The Sheikh's Virgin Bride(122)

“My best friend just got engaged, and he invited me out to celebrate with them.”

She lifted an eyebrow.

“Kyle and Mackenzie?”

He nodded, realization dawning in his eyes.

“They never fail to try and set up their single friends, do they?”

Yvonne released a breath, shaking her head.

“No, apparently they do not.”

“I’m Shane,” he said, holding out a hand for her to shake. “And I have no intention of trying to find romance tonight, if that takes the pressure off.”

She chuckled, placing her hand in his.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Shane. I’m Yvonne.”

“Ah, the famous Yvonne Hunt. I’ve heard tell of your charms, of course.”

Yvonne didn’t have the heart to tell him that she hadn’t had the same pleasure. Mackenzie had never once brought up his name. Before she could come up with a white lie, the door opened again with a jingle and the kid behind the counter looked up.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“I’m good, thanks. I just wanted to chat with my friend.”

Yvonne’s skin tingled at the sound of that voice. Looking up, she saw Zadid standing there watching her, his eyes darting from her new friend to her and back.

“Zadid! What brings you out tonight? Is this the lonely hearts club skating party or what?”

“Given that Mackenzie is making out with her fiancé on the ice right now, I suppose not. I happened to see you all from my window upstairs and came down to offer my congratulations.”

Seeing that there was something beneath the surface, Shane nodded to Yvonne and stood, walking carefully out on his skates.

“It was nice to meet you. I’ll be out celebrating the happy couple.”

“Sounds good. Nice to meet you too, Shane.”

He nodded to her and to Zadid before walking out. Yvonne still sat with her shoes half-on, staring up at Zadid.

“Are you really going skating?” he asked.

She looked down at her rented skates, wondering just the same thing. She glanced back up at him.

“Did you have something better in mind? Perhaps you could join us.”

“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea…it’s not something I’ve ever done before.”

She thought for a moment. Not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable, her mind drifted toward the snowman competition.

“I’ve got a better idea. Come on,” she said, plopping her skates back on the desk.

The kid looked up, confused.

“I’m not allowed to give refunds on these…” he said.

“No worries,” Yvonne replied. “Have a great holiday.”

“You, too,” he mumbled.

Yvonne opened the door and gestured outside for Zadid to follow. His eyes were filled with suspicion as he walked past her.

“What exactly do you have in mind, Yvonne? I’m not a big fan of surprises…at least when they happen to me.”

“Relax. It’s nothing that involves you standing on a pair of blades over a slippery surface. This should be enough for Christmas Eve.”

She waved at Mackenzie, who was talking to Shane as she looked over. Yvonne nearly laughed at the obviousness of her friend’s frustration regarding her thwarted matchmaking efforts. She turned away, arriving at a massive pile of manmade snow.

“Snowman Making 101,” she announced to Zadid, gesturing at the pile.

He stared at it, finally turning to look at her with a small grin.

“If I’m being honest, this is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“I told you I’d give you an amazing Christmas experience—we just get to start a little early. The rest will come tomorrow night.”

Her voice was so filled with deeper meaning that she blushed, grateful that the cold air already had her cheeks feeling rosy. Zadid didn’t seem to notice any innuendo, instead opening the gate and folding a ball of snow into his gloved hands. He turned back to look at her expectantly.

“Well? Shall we?”

“Always straight to work, aren’t you?”

“I thought we were having fun,” he said, confused.

Yvonne laughed.

“Yes, but even when we’re having fun, you manage to structure it out. Just let it be,” she said, taking the snowball from him. “For instance…”

She didn’t finish, launching the snowball at him and catching him completely by surprise.

“This is called a snowball fight,” she said, quickly making another one. “Get ready to lose your first round!”

Zadid grinned wickedly as he made a new ball of his own, tossing it in her direction. It landed cleanly on her shoulder, and they both laughed.

“I appear to be a natural winner at this game. Now, keep your snowballs to yourself while I build the perfect snowman.”

He began packing and piling snow up until it resembled a large blob. Poking his fingers into the top to make a face, he stood back next to Yvonne to admire his handiwork.

“Not bad for a first try,” Yvonne said, amused.

It looked nothing like the snowmen of her youth, but she didn’t want to burst his bubble. Zadid was clearly quite proud of the achievement.

“I’d say it’s exceptional,” he replied, a teasing glint in his eye as he met her gaze once more.