Release: New Adult Sport Romance (Fire and Ice) by Violet Vaughn Read Free Book Online

old friend. After a couple of laps, I can’t help myself. I turn backward and prepare to do a double Salchow jump.
    I’m up. The landing is smooth, and I go into a spin. Chains of self-control fall from my limbs. I continue on and try a few different jumps. The power of my body intoxicates me. As I keep moving, I notice people have cleared the ice to watch me. I don’t care. I begin to skate as if I’m in competition. Music plays in my head, but I’m doing whatever comes to me. No judges, no routine, and most importantly—no coach. The high of performing has me on fire. I don’t ever want to stop.
    After a few minutes, my legs burn, and I slow down to do a final layback spin followed by a sit spin. It’s a crowd pleaser and the perfect ending. When I finish, my pulse pounds at a familiar rate in my chest. I resist the urge to raise my arms and bow. People clap, and I skate self-consciously over to Kaleb.
    “That was intense. I’ve never seen anything like it. I had no idea.” He grins at me with pride, and embarrassment floods my cheeks.
    “Yeah, I got a little carried away. It’s just that, well…” I let out a breath. “It was my life for so long, and it’s been a while since I skated.” I put my hand on my racing heart. “Gosh, that felt great.” I look up at him with excitement in my eyes.
    A high-school-aged girl skates over to me. “You’re Lori Langley, aren’t you?”
    Oh no. I can’t lie. Kaleb knows my name. “I am. How did you know?” Shit, shit, shit. Things are about to get uncomfortable.
    “You were my idol. I was at nationals when you made the Olympic team. But…” She stops, and I know she’s hesitant to ask the next question.
    “I know.” I drop my voice to a whisper and skirt around the issue. “And then I got hurt.” Moisture fills my eyes. And I think about all the tabloid stories that surrounded the incident. “I’m sorry. I can’t talk about this.” I skate off toward the warming hut.
    Kaleb is right behind me. “Hey.” His voice is soft, and he touches my arm. I turn to him as tears stream down my face. He pulls me against his chest. “Shhh, it’s okay.” Firm arms hold me, and he strokes my hair.
    I let myself cry a little and then stop. I pull away with a sniff. “I’m sorry.”
    Kaleb leans down and lifts my chin with his finger. It’s a move that endears me to him more than he can possibly know. He says, “Don’t be. Let’s go get you a hot chocolate. Okay?”
    I nod. This guy is so sweet. How is it he knows not to ask what’s wrong and just hold me?
    We put our guards on and march over to a table. “You sit, and I’ll go get them.” He clunks off, and I wipe my nose with a napkin.
    When he returns he has a big cookie, too. “I thought you might need it.” Crumbs fall as he snaps it half.
    “Are you sure you’re not a girl in disguise? You’re way too good at this.” I give him a weak smile.
    “Nope, but I’ve had great training. I have three older sisters. Crying? Pshaw.” He waves a hand dramatically. “Ten bottles of different shampoo? Normal. Need me to buy feminine products along with ice cream and chips? No problem.”
    I snicker and look at him with gratitude. “Thank your sisters for me. You’re a treasure.” I marvel at the magic of chocolate as I take a cautious sip. It’s not too hot, and I suspect it’s because so many children skate here. I drink a mouthful and let the sweet flavor please my taste buds.
    He reaches out and puts his hand on mine. “Would you like to leave?”
    “Actually, no. Can we just skate around for a bit? No fancy moves, let’s just skate and talk. I want to hear about you and your sisters.” I break off a piece of the cookie and put it in my mouth.
    “The first thing you should know is they tortured me. Still do. When you meet them, they’ll show you the picture of me in a dress.”
    When I meet them? My stomach flips. I’m not sure if it’s from happiness or fear. “A dress?” I snort.