Page 134 of Only Ever You

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

all because of michael

ISLA

Nineteen years old

As practice nears its end, I’m still full of energy. I want to do more, I want to make sure every move is perfect. I stop, catching my breath, considering what to work on. The answer comes naturally—cantilever. It’s one of my favorite moves, mostly because of how impossible it looks from the outside.

The music turns into a hum as I build speed, and the wind swishes in my ears. Starting with spread eagle, I glide on both feet with toes turned out to the sides. My body tunes itself to the rhythm, and, right on time, I push my knees forward and my blades inside. My thighs burn, and my balance shifts. I tighten my core and lean back, lower and lower.

The moment I touch the ice with the back of my hand, the world clicks into a place. The lights blur above as I glide forward with my head tipped back, my back nearly parallel to the ice.

A smile blooms on my lips. This is a sensation I’ll never get tired of. The control I have over my body. The pressure in my edges. I hold the line, and when I can’t ignore the burn in my legs any longer, I pull myself up and skate forward, catching my breath.

A whistle sounds, echoing through the large space. My muscles tense and my breath catches. What the…? I thought I was here alone. I turn, and when I meet Michael’s eyes, time slows.

He sits on the players’ bench, a smile lighting up his features. I’ve seen every one of his smiles. The teasing one. The cocky one. The mischievous one. But this one has to be my favorite. This one is full of pride.

I head toward him, the temperature of my body increasing under his scrutiny.

“Hey.” I grip the boards, steadying myself.

Angling over, he pecks my lips. His scent—mint and citrus—slides under my skin, making my heart beat faster. “Hi.” He holds my gaze. “You were unreal. I’ve seen you perform cantilever before, but I swear, you get better every time.”

I let out a little laugh. “Practice makes perfect.”

“Nah, it takes talent, perseverance, and stubbornness too. That’s what makes you perfect.”

Heat crawls up my cheeks, and yet, I can’t hide my smile. “You’re such a flatterer.”

“Only for you.”

We’re quiet then, just studying one another. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so content, so at ease.

“Ready to spend the rest of the day with me?” He tilts his head, his eyebrow cocked.

Excitement flutters through me. “Always.”

“Then go change. I’ll wait for you outside. I need to make a few calls before we leave.”

I furrow my brow. “Did something happen?”

“Nah.” He shakes his head. “Just need to make sure your surprise is ready.”

My breath catches. “My surprise?”

“Well, surprises plural would be more accurate.”

“You don’t have to do anything for me. Spending time with you is all I need.”

“I want to.” He shrugs before he turns on his heel and heads down the hallway. “I’ll be outside.”

Thirty minutes later, we walk through downtown hand in hand. Michael refuses to give me a single hint about where we’re going, no matter how much I beg, bribe, or threaten him.

“You’re enjoying this way too much.” I huff.

“Maybe.”