Baby, It's Cold Inside

Chapter Six

Hot chocolate has to be one of the best things in the world.

Sean decided to go back out and join Mr. Blackbourne. I'm sure he's ribbing him terribly.

Mr. Blackbourne was fine, just as Sean had said, and as soon as he got up, he started skating again. He seems to live by that saying of getting back on a horse.

North, Kota, and I sip the delicious concoction and people watch. North has his left arm stretched across the back of the park bench behind me. They each have a thigh touching my knees. I feel cozy tucked between them.

One couple has occupied my attention. They're elderly but obviously still spry as they maneuver around on the ice, hand in hand, skating in rhythm. I imagine they've been doing that since they were teenagers.

Their content and happy expressions make me smile. It makes me happy to see others enjoying Victor's generosity.

"What are you smiling about?" Kota asks, smiling at me himself.

I nod my head toward the couple as they skate by. "I was just thinking how sweet they are."

North watches them as he takes a sip then looks down at me. "Someday we'll be doing that, Baby."

I beam. "I'd like that."

"Or you could be doing that." Kota laughs, pointing at the ice.

I burst into giggles as Luke and Gabe literally dance by like a pair of ice dancers. They spin 'round and 'round, arms holding each other, their noses in the air and pompous expressions on their faces.

"What. The. Hell." North's words send both Kota and I into a fit. Tears start to form and I wipe them away with my glove.

"You would do that with me, wouldn't you, North?" I can't even get the words out without laughing.

He shakes his head and lets out a huff. "You know I'd do anything you asked."

I do know that, and the fact that he'd be willing, regardless of how he feels, makes me love him even more.

**********

Those of us who didn't know how to skate have greatly improved over the past two hours, me included! I've taken turns skating with all of the guys, even Silas and North, and no one fell.

Right now I'm skating with Honey as we hold hands. He keeps us at a slow and steady pace and I'm savoring the feel of the light, cool, breeze on my face. Walking In A Winter Wonderland is playing on the speakers.

It's been a perfect night.

"Are you getting tired?" Nathan asks.

I sigh. "Yes."

I hate to admit it. I don't want tonight to end, but my feet are sore.

He laughs. "You know we can come back anytime?"

"We can?"

"Yep. Victor is having this place open every day from twelve to nine. At least one of us should be able to bring you when you want to go."

My heart lifts at the thought of all the nights we can enjoy this.

"How are your feet?"

I scrunch my nose.

He chuckles. "It'll get better with time." He brings us to a stop and scoops me up like I weigh nothing. "We better let your cute feet rest."

"Feet are not cute."

He begins to move, gliding across the ice, and the motion feels wonderful. I know I'm safe in his arms.

"Your feet are," he argues. "They're tiny and pretty. Especially when Gabe puts nail polish on them."

The rest of guys follow us as we head to the entrance.

"Baby what's wrong?"

"Her cute feet are sore and she's tired," Honey answers.

"You should have said something, Pookie."

I shake my head at their usual concern when it comes to me. "I'm fine. I'm a good kind of tired."

Nathan continues to carry me as he now walks to the bench where our stuff is. I'm gently deposited on it. Gabe immediately begins to remove my skates. "Sounds like someone's going to need a foot massage." He grins.

Silas groans as he removes his giant skates. "Thanks Gabe. I could use one."

"I'm not touching your f*cking feet."

Silas holds out a socked foot and wiggles his massive toes. "Come on Gabe, you know you want to."

"Oy!" Gabe smacks his foot away as Silas laughs. "Get that away from me! Your foot smells like shit!"

Silas' expression turns into an exaggerated look of offense. "My feet smell like roses."

"Yeah, Rose's dead dog," Gabe mutters, making Silas and the others laugh more.

Once we've put our boots back on and skates away, we file out of the building. I take Victor's hand and lean my head on his shoulder as we walk. He lays his on top of mine. It's a little awkward to walk like this, our heads slightly bumping, but neither of us pull away.

"Thank you Victor. It was wonderful. I'll always remember tonight."

I can hear the smile in his voice, "You're welcome my Princess."

As we make our way to the cars I hear Luke and Gabe horsing around. Silas' laughter booms in the night and the low deep voices of the others talking lulls me.

Once again I'm surrounded by the boys I love, and life couldn't be more perfect.