“No one likes to wear used skates.” What I don’t say is there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her. Nothing I wouldn’t give her. These skates are just a small token of that.
She looks up at me, her smile lighting up her eyes. “I should have known.”
“What do you say? Feel like skating with me?”
“After all of the work you put into this? How could I say no?” She makes quick work of pulling out both skates and pulling off her boots. “What about you?”
“I have mine.” I point to where they sit behind the coolers. “I didn’t want you to see them and spoil the surprise.”
“It’s really warm in here,” she comments, pulling on the first skate.
“Yeah, this tent, the material’s thick, and it helps that I had Dad crank this up when I got to your place earlier.” I wasn’t sure that this old tent would still hold heat, but Dad assured me it would.
“I can’t believe you did all of this.”
“It’s our first Valentine’s Day together.” I finish tying my skates. “You ready for this?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” She laughs. “It’s been years since I’ve been on the ice.”
“I’ve got you.” I offer her my hand, and she doesn’t hesitate to take it and allows me to help her to her feet. “Ready, baby?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
Reaching into my pocket, I hit Play on the playlist that I made for tonight, and the music begins to play from the small outdoor Bluetooth speaker I have set up just outside of the tent. Hand in hand, we make our way to the ice. I step on first and hold my hands out for her, helping to keep her steady.
“Is there anything that you didn’t think of?” she asks, as we begin to slowly skate around the rink.
“Come on now. This is me we’re talking about.” I wink at her, and she laughs.
“You can turn around,” she tells me. “I think I’ve got this.”
“Just like riding a bike. However, I like this,” I say as I continue to hold onto both of her hands, skating backward.
“You’re awful good at that. Is this where you bring all the girls?” she teases.
“You know that’s not true. I’ve never brought anyone here. Never. Just you. This place is special.”
“I thought it was just dinner with your family?”
“Nope. This is my sanctuary of sorts, my brothers too.”
“So, they never bring anyone out here either?”
“Well, Royce and Owen brought Sawyer and Layla, but they’re married now, or almost married. Baby momma status and an engagement ring is close enough in my book.”
“What about the younger two?”
“Nope,” I say, popping the p. “You know what that means, right?” I slow, allowing us both time to stop before drawing her into my chest, wrapping my arms around her waist.
“What?” she asks, staring up at me.
“You’re special.” She looks away, but I’m not having any of that. “Eyes on me, baby.” Her eyes pull back to mine. “There she is.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You can ask anyone in my family. They’ll all tell you that you’re special. They know me, and they know what it means to have you here. Hell, they know what it means that I want you tied down.”
“Tied down, huh?” she asks, humor lacing her voice.
“Tied to me. Is that better?”
“As long as it’s not tied to the bed,” she says and immediately slaps her hand over her mouth. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I just said that. Aspen is rubbing off on me. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m not ruling out the tying to the bed scenario, but only when you’re ready.” I wink at her. Her cheeks are pink, and although it’s cold outside, I’m positive that some of that is from her embarrassment.
“You can’t say things like that,” she scolds.
“You’re my girl,” I say, kissing her softly. “It’s bound to happen.”
“I-I’m not into that.”
“Into what?” I play dumb. I’m enjoying this way more than I should.
“Tying and all that,” she says, burying her face in my chest.
“All that?” I ask, goading her.
“Grant! You know what I mean.” She laughs, the sound drowning out the slow hum of the music.
“You’re too damn cute.” I kiss her forehead and pull away. Keeping one of her hands clasped in mine, we skate around a little more. “You hungry?” I ask after a few laps.
“If you are.”
I stop, and we both almost fall, but I’m able to correct us before it happens. “Aurora.” My voice is stern. “Are you hungry?”
“A little.”
“Don’t hide from me, baby.” I wish I could beat the hell out of the fucker who hurt her. He better run if I ever meet him. Jackass. “I’m starving, and we need to get you warmed up. Your nose looks like Rudolph.” I let go of her hand and grin at her. “Wanna race?”
“I don’t know.” She begins to ponder the request, when out of the blue, she takes off, skating as hard and as fast as she can. I don’t rush after her, not when I’m enjoying the view of her ass in those jeans.
When she’s almost to the edge, I take off after her and almost eat it, making us both laugh. “A little rusty, Riggins?” she teases.
“Hush it, woman.” I chuckle. “Come on.” I pull back the side of the tent so that we can enter. It’s not as cozy as a house, but it sure as hell takes the chill off. “Have a seat, and I’ll grab our dinner.”
“What are we having?”
“I had to bring Mom in on this one. She makes the best homemade vegetable soup. I thought something warm would be ideal. We have homemade biscuits too, and triple chocolate cake for dessert. Her specialty.”
“Did you help?” she asks.
“That would be a negative. No way am I attempting to bake for my hot-ass baker girlfriend. I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.”
She grins. “Come on. I think it would be sweet.”
“You want me to bake for you?” I ask her.
“Maybe one day. Not now. It won’t mean as much with me telling you to do it.”
“Women.” I shake my head, and we both laugh.
“So, how are things at the bakery?” I ask, after serving us both a cup of soup.
“Great.” Her eyes light up. “Better than I could have expected. I was worried the newness would wear off, but the numbers are steady, and it’s been a little over two months, so I’m happy. I hope it stays that way.”
“You’ve tried your treats, right?”
“Treats?” She laughs.
“What else am I supposed to call them?”
“Warm Delights,” she fires back with a smirk.
“My girl’s got jokes.” I know I’m smiling like a fool, but I couldn’t care less. This woman sitting across from me makes me happy. I can’t not smile knowing she’s mine.
“There they go again.” She places her hand on her belly. She must see my confusion. “The butterflies,” she adds.