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“No. Oh God!” This time it was Aaron who was too loud. “It’s hard enough talking to you. I think we’re both dodging that discussion. He seems less hesitant that I am, but… I don’t know.” He cast his gaze down to his coffee mug.

“You two need to talk. He’s only got a week left here. Don’t let that get away. I think you’d make a great couple. He’s more like you than you might think. He’s not the big-shot athlete with an ego to match. He’s just Caleb, and I’ve never seen him behave any other way.”

“Thanks,” Aaron said. “Just between us, right?”

“Best friend’s honor.” Pam held up her hand to swear. “If he asks me anything, though, I won’t hesitate to tell him that to go for it. Just like I’m telling you.”

Aaron nodded before moving them on to safer topics, like what had gone down on this week’s episode of The Voice.

Chapter Twelve

WATCHING Caleb, who was dressed in sweatpants and a sleeveless T-shirt, his face glistening with sweat and the edges of his blond hair damp, captivated Aaron. All he could think about was how Caleb might look after a round or two of hot sex. He banished those dangerous thoughts as quickly as possible.

“My God, that feels good.” Caleb’s face showed pure happiness as he glided to a stop next to Aaron.

“You make that look so easy. Like you’ve never been away from it.”

“I usually hate rehab skating, but I’m kind of enjoying it. There’s some soreness that I have to work out afterward, but it’s nothing I haven’t been through before. What’s going to be fun is skating with the kids.”

“They’re going to love that, but make sure you stop if you need to.”

Caleb nodded. “I don’t think I’ve got to worry about overdoing it with them. And you’re looking confident. How’s it feel?”

“Better. Less wobbly.”

They’d worked with Ian for about fifteen minutes before the previous practice. The refresher on skating basics was exactly what Aaron had needed. At least he wouldn’t be a burden while he was trying to help.

Caleb put his hand out as if he wanted to dance. “Skate with me.”

It was an invitation, but it also wasn’t a question.

“Okay.” Aaron pushed his nerves away and put his hand in Caleb’s. Despite the chill of the rink, Caleb’s hand was warm and enveloped Aaron’s. He’d avoided touching like this so often over the past few days that with the pent-up anticipation, Aaron vibrated with excitement that he hoped he could keep from Caleb. He hadn’t felt like this in a long while. Maybe it was time to allow it.

“Here we go. Slow and easy around the rink to warm up.”

Aaron nodded. There weren’t words for the mix of emotions he felt. He was scared he’d stumble and wipe them both out. There was also the incredible energy pouring from Caleb. It threatened to make him giddy.

Aaron maintained his composure and managed to remain upright. When Caleb gently sped up, he followed suit.

“You’re doing great,” Caleb said on the third lap.

“I think the lesson on the proper stance to maintain my center of gravity is what did it.”

Caleb’s extra squeeze on Aaron’s hand sent shockwaves through him. This could’ve been a date, a real romantic date—that is, if they weren’t about to be besieged by a couple dozen kids.

“Let’s try something different.” Caleb released Aaron, and it was like a lifeline had been lost. Aaron resisted the urge to reach out as Caleb skated a few paces ahead and spun around to face him.

“Show-off.” Aaron smirked but didn’t lose his speed or balance.

“All part of the training package.” Caleb smirked right back. “Now, do your best to keep up.”

Caleb sped up, and Aaron cautiously did the same. It was difficult not to focus solely on Caleb effortlessly gliding backward, even as they moved around the curved areas of the rink. It took less than a full lap, though, for Aaron to maintain a fairly equal distance from Caleb. They did so for a couple of laps as Caleb varied his speed, requiring Aaron to constantly make adjustments.

“Ready for the advanced class?”

“Bring it.” Aaron’s nervousness stayed away. Instead, he smiled with pride as Caleb simply nodded, with a twinkle in his eye that Aaron liked a lot.

“We’re going to move away from the boards and go more zigzaggy.” Caleb didn’t wait for a response. He led Aaron across the ice in seemingly random patterns. It wasn’t too fast and Caleb was a lot smoother in the diagonal moves, and Aaron did okay. “Looking good. Let’s speed it up.”