Page 40 of All She Wants
Claire buckled her seat belt and flexed her fingers inside her gloves. “I’ve had all afternoon to reconsider this.”
“And?”
“I’m still going. I would simply like it noted that placing my life in your hands is an extraordinary act of trust.”
“I promised I wouldn’t let you fall.”
“I remember. My anxiety remains unconvinced, but at least it’s dressed appropriately.”
Erin laughed and reached for her hand.
Two miles later, the outdoor rink appeared through the trees, sunlight flashing across its busy surface.
Claire sat straighter. “Oh my. That looks considerably more slippery in person.”
Erin laced her skates, then knelt in front of Claire and checked the fit of hers. Claire sat so straight that Erin suspected every muscle in her body had joined the effort to keep her upright.
“Are they supposed to feel this unnatural?”
“They’re supposed to feel snug.”
“If this is snug, I owe several pairs of shoes an apology.”
Erin laughed, finished lacing Claire’s skates, and stood. “Ready?”
“I was hoping to spend a little more time enjoying the seated portion of the lesson.”
Erin laughed and offered both hands. Claire took them and rose carefully. Her ankles tipped inward, and both hands flew to Erin’s shoulders.
“I already miss regular shoes.”
“You’ve been standing for three seconds.”
“That’s long enough to discover several muscles around my ankles I’ve apparently neglected.”
Erin guided her toward the rink entrance. Claire moved across the rubber mat in small, deliberate steps and kept one hand firmly on Erin’s arm. Three children streaked past the gate at full speed. Claire let out a groan as she watched them disappear around the curve.
“They’re six years old,” Erin said.
“They have a lower center of gravity and no concept of mortality.”
Erin stepped onto the ice first and turned back, offering both hands. “Bend your knees. Trust the blades.”
Claire set one skate on the surface. Her knee locked. The blade slid two inches to the left, and her arms flew outward. The second skate followed, and for one remarkable instant she stood completely still on the ice, vibrating with concentration.
Then both feet moved in opposite directions.
Erin caught her around the waist before she went down. Claire seized Erin’s shoulders and pressed her face against Erin’s chest. Her breath came in short, startled bursts.
“I appear to have overestimated my athletic ability.”
“You told me you were athletic.”
“That was when I was stranded overnight in an adult boutique with a beautiful woman. There may have been some embellishment.”
“So you aren’t athletic?”
“I own several attractive workout outfits. I may have confused the two.”
