeniable need that makes me forget about the cameras, the crowd, and everything else.

It’s just us, lost in the heat of the moment, and nothing else matters.