Whatever It Takes (Bold As Love 3)

“Unfortunately, that is something we argued about recently. You do most of the work around the house.”

Emily just nods and digs into her food. We eat silently and I can't help but wonder what she's thinking. Glancing over, I see that she is dressed in jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt and a scarf thrown around her neck. I didn't even know she owned a scarf. That's the first I've seen her wear one.

After we eat, Emily offers to wash the dishes so I can get ready. Opening the drawer, I pull out a black long sleeve t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. I slip into my clothes, brush my teeth and hair, and put on socks and shoes.

My skates are already in my bag. We'll have to rent Emily a pair once we go to the local ice skating rink.

“Ready?” I ask.

“Yes, I am.”

I open the door and we're off to the rink.

15

Emily

How could I have ever gotten over Conrad? I hate to admit it but waking up in Jake's arms this morning stirred a feeling of safety within me. That said, if I got over Conrad, even though I didn't remember the past three years, then why can't I enjoy the presence of this hot guy? On wobbly legs, I step out onto the ice. Immediately, I reach behind me for Jake. His strong hands firmly grasp my hips.

“It's okay. I've got you.”

His words are promising.

“Alright. Now pretend you are rollerblading. It's that easy.”

“I've never roller-bladed.”

Chuckling, he says, “Push off on your left then your right.”

I do as he says and slowly inch forward. My foot slips as I attempt to speed up just a little. Strong hands keep me upright and my insides shake as Jake's breath warms my ear.

“I told you that I've got you.”

I focus on trying to skate. After ten minutes, I sort of get the hang of it. Jake releases me and instantly, I know that it's Jake that has kept me standing thus far. My arms flail about as Jake skates in front of me. He takes my hands in his own.

“C'mon. Skate, Sweetness.”

Jake begins to skate backwards and tugs me with him. Backwards! I've no choice but to skate. My hands hold on tightly to Jake's. I can feel that I'm going to fall. If I'm going down, Jake is going down with me.

Three times I almost fall and each time Jake catches me, giving me a sly smile that screams he is keeping his word. I squeeze my eyes shut as a memory tries to come forward. I can see a smiling Jake and me telling him to quit giving me the I'm-incredible-and-I-know-it look. Everything appears blurry and strong arms wrap around my waist.

“Sweetness? Emily? Everything okay?”

I slit my eyes and then they pop open. Leaning against Jake, I rest for a second. There's a sudden weakness in my legs and I hope it disappears soon. Jake's pleading eyes remind me to answer him.

“I remember telling you to quit looking at me with a look that says I'm incredible. That's it though. It was like I was an outsider looking in.”

A faraway look appears in Jake's eyes and that sly smile just barely appears.

“C'mon; let's skate if you're feeling okay.”

Nodding, Jake starts skating backwards once more. I still stumble a few times, but confidence fills my veins as Jake picks up the pace little by little. It's an amazing feeling to glide across the ice - with Jake's help, of course. I know that if I start to fall, Jake will catch me.

Two hours and dozens of almost falls later, I'm exhausted as we take a seat at a picnic table with hot cocoa between our hands. It has been a fun and wonderful today. I would love to come back and have the security of Jake's hands in mine again.

“Thanks for today. I had lots of fun.”

“You're welcome. It was good to go out and skate for pure fun instead of worrying about the game.”