Love ON ICE

After a tragic accident, could Leonna's heart ever be mended?

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Leonna’s hand gripped the railings as she tentatively placed one foot onto the ice.

She raised her head to take in the spectators’ seating area. The long wooden benches were practically empty. She squeezed her eyes shut and memories flowed through her mind – to a night she would never forget...

The seats were now full of families, a cacophony of chatter as they awaited the start of the show. Leonna stretched her muscles, rotating her head from side to side. The well-rehearsed routine she was about to perform was as familiar as her shadow in sunlight. But her skin still became clammy just before she and the other skaters slid gracefully out of the tunnel into the large arena.

As her legs carried her effortlessly over the ice, she smiled as the audience applauded her entry. Her costume glistened in the lights, and the ‘oohs’ from the children sent a thrill through her body.

This was the grand finale for this city before the troupe moved on to start their show all over again somewhere else.

As she glided fearlessly around the rink, hand in hand with Frank, the adrenaline flowed as his well-toned arms lifted her high above his head, spinning her around before depositing her back on the ice.

Gazing into his piercing steel-grey eyes, their mouths inches from one another, she wondered if the audience could tell how much she felt for him, or did they assume it was all part of the act?

Leonna had been skating since she was knee-high, but she hadn't met Frank until she joined the Ice Sparkle skating troupe in her teens. Ben, the manager, had paired them up, anticipating the connection between them.

‘I want you to partner with Franklyn for the duo slot. If that works out, you'll be leading the final routine.’

‘Hi,’ Franklyn had smiled at Leonna. Then he took her hand and she skated beside him onto the ice. When they were out of earshot, he said, ‘It’s just Frank.’