Page 30 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

“Okay, I wish we started sharing orgasms sooner.”

Owen’s mouth quirked up on one side. “I’ll grant you that, but you were raised to believe things happen when they’re supposed to.”

Tyler had listened to many sermons on the topic over the years. God’s will versus man’s will. Destiny versus hard work. People who believed they could manifest things into existence versus those who waited for some predetermined destiny to reveal itself. Tyler wasn’t sure where he fell on the spectrum of beliefs. More than one of those things could be true at the same time. He figured most people’s success was a combination of hard work and the stars aligning in their favor. He’d seen things that truly seemed like miracles, and he’d seen people who succeeded by sheer will and grit. Maybe the universe truly gave a person what they wanted when they needed it most.

“All I know is that I believe in you,” Tyler said.

“Then I say we don’t waste another second on what might have been when we can focus on what is right in front of us.”

Tyler sighed. Owen really would make a good therapist or counselor, but he kept his mouth shut.

“And what’s in front of you,” Owen continued, “is a man who’s about to have a sore ass.”

Tyler’s brows shot up. “Do tell.”

Owen snorted and rolled his eyes. “It’s my first time roller-skating, so I figure my ass is going to get acquainted with the floor more than once.”

Tyler scoffed and waved him off. “You’re a natural at everything you try.” Tyler opened the door and exited the truck.

Owen did the same and rounded the hood, reaching for his hand. “Name one example.”

Tyler slid his fingers through Owen’s and said, “Riding horses. You’d never been on one until you arrived at the ranch, and you got the hang of it in no time.”

Owen hummed like he was stuck between agreeing or arguing. “I got tossed on my ass a few times.”

“By Nellie,” Tyler countered. “She hated everyone until Kieran arrived. Think about the dozens of horses you rehabilitated so they could find their forever homes. Want me to list other things?”

Owen’s cheeks turned pink. “Nah. I got the gist of it. You think I hung the moon.”

“No, but your eyes twinkle brighter than the stars when you look at me.” Tyler smiled over at him. “I’ve got the photos back home to prove it.”

When they reached the rink, Tyler’s gaze landed on the pride flag sticker on the door that said everyone was welcome and the business wouldn’t tolerate hate. He tightened his fingers around Owen’s, notched his chin up higher, and entered the rink. Owen paid their fee, and Tyler practically dragged him over to the counter to get skates.

Owen held up the brown leather rentals and grimaced. “I don’t want to think about all the feet that have been inside these things.”

Jail hadn’t been what Tyler would call pristine, but they’d gotten spoiled since moving to Redemption Ridge. He might’ve thought the complaint was a delay tactic, but Owen had the same gripe about bowling shoes. “They spray them with disinfectant when we’re finished.”

“Sure they do,” Owen said dryly as he removed his boots.

“If you love skating half as much as I do, I’ll buy you a pair of your own skates,” Tyler told him.

Owen leveled him with a skeptical gaze as he slid a foot into the skate. “Is there a rink for beginners?”

“I’ll teach you everything you need to know on the carpet before we head to the wooden floor.”

“I’m mostly interested in learning to stop,” Owen said as he stood on shaky legs.

Tyler quickly finished lacing his skates and stood up too. They used the small area to go over the basics, including how to push off and how to stop. Owen flailed his arms a few times but always regained his balance. He looked so pleased with himself that Tyler didn’t have the heart to tell Owen the wood floor would be so much slicker. “You want to watch the skaters from the wall for a little bit so you can see the crossover footwork in the corners?”

“Crossover?” Owen’s voice rose a few octaves. “That sounds complicated.”

“You’ll catch on by the third or fourth turn,” Tyler said. “Come on.” He reached for Owen’s hand, and they slowly made their way to the half wall surrounding the rink. “You enter and exit through those openings,” Tyler said.

“Mmhmm.”

Tyler looked over and saw that Owen’s attention was riveted to the skaters. Some of them were young kids, but there were older teens and adults in the mix. The skills ranged from flailing arms and hysterical screaming to gliding around the rink like an Olympic athlete. A couple who appeared to be in their sixties or seventies breezed by, holding hands, and Owen smiled at their cuteness. The music switched from a fast tempo to a slower rhythm, making it a good time for Owen to try it.

“Ready?” Tyler asked.