Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
This is going to be annoying to explain. “I never got lessons. No one taught me.”
Hudson halts his movements. “I’m confused. But then, how did Dane learn?”
I take a deep breath. “My dad taught him.”
“And he didn’t teach you?”
Of course, Hudson wouldn’t understand this. His family practically belongs on the Hallmark channel. Wholesome, caring, and a far cry from how my formerly drunk father was.
“Why would he? Only Dane could go to the NHL.” I don’t finish the thought, but we both know it. That he didn’t teach Dane out of love. He taught him out of greed. Only Dane needed to be the cash cow.
“No fear, Hex. If you suck at skating, that’s cool. Luckily for you, I’ll teach you.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“And the best part . . . you don’t even have to worry about how you’re going to pay me. I’m rich, and I accept other forms of payment.” He waggles his brows at me.
I can’t help but laugh.
If Hudson is good at one thing, he can always lighten the mood. It’s his superpower.
“Ready?” he asks, and I shake my head.
“No.” At least I’m honest.
“Come on, Hex. Don’t be like that. It’s easy. First rule is don’t fall.”
“Wow. That’s some great advice you got there, Wilde,” I say dryly.
He laughs, stepping onto the ice effortlessly beside me. “Have no fear, I’ll help you.” He reaches his hand out to me. I take a deep breath and grasp it.
“Now all you have to do is relax,” Hudson says, his grip firm but gentle. “I’ve got you.”
“Easy for you to say,” I mutter, my eyes glued to my skates. “You aren’t the one who most likely will fall on their face and break their nose.”
“First off, do you think I’d let you break that cute button nose you have?”
“You’re annoying.”
“And you married me.”
“Don’t remind me,” I deadpan.
He chuckles, guiding me slowly onto the rink. “You’re overthinking it. Just let go and trust me.”
Let go. Trust him. Sure.
The words hit harder than they should, stirring something deep in my chest.
Trust isn’t something I give easily.
Especially not after everything I’ve been through. But there’s something about him, something I can’t put my finger on, that makes me want to try.
We start slow.
He pulls me toward him, wrapping his arms around me, and skates for us both.
I’m stiff at first, and every muscle in my body is tense.
Please don’t let me fall.
He won’t.
When has he ever?
Despite everything in our past and the little lie the first time we met, he never let me down.
I keep that thought in my head as I give my trust to him and kick off from one foot to the next, gliding across the ice.
“See . . .” He places a kiss on my hair. “Not so bad, right? Now let’s try this.” He lets go of me and starts to skate until he’s facing me, but he’s skating backward this time, taking my hands in his.
Yeah, I think I liked it better when his arms were wrapped around me.
“Nope.” I glare at him. “I’m not ready for this. I’m totally going to fall.”
He grins, his hands tightening slightly on mine. “I wouldn’t let that happen.” Something about the way he says it, so matter-of-fact, makes me believe him.
It takes a while, but after a few laps around the rink, I find a rhythm, and I’m no longer as wobbly.
Hudson lets go of one of my hands and pivots his body, so he is now skating beside me.
“All right.” He slows to a stop. “Time to change it up.”
That doesn’t sound promising.
I stop awkwardly, nearly losing my balance. Real smooth, Molly. Real smooth. “Um, what?”
His lips part, and now I know I should be worried because the grin he gives me is mischievous as all hell. “I want you to close your eyes.”
“Nope. That would be negatory.” I immediately shake my head. “That is never going to happen.”
“Molly.” His voice is softer now. “Would I steer you wrong?”
“Yes.” My answer comes out so fast that Hudson’s lip twitches.
He inclines his chin down, looking me straight in the eye. “Molly . . .”
“Don’t Molly me.”
“Please trust me.” Something about the way he says that makes my pulse race a little faster. Can I really deny him this?
I stare at him, my heart pounding. “Hudson, I can barely stay upright as it is.”
“You’re better than you think.” He steps closer. “And I’m right here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
The words sink in, heavy and reassuring.
I want to believe him. I want to trust him.
But the idea of giving up control, even for a moment, makes my chest tighten with anxiety.
He must see the hesitation in my eyes because he steps even closer, his hands resting lightly on my shoulders.
“It’s just you and me.” He squeezes lightly. “No one else. No cameras, no reporters, no pressure. Just us.”