I ran to the arena, my skates bumping along behind me. After almost four years of training, it was still hard to believe that I was representing my country in the Olympics. I was a pairs figure skater and would be meeting my potential partner today. Bryce Davison was his name, and he was said to be really good. I pushed open the doors, the familiar rink a small comfort.

"Jessica!" my coach called to me from across the room. I ran over to meet him. "Are you ready to meet Bryce?" I nodded while I laced up my skates. Soon I was finished and I began to warmup on the ice. Suddenly there was a tap on my shoulder, and I turned around to find someone very tall looking down at me, smiling.

"I'm Bryce. You must be Jessica." He shook my hand warmly and I beamed back at him.
"That's right."
"You're pretty good," he complimented me.
"So they tell me. What about you? Show me what you got." He proceeded to do a series of impressive spins and jumps.
"Not too bad... for a guy. Your boyfriend must be very proud." He laughed awkwardly and his cheeks turned a pinkish tinge.
"No boyfriend. I sometimes think I'm the only straight male figure skater in the whole country." Now it was my turn to blush.
"Sorry, I guess I just..." I trailed off, embarassed. I'd always had a big mouth.
"Hey, don't worry about it," he gave me another friendly smile, proving he didn't mind. There was something about him that made me completely at ease. I had a feeling we were going to get along.

"Good job, Bryce. You too, Jessica." Our coach called as he skated over to talk to us. "Is it safe to assume you have already met?"
"Yessir." Bryce replied. I could immediately see him standing up straighter. He was obviously eager to impress Coach Rainer. "She's a very impressive skater." He glanced at me from beneath his eyelashes. I drew in a breath, not trusting myself to dare a look in his direction.
"Yes she is, isn't she?" Coach answered, interrupting my minor heart attack. Now they were both staring at me, and Bryce had an entertained look on his face. I took another deep breath and promised myself I wouldn't get distracted with romance. I was going for gold.

Yeah, right.

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