Kiss by Kiss (Riggins Brothers 3)

“These…” She points to the vase of roses in the center of the small table. “They’re beautiful.”

I lean in and press my lips to hers. “So are you. Now open the box.” Standing to my full height, I watch as she carefully removes the box and then the lid.

“Grant,” she breathes. Reaching into the box, she pulls out one of the brand-new white skates. “You didn’t have to do this. When you said you brought some skates, I assumed they were a borrowed pair from your mom or one of your sisters-in-law.” She stares down at the new skates like I’ve given her a million dollars.

“No one likes to wear used skates.” What I don’t say is there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her. Nothing I wouldn’t give her. These skates are just a small token of that.

She looks up at me, her smile lighting up her eyes. “I should have known.”

“What do you say? Feel like skating with me?”

“After all of the work you put into this? How could I say no?” She makes quick work of pulling out both skates and pulling off her boots. “What about you?”

“I have mine.” I point to where they sit behind the coolers. “I didn’t want you to see them and spoil the surprise.”

“It’s really warm in here,” she comments, pulling on the first skate.

“Yeah, this tent, the material’s thick, and it helps that I had Dad crank this up when I got to your place earlier.” I wasn’t sure that this old tent would still hold heat, but Dad assured me it would.

“I can’t believe you did all of this.”

“It’s our first Valentine’s Day together.” I finish tying my skates. “You ready for this?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” She laughs. “It’s been years since I’ve been on the ice.”

“I’ve got you.” I offer her my hand, and she doesn’t hesitate to take it and allows me to help her to her feet. “Ready, baby?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

Reaching into my pocket, I hit Play on the playlist that I made for tonight, and the music begins to play from the small outdoor Bluetooth speaker I have set up just outside of the tent. Hand in hand, we make our way to the ice. I step on first and hold my hands out for her, helping to keep her steady.

“Is there anything that you didn’t think of?” she asks, as we begin to slowly skate around the rink.

“Come on now. This is me we’re talking about.” I wink at her, and she laughs.

“You can turn around,” she tells me. “I think I’ve got this.”

“Just like riding a bike. However, I like this,” I say as I continue to hold onto both of her hands, skating backward.

“You’re awful good at that. Is this where you bring all the girls?” she teases.

“You know that’s not true. I’ve never brought anyone here. Never. Just you. This place is special.”

“I thought it was just dinner with your family?”

“Nope. This is my sanctuary of sorts, my brothers too.”

“So, they never bring anyone out here either?”

“Well, Royce and Owen brought Sawyer and Layla, but they’re married now, or almost married. Baby momma status and an engagement ring is close enough in my book.”

“What about the younger two?”

“Nope,” I say, popping the p. “You know what that means, right?” I slow, allowing us both time to stop before drawing her into my chest, wrapping my arms around her waist.

“What?” she asks, staring up at me.

“You’re special.” She looks away, but I’m not having any of that. “Eyes on me, baby.” Her eyes pull back to mine. “There she is.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You can ask anyone in my family. They’ll all tell you that you’re special. They know me, and they know what it means to have you here. Hell, they know what it means that I want you tied down.”

“Tied down, huh?” she asks, humor lacing her voice.

“Tied to me. Is that better?”

“As long as it’s not tied to the bed,” she says and immediately slaps her hand over her mouth. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I just said that. Aspen is rubbing off on me. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m not ruling out the tying to the bed scenario, but only when you’re ready.” I wink at her. Her cheeks are pink, and although it’s cold outside, I’m positive that some of that is from her embarrassment.

“You can’t say things like that,” she scolds.

“You’re my girl,” I say, kissing her softly. “It’s bound to happen.”

“I-I’m not into that.”

“Into what?” I play dumb. I’m enjoying this way more than I should.

“Tying and all that,” she says, burying her face in my chest.

“All that?” I ask, goading her.

“Grant! You know what I mean.” She laughs, the sound drowning out the slow hum of the music.