Forsaking All Others. Linda Hudson-Smith

they’re up to.” Weston looked down at his wristwatch. “We’d better get a move on since the ice rink closes at eleven and it’s almost eight-thirty now.”

      As the two families filed out of the vehicles, Jessica could see that the arena was filled with patrons. All the colorful winter clothing worn by the skaters, not to mention the dazzling lights strategically posted around the place, brought the outdoor arena to life. Once both vehicles were unloaded, everyone made their way inside the ice rink, where the skate-rental booth and refreshment bar were located. The place was also equipped with a wood-burning fireplace.

      “What size skate do you need?” Weston asked Jessica.

      It was time for Jessica to get her payback against Weston. She laughed with enthusiasm. After reaching down into the small duffel-style bag, she pulled out a shiny pair of white ice skates. “Ta-da,” she exclaimed, holding up the skates for him to see.

      “Oh, no! You set me up, girl. I’ve been had. You lied about not knowing how to skate, didn’t you? How you going to play me like that?” Because she came from Southern California, he’d been sure she wouldn’t know a thing about ice-skating.

      Jessica howled. “Just as you lied about your spelling skills. Now we’re even.” She had the most devilish expression on her face. “Two liars, and we’re not ashamed,” she sang out, using the tune to Mary Wells’s song “Two Lovers,” a great Motown sound.

      Weston laughed heartily. “You have the gear. Now let’s see what the little girl from Southern Cal can do. I’m putting twenty bucks on myself. Before you take the bet, keep in mind that you’re competing with a guy who skates in New York’s famous Central Park. Among some of the best ice-skaters around, I might add.”

      Jessica smirked. “Cut the boasting. Let your feet do the bragging. Twenty bucks is all you’re in jeopardy of losing. You probably drink up at least that much at Starbucks in a week’s time. You won’t miss the money.”

      “That’s not too far-fetched. I do need my caffeine fix, but you’ll be the one paying my coffee bill the first week I’m home.”

      “We’ll see. If I were you, I wouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch.”

      After Weston was in possession of his size-eleven rentals, he and Jessica found an empty bench, where they sat down and laced up their skates. She couldn’t wait to hit the ice to show off her talent. Weston wasn’t as eager about revealing his skills after seeing Jessica’s skates. They looked somewhat used so he knew they hadn’t been purchased for show. He hadn’t given any thought to indoor ice rinks, but he had known they existed. Los Angeles wouldn’t have come to mind.

      Whether Jessica was talented enough to compete against him remained to be seen. However, the only competition he was interested in was the one that’d win him her heart. She had already won his.

      The songs being played were up-to-date rhythm and blues hits. A song by Usher and one by Lionel Ritchie had played while everyone had laced up their skates. The tune currently playing was Beyoncé Knowles’s “Crazy In Love.” Jessica couldn’t remember if it was off the first or second album, but it was one of her favorites, a really upbeat song to skate to.

      As if Jessica was playing a game of tag, she hit Weston playfully and then took off for the ice, hoping he’d chase after her. He did. Seeing that he was up to the challenge, giving her the opportunity to skate circles around him, Jessica started whirling around the ice as though she owned it. She was good on the ice.

      Weston nearly fell when he had a hard time taking his eyes off Jessica’s fascinating technique. That made him more determined to win. He was darn good at ice-skating, too, much better than she gave him credit for. He had learned to ice-skate as a young boy, taught by his parents. It was often considered a sissy sport in many circles, but not among his New York City friends. Men were always seen skating in Central Park’s ice arena during the winter; it was a favorite pastime for a lot of couples Weston knew personally.

      When Jessica saw Jennifer hit her behind on the ice pretty hard, she started toward her, hoping she wasn’t hurt. Before she could reach her sister, Samuel was already assisting his wife. Once Jessica saw that Jennifer was okay, both husband and wife laughing about the mishap, she took off again.

      After Jessica had covered the entire arena, skating a fun routine with lots of enthusiasm, the music slowed down. Weston quickly skated over to her and engaged in a couple’s skate. The competition was over. His skills were no match for Jessica’s. He planned to dig into his pocket and hand over the twenty-dollar bill. She had won it fair and square. The lady from sunny California was a dynamo on the ice.

      Jessica liked the protective feel of Weston’s arm wrapped snugly around her waist. As they glided atop the ice, she laughed inwardly, thinking of the romantic ice shows on television. Pairs skating was her favorite. She imagined the two of them executing a great lift. Slithering seductively down his body would make a great ending. He would then look at her as though she was the only woman in the world for him.

      Weston was McDreamy, McSteamy, McSweetie and McSensitive all rolled into one sensuous human being. Life is good. Sooo good.

      “Hey, Miss Olympic champion,” Jennifer yelled from the side rail, “you’re looking pretty hot out there. Work those ice skates, girlfriend.”

      Jessica flashed her sister a bright smile and the thumbs-up sign. The others waved as she and Weston appeared to fly by on wings.

      Weston gently tightened his grip on Jessica’s waist. “You are good, you know.”

      “Yeah, I do. Wish I could reach my back with ease. I’d give it a good pat.”

      Weston couldn’t help laughing. What kind of man laughed along with a woman who had just kicked his butt on a twenty-dollar bet? A man who had begun to fall in love with the same woman who’d dished out one can of whoop-butt.

      “Instead of paying up twenty dollars, you can buy me dinner tomorrow night. How’s that for a compromise?”

      “You deserve both. I’d do anything to hang out with you. Dinner alone, just the two of us?”

      “Just the two of us. Sounds nice and cozy. I don’t think our families will protest, seeing how badly they want us to become an item. Ugh, we’re starting to fall right into their perfectly set trap.”

      “Hmm. Maybe, maybe not.”

      As Jessica and Weston joined their families, he looked at her and sighed heavily. “I don’t know why I ever thought we’d get along with each other. You’re still insufferable. The older you get the more unbearable you are. You need to grow up, Jessica. Life is passing you by while you’re still stuck in your adolescence.” He looked at his mother. “And to think I let you guilt-talk me into this trip. I must’ve been insane.”

      Jessica’s brow furrowed. “What?” She looked totally puzzled. Where had Weston’s sudden flash of anger come from? His odd behavior was so off the wall.

      His unexpected outburst made no sense at all to Jessica; they’d just been laughing and joking up a storm. The concerned looks made her wish she could sprout wings and fly away. How dare Weston embarrass her like that…and in front of both their families? It looked as if perhaps he hadn’t changed at all.

      Had McBratty risen from the ashes?

      The others looked like they felt sorry for Jessica. She felt kind of sorry for herself. Weston’s tongue had been rather sharp. Then she saw his barely noticeable wink. She had to work hard to hide her astonishment. The “maybe, maybe not” response made sense now. He’d been trying to make the others think they weren’t getting along. The funny thing was it looked as if everyone had bought into his melodrama. Weston had even sold her on it.

      Jessica smiled inwardly as she returned to the ice.

      As Weston joined Jessica, he got out in front of her and began skating backward.

      Smiling with admiration, Jessica gave him an approving nod. “You were