Page 73 of Ride with Zane
As we enter the hotel, the warmth of the lobby envelops us, and the sound of laughter and excitement fills the air. “You’re here!” Raven’s voice startles me. “Rock.” She nods at him before pulling me away from his arms. “We have a few agents who want to talk to you.”
“Now?” I whine, dragging my feet while looking back to Rock.You’re moving faster than I predicted, Rave.
Zane
The morning sun casts a warm glow through the curtains as I wake up. Ashley is already awake, her vibrant energy filling the space. The knock on the door makes me get up and open it.
“Room service, Sir.” The waiter eyes my tattoos and I move away to make him come in. “Have a great day.”
I hand him a tip. “You too.”
I close the door behind him. “Breakfast is here, Princess.”
“Have it, I’m okay.”
Leaning against the door frame I watch her wear her makeup. “you won’t skip breakfast. Raven said you’ll spend the whole day on ice.”
“Don’t remind me.” She sighs heavily.
I take a croissant and bring her to her lips. “Your way or mine?”
She hums while a smile plays on her lips. “Fine.”
As we finish our breakfast, I watch Ashley gather her skating gear, her determination evident in every movement. I can’t help but feel nervous while I take her duffle and follow her downstairs. The Olympic arena is not far away from where we’re staying and seeing the massive building intimidates me.
The buzz around us is defending and I don’t know how she can hear what Raven’s telling her. As Ashley steps onto the ice, a wave of anticipation washes over me. I find a seat in the stands, my eyes fixed on her graceful form as she begins her routine. Her movements are fluid and precise, each jump and spin executed with a level of skill that leaves me in awe and I’m not the only one who’s watching her.
In between her figures, I ruminate on the surprise I have for her. A smile tugs at my lips as I recall the moment I found the tattoo and the joy it brought to Ashley’s face. It’s a reminder of the deep connection we share, a bond that grounds us in the love we have for each other.
As Ashley’s routine nears its end, the little crowd gathered near me and Raven erupts in applause, their admiration for her evident. I join in, clapping and cheering for her with all my heart. She skates toward me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. Raven approaches her but Ash ignores her. “You ready?”
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. “Always for you, Princess,” I whisper on her lips.
The pat on my shoulder makes me turn my head and meet Raven’s eyes. “You need these.” I can’t sense her nervousness. What’s her problem?
Ash smiles, her cheeks flushed. “Move, Prez, I don’t have the entire day.”
I do my best to wear them faster and when I get on my feet I stand by the edge of the ice rink, feeling a knot of nervousness twisting in my gut. Ashley's already on the ice, skating effortlessly, her smile inviting and warm.
“Princess, I'm not sure about this. It's been a while since I tried this skating thing,” I confess, eyeing the smooth, glimmering surface with apprehension.
She glides over to me, radiating confidence. “You'll do fine, Rock. Just take it slow.”
Nodding tentatively, I step onto the ice, tightly holding Ashley's hand. As I start to move, fear grips me, and I falter, almost losing my balance.
“I'm probably gonna end up flat on my back, huh?” I chuckle, trying to ease my nerves.
Ashley laughs, a melodious sound that soothes my nerves. “Not a chance. Just follow my lead and trust me,” she skates by my side.
I grip her hand tightly, feeling uncertain. “I don't want to accidentally hurt you. I'm not exactly the most graceful skater.”
“You won't. I promise,” she guides me forward slowly. “Relax and let yourself feel the rhythm.”
Drawing in a deep breath, I attempt to steady myself as I cautiously glide forward. But anxiety claws at me again, and I abruptly release Ashley's hand falling on my ass.
“Rock, what's wrong?” worry etches into her voice as she skates back to me.
“I... I don't know if I can do this,” I confess, frustration evident in my tone.