Once she was steady, I released her, rubbing a hand over the back of my neck. “You okay?” Jerkily, she nodded. “I think I’ll, umm, take a break from skating for a little. Go see what Sage is doing.” As she skated away, I clenched my jaw so tightly I was shocked it didn’t crack any bones. When I looked over at the counter, the old man working motioned me closer. I skated over to the counter, my eyebrows raised. He had a twinkle in his eyes as he studied me. “Maybe next time, young man,” he said, “if a beautiful woman is looking at you like that, don’t be the one pulling away.” I blew out a
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