Tayvis One-Shots

winter wonderland

Taylor's POV

The biting cold nipped at my cheeks as I adjusted my scarf, wrapping it tighter around my neck. New York winters weren't exactly harsh, but tonight, the chill was enough to make me grateful for the oversized coat Travis had insisted I wear. I glanced at him as he rummaged through the back seat of his truck, his broad frame silhouetted by the streetlights.

"Remind me again why this was your idea," I teased, watching him pull out a pair of skates and sling them over his shoulder.

"Because it's fun," he said with a grin, shutting the truck door. "And because I've been wanting to see how bad you are at skating."

I narrowed my eyes at him, my lips twitching into a smile despite myself. "You know I've never skated before, right?"

"That's what makes it fun," he replied, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. "Don't worry, Tay, I won't let you fall... much."

"Oh, very comforting," I shot back, my tone dry. But I couldn't stop the butterflies in my stomach, the warmth that spread through me whenever he looked at me like that—with equal parts affection and mischief.

The ice rink wasn't far from home, tucked into a small park decorated with twinkling lights. The city had gone all out for the season, stringing garlands along the fences and placing a massive Christmas tree at the center of the park. It was beautiful, like something out of a Hallmark movie.

We strolled hand in hand toward the rink, the faint sound of holiday music growing louder as we approached. Couples and families dotted the area, some gliding effortlessly across the ice while others clung to the railing for dear life. I had a sinking feeling I'd be in the latter group.

"I already regret this," I muttered under my breath as we reached the edge of the rink.

Travis chuckled, setting down the skates. "You haven't even tried yet. Sit."

I obeyed, plopping onto a nearby bench as he knelt to help me with my skates. His fingers worked quickly, lacing them up with practiced ease. I couldn't help but admire him—the way his brow furrowed in concentration, the way his hands were so gentle even though they were capable of such strength.

"Stop staring at me and focus," he said without looking up, his lips quirking into a smile.

I flushed, caught red-handed. "I wasn't staring."

"Sure you weren't." He finished tying the last skate and stood, holding out a hand to help me up. "Come on, superstar. Time to show me what you've got."

The moment I stood, I realized I had absolutely nothing to "show." My ankles wobbled dangerously, and I clung to his arm like a lifeline.

"Okay, okay, maybe I should just watch from the sidelines," I suggested, my voice pitched higher as my skates slid slightly.

"No chance," Travis said, steadying me. His grip was firm but reassuring. "You're getting on that ice."

The first step onto the rink was terrifying. The blades of the skates felt impossibly thin, and the ice was somehow both too slippery and too solid. I gripped the railing tightly, refusing to let go despite Travis's repeated assurances.

"Taylor, you've got to let go," he said, gliding backward effortlessly. "You're not going to learn anything if you stay glued to the wall."

"I'd rather not learn anything than fall flat on my face," I retorted, my knuckles white from clutching the rail.

He laughed, skating back to me and prying one of my hands off the railing. "I've got you. Just trust me."

"Easy for you to say," I grumbled, reluctantly letting him pull me away from the safety of the edge.