Page 29 of Wedlocked

Ryan pulled back, and I glanced behind me at Jamie who was standing over us, plowing through one of those giant cinnamon rolls.

“We haven’t even skated yet,” I told him.

“Carb loading,” he said, stabbing the entire round pastry with a plastic fork and dragging it up to his lips to take a massive bite out of the side.

Landry’s laughter carried in the air, and we all looked to the ice where she and Rush were already skating. I burst out laughing, seeing Rush, the big, intense swimmer, clinging to her hands as his legs shook like a newborn calf.

“Someone better get a picture of this,” Ryan mused.

“I’m on it,” Kruger said, pointing his phone in their direction. “I think this calls for a video.”

Just then, Rush’s feet slid out from under him, and he hit his ass.

Ryan clapped and whistled.

Rush gave him the finger.

Landry gasped and grabbed his arm, yanking it down. I could see her scolding him, and then he pulled her down on top of him so the pair were lying there tangled on the ice.

“He should have carb loaded too,” Jamie said, still chewing.

As soon as Ryan’s skates were on, we stepped on the ice, and I pushed off, gliding forward. The wind stung my cheeks, and the scarf around my neck fluttered around me.

I spread my arms, feeling like I was in the center of a snow globe. The sound of blades flying over the ice came fast. Before I could look, Ryan grabbed me from behind, and I squealed, lifting my feet as we slid over the ice together.

Coming to a stop, he lowered me, and I turned. His cheeks were red from the cold, his hat slashed low over his brow, and he was smiling. “Do I need to remind you to be careful?” he asked.

“Skating is not new to me.” I reminded him.

“I know, but you’re used to a rink. This is a lake.”

“The manual at the cabin said the snow patrol checks it every morning, and it’s roped off too.”

“I still want you to be careful.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

He caught me around the waist, and I slid into his chest. “I can’t help it that the thought of anything happening to you makes me crazy.”

“I’ll be careful, Ry.”

“Thanks, baby.”

“Race you!” I said and shot off.

“Hey!” he called, and I laughed.

I was fast, but he caught up. His long legs were my disadvantage, and we skated a lap hand in hand. Snow continued to fall, dusting the ice and our hats. The sky turned a little dim, but it only made the string lights glow brighter.

Over near the shore, Jamie and Madison were skating slowly, hand in hand. Jess and Kruger slid past, buzzing right by Bodhi who seemed startled, flinging both arms out for balance.

He grappled and flailed and would have fallen if Emmett didn’t catch him. Bodhi looked up, and even from a distance, I saw the sheepish relief on his face. Emmett said something and pulled him upright. Bodhi smiled and wrapped his arms around Emmett’s neck.

“This trip was a good idea,” I told Ryan, turning away from our friends to look at my favorite guy.

“You having a good time, Carrot?” he asked, skates stroking over the ice and creating a deep, mellow tone.

“It’s not a secret I’d go anywhere with you, but I’m glad you picked such a nice place,” I said, cheeky.