Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 190

190 Mason’s Confession at the Ice Skating Rink 

Finished 

He bent down to grab the women’s ice skates, then gently held her ankle while he helped her slip into the skates. 

Ava stared at him in surprise, not knowing what to say. Her eyes lingered on his hands, then slowly traveled upward to his face. 

He seemed serious and focused. Below his straight nose, she could even see the texture of his lips. In that moment, he didn’t seem dangerous at all—if anything, he radiated a quiet seriousness. 

“What are you looking at?” Mason asked as he finished lacing one skate, catching her staring. 

Ava blushed. “It’s nothing. I just didn’t expect you to be so gentle.” 

“Is that so?” Mason looked up, meeting her gaze. “Am I that unapproachable to you?” 

“N–No, not at all.” 

He smiled slightly. “You don’t have to be so guarded around me. I’ve said it before, Ava–I like you very, very much. Way more than you think. 

“If our relationship ever progresses, I hope you won’t be afraid of me.” He pressed down the rush of emotions inside, quickly lowering his gaze afterward. 

He lifted her other foot and cupped her ankle, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thick sock. Though his face remained calm, his mind was in turmoil. His illness flared, a deep, gnawing ache, and even this light touch only amplified his desire. He wanted Ava to be his entirely. 

However, he couldn’t risk scaring her away. Their relationship had just begun to develop, and he could not let himself ruin it. 

Mason’s expression grew even more solemn. It was as if half of him existed in heaven, the other half in hell. His eyes burned with a hidden intensity, though Ava saw none of it. She would never know that this seemingly composed man was struggling to suppress the darker impulses within, impulses that one day might break free and claim what he longed for. 

Once he finished helping her into her skates, Mason put on his own. He placed their skates in the locker and reached out a hand. “Shall we go?” 

Ava’s skating wasn’t exactly impressive, but she could manage, leaving clear trails on the ice with her blades. Mason started by holding her hand, guiding her slowly to prevent any falls. But as he saw her gaining confidence, he gradually released his grip and increased their speed. 

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16:50 Sat, Jan 17 M… 

Chapter 190 Mason’s Confession at the Ice Skating Rink 

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Finished 

Ava skated with case while he followed closely, his eyes never leaving her. All he wished was for time to slow down and for them to share a few more moments together. They were on an intimate, uninterrupted date. At this moment, the happiness belonged entirely to him. 

As the sky darkened, they decided it was time to head back to the hotel and pack, preparing to leave soon. Though it was only a two–day trip, Ava had made countless memories here. 

Back at the hotel, she showered and packed her luggage before receiving a message from Mason. She hadn’t answered earlier because she was in the shower and hadn’t heard the door 

knock or answered the video call. 

He texted, ‘Change of plans. Our flight’s been rescheduled, and we don’t know when our next flight is. Text me when you see this.‘ 

Ava, her hair half–dried and tousled, immediately logged onto Stellar Network. The hot search explained everything–extreme weather had hit the Space Flight Control Center, and the control tower had been struck by lightning. All flights were canceled, and even vessels already in transit had been forced to return. 

She sighed. Well, all they could do was reschedule. 

‘I just saw the news. Got it,‘ she replied. 

With their itinerary disrupted, they were forced to spend another night here. Mason saw her reply and immediately got up to knock on her door. 

When Ava opened it, she asked, “Do you know when we’ll be able to fly?” 

She stepped aside, letting him in as she spoke. 

Mason glanced at Ava. Fresh from the shower, her hair still damp and loose, she wore only a coffee–colored knit sweater and black pants. He checked her out briefly before turning his gaze away, moving toward the sofa. He rested his hands on his knees, keeping his eyes on the coffee table. 

“Nothing’s set in stone,” he said. “We probably won’t know until tomorrow morning.” 

Ava checked her Holoband. “What should we do in the meantime? Any plans?” 

“Why don’t you pick?” Mason replied, lifting his gaze to meet hers. “Is there anywhere you’d like to go?” 

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