Destiny Calls. Linda Hudson-Smith

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      After slipping twice, Dakota wasn’t so positive she’d made the right decision. Slowly and carefully she made her way around the huge rink, staying close to the railing. Teetering to the left and tottering to the right had her fearful. Her butt kissing the floor would mortify her. Moving even closer in to the railing, she slid her arm alongside it to help keep her upright. She thought about retraining herself upstairs where the children’s floor was located. It would be safer.

      An arm slid unexpectedly about Dakota’s waist, startling her, causing her to nearly topple over. As she looked up at Ethan, her eyes gave him a slight warning shot. “You scared me…and I almost fell. I can’t afford to break any bones.”

      Ethan looked sheepish. “Sorry about that. But I recall someone telling me they could skate. Or did I just imagine it?” His eyes gleamed with boyish mischief.

      “What I said is that it was probably like riding a bike, something you never forget. I also mentioned your getting embarrassed if you had to pick me up.”

      Ethan’s eyes suddenly locked into Dakota’s hot, melting gaze. In his ears the silence was loud as a lion’s roar. As he had blocked out the overhead music, all he wanted to hear was the sound of her sweet voice. Her eyes, startled with surprise, had captured him in their brightness. Her pretty face was creamy and soft as silk.

      The enchanting expression on Ethan’s handsome face caused Dakota to tremble within. The intimate feel of his concerted gaze caused a rosy blush to spread over her cheeks. No one had ever looked at her the way he did. It made her feel good.

      Ethan’s fingers itched to flit tenderly across Dakota’s lips. His mouth desired to kiss hers until each gasped for air. He couldn’t count the times he’d imagined himself kissing her passionately, his tongue coiling around hers. Holding her tenderly in his arms, they’d dance to music only they could hear. He knew he needed to snap out of this trancelike state he found himself in, but he didn’t want this special moment to end. Staring into this sexy woman’s eyes actually brought amazing peace to his spirit.

      Tearing her eyes away from the intensity of Ethan’s came hard for Dakota, but she was the first one to break what had seemed like a magic spell. The tender way he looked at her had increased her trembling. She imagined that gently smoothing his face with the back of her hand would bring her sweet solace, but she wasn’t that bold. Their physical desires were quickly becoming an ever-brewing passion, waiting impatiently to break loose, giving them freedom to touch, kiss and explore each other’s body the electrifying way lovers did.

      Would they eventually become lovers? Dakota couldn’t help but wonder.

      This felt like old times for Dakota, fun times, when her life was carefree and full of laughter. All the family responsibilities had belonged to her parents back then. Accomplishing her homework and light chores around the house was it for her. She had a mother and father and she hadn’t had to act as a single mother to a small girl while going to school and working.

      The feelings of clumsiness and fear of falling had just upped and left Dakota. Her legs were steady now. Tickled pink that her skills hadn’t been forgotten, she smiled broadly. Perhaps Ethan skating beside her, his arm lodged snugly against her waist, had unleashed her confidence. Reclaiming her ability to skate was like riding a bike. She hadn’t forgotten. The fluid smoothness in which she now moved allowed her to relax.

      Loud, with ear-piercing bass, a fast-paced Usher song, “Yeah,” suddenly blasted from the speakers, knocking Dakota off stride. As Ethan’s feet picked up speed, he practically dragged her around the floor. As a sharp turn loomed in front of her, she fought hard to stay on her feet. His speed was too much for her to keep up with. Then her feet got tangled up with his and both went down hard.

      The heat stealing into Dakota’s face felt like a raging inferno had come to claim her. She could only guess what Ethan must think of her clumsiness. If only she’d been able to keep up with him. He had already gotten to his feet, but she was still too mortified to move a muscle.

      Ethan stretched his hand down to her. “Are you okay? Are you hurt? This is my fault. Please let me help you up.”

      Dakota shook her head, but she couldn’t look up at him or take his hand. Getting to her feet under her own power was a bit more valiant for her. It might also help her save face. At the very least, she felt compelled to give it the old college try.

      Dakota failed to make it to her feet on the first and second attempts. Looking totally out of sync, she finally took hold of Ethan’s hand. Feeling silly, she thanked him, wishing her voice had been stronger. No sooner than she’d thought she could stand on her own two feet, her legs flew out from under her again. In grabbing for her date’s hand, she took him down again. Dakota didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Bawling like СКАЧАТЬ