Under the Mistletoe

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"Get dressed, Jen. We're going ice skating."

The moment I agreed to go along with that statement was the moment I made one of the most stupidest decisions of my life. Okay, so I've made my fair share of stupid decisions-one being the bet I made with Chris-but, the point is that this has got to be the most idiotic thing I have ever done.

Now, many people say that ice skating is wonderful, glorious, enchanting even, but this is where I disagree. This sport is a hazard to health, a death trap for sure. Just one slip, just one fall and you could break all your bones, and I need all 206 of them. And when you land straight on your butt, god, the never-ending, scorching pain you have to endure as well as the horror and embarrassment is enough to convince you to never leave the comfort of your warm and snuggly bed.

I am still thoroughly convinced though, that I most definately wasn't in the right frame of mind when I agreed to go with Chris. Perhaps it was his devilishy good looks or the way he looked undeniably handsome this morning-either way, I was clearly not thinking straight when I agreed to my most certain death.

"You know," I mused as I let out a breath, watching the visible, white cloud form before my eyes. "If I die, my blood will be on your hands. Can you live a life with the guilt and horror of my death hanging over your head?"

Chris turned to face me, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Jenna," Chris said in an overly sweet voice. "You most definately won't die. What a waste of money that would be for me if you did."

That asshole, he had the nerve to talk about his money being wasted when I was most certainly going crazy here with all the worrying I was doing. To heck with his money, my life was on the line here.

"Hello, I'm talking about my death here." I snapped as I waved a hand in front of his face.

"I know." Chris answered as the corner of his lips tipped up into a heart-wrenching, lopsided smile.

"Do you not even care?" I asked, and quite curiously too.

When Chris caught on to the semi-serious look on my face, his mouth formed a visible 'o' when he realised that I half-heartedly believed him.

A freezing gust of wind blew then, filling my whole being with a sudden coldness that caused even the core of my heart to freeze. I shivered and wrapped my coat tighter around my body, cursing myself all the while when I realised that I had forgotten my hat, scarf and gloves.

As I rubbed my hands together in attempt to warm them, blowing on them to help, Chris grabbed my freezing palms in his, warming them up instantly. His gloves were loosely hanging out of his coat pocket, tipping over the edge and threatening to fall. As the warmth from Chris' hands, which were enclosed around mine, seeped through, I let out a sigh.

Chris lowered his face to mine, until it was only inches away, and parted his red, chapped lips. "Sweetheart, of course I care. I always have cared and always will care. Don't you ever doubt me."

His words left me stunned, unable to speak and to let the words fall from my lips. I exhaled a long, shaky breath and briefly closed my eyes. Why were his words affecting me so much? What had changed over these last few days?

As I opened my eyes once I again, I was met with soft, ice blue ones that were gazing intensely at me. They appeared to be much closer than before as they continued to stare at me-continued to see through me.

"Jenna." Chris murmured slowly, his eyelids slightly drooping as his gaze lowered to my lips.

"Yes." I breathed, so quietly that it was barely audible above the rush of the cars and the endless chatter of people talking in the distance.