Chapter 5

The chill in the air was the first thing that hit me, a sharp, crisp bite that made my skin prickle with anticipation. We had retreated from the cacophony of the rink, away from the clatter of skates and the tinny, cheerful loop of holiday carols, into the small, semi-private lounge area tucked behind the concession stand. It was dimmer here, the ambient light casting long, dancing shadows against the frosted glass windows. Outside, the massive tree dominated the center of the rink, its string lights twinkling like captured stars, but in here, it was just the two of us, suspended in a bubble of heavy, electric silence. I looked up at him, my chest heaving slightly from the exertion of our quick walk, and felt that familiar, intoxicating pull in my gut. He was watching me with that dark, possessive intensity that always made my knees weak. He didn’t say anything; he didn’t need to. The air between us was thick enough to choke on, charged with the promise of what was coming. He reached out, his hand large and warm against my cheek, tilting my head back so I had no choice but to meet his gaze. "Come