He spared her nothing more than a fleeting glance, and she was sure he was going to slam the door in her face. And probably would have if Lexi hadn’t stepped in the way. Chase might be absolutely gorgeous but the chip on his shoulder combined with his frozen exterior, were total turnoffs. Truthfully he scared the living crap out of her, though she wouldn’t admit it.
“Chase,” Lexi scolded. “I swear to God sometimes I feel like I live with a bunch of Neanderthals. It’s seriously ridiculous. You must be Emma.” She sent her a blinding smile with dimples just like Travis’s shining on both cheeks. Lexi was stunningly beautiful, and it was impossible to not feel dull next to her. She shared the same energy for life that Emma found endearing in Travis. “Come in. I think Travis is changing his shirt for like the upteenth time.” She rolled her eyes.
Emma immediately liked her and did her best to ignore Chase’s scowling frown.
“It’s so weird that we’ve never really talked at school before. Travis mentioned that your family moves a lot.”
She nodded folding her hands. “Yeah. My dad’s job is constantly relocating him.”
“I can’t imagine that being as glamorous as it sounds.”
“It sucks.”
Lexi laughed. “I bet it does.”
She never heard him come down the stairs, but she felt him behind her. Tingles frolicked through her body and it was instantly humming. Smiling, she turned around. “Hey.”
“You look great.”
His eyes always did crazy things to her. “Thanks.”
“You ready to go?” he asked, grinning.
She nodded feeling on the spot.
He drove some outrageously expensive car like an Audi or something. It road effortlessly, hugging the road, and it smelled rich.
“So where are you taking me?” she asked curled up on the plush leather seat.
“Guess.”
“You aren’t going to tell me even if I got it right, are you?”
Grinning like a little boy he replied, “Nope.”
“I didn’t think so.” She smiled.
When he finally stopped the car she was as confused about where they were going as she had been ten minutes ago. Taking her small hand in his, he led her through a slew of trees. He loved the feel of her quickening pulse. They came to a clearing with a little frozen pond. There were two pairs of ice skates propped up against the base of nearby tree along with a basket.
“Ice skating?” she guessed, smiling.
“This is the closest thing I come to dancing.”
“You can ice skate?”
“Does that surprise you?”
“I’m not sure anything can surprise me anymore,” she said, thinking about seeing her dad snooping around the house like a thief.
Travis wasn’t so sure about that, he had a few surprises up his sleeve that was for sure. She could never know, he reminded himself. Her life depended on it.
“Did you arrange all this?” she asked, lifting an eyebrow.
He flashed his dimples. “Impressed?”
She walked to the edge of the icy pond and turned around trying not to grin. “Maybe.”
He came to stand in front of her and tugged down on her knit hat. “Good. Did I already tell you how amazing you look?”
With him so close to her she lost the ability to think past how edible his lips were. “Hmm.” That was all she was able to manage.
“These are Lexi’s,” he said, holding out a pair of pristine white skates. “She is not much into any kind of outdoor activities. She is about your size, so I am hoping they will fit. Think you can keep up?” he murmured, his breath on her face.
Keep up? She could barely stand.
Lacing on her borrowed skates, she braced herself against the tree for balance. She was far from a pro skater, but she could hold her own. Easing her way to the iced pond, she took a cautious step onto the frozen glass. There was something risky about skirting on iced water like standing on the edge of the world.
Travis was at her side extending a hand. Together they crossed over, gliding on the sheer floor.
She was feeling comfortable and having the time of her life. Every second with Travis was unreal. Flying across the ice, she skating into his arms knowing very well he would catch her. If there was one thing Travis was, it was dependable and strong. Stronger than any boy her age should be.
His hands settled on the sides of her hips, spinning her in a circle. She let her head fall back, and her laugh rang out and into the puffy clouds above. He stole her breath away as the freezing air caught in her lungs.
Looking into his eyes, her laugh fell from her lips. His sea foam eyes were flickering with a ring of gold, and she instinctually knew that this was it.
He was going to kiss her. Finally.
Her blood spiked in anticipation. This was the pivotal moment she had been dreaming about for months.
Pulling her body flush against his, she let a little sound of surprise escape, never losing eye contact. The closer they got the more intense the gold ring became in his eyes. She was utterly fascinated and unable to tear her gaze away.
“You have eyes like a faerie, and your hair…” Brushing the hair from her flushed cheeks, he skimmed his fingers through her strawberry hair.