Hearts on Ice by Kristina Kostenko

Characters:

Emma Carter – a focused and perfectionist figure skater. She dreams of joining the national team.

Liam Walker – a confident, charming hockey captain, known for breaking rules and hearts.

Emma walked into the skating rink, her skates clicking loudly on the cold floor. The rink was usually empty this early, just how she liked it. But not today.

Someone was already there, Liam Walker, skating lazy circles on the ice, a hockey puck tapping in front of him.

“You're in my spot,” Emma said, her voice sharp like the wind outside.

Liam raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t know you owned the rink, Ice Queen.”

“I booked this time. Check the schedule.”

“Coach said we could share.”

Emma rolled her eyes. She hated sharing. Especially with him.

For weeks, they had to practice at the same time. They argued about music, space, and who got to use the best part of the ice. But slowly, something changed.

Two Weeks Later

Emma fell during a spin. Hard. She tried to get up, but pain shot through her ankle.

“Don’t move!” Liam called, skating over. “You're hurt.”

“I’m fine,” she hissed, hiding her tears.

“You’re not. Let me help.”

“Why would you care?” she snapped.

Liam paused. “Maybe because I notice how much effort you put in every day. You deserve a break, not a broken leg.”

Emma looked at him, surprised. He sounded... sincere.

“You’re not the guy I thought you were.”

“And you’re not just the ‘Ice Queen’ everyone thinks,” he said quietly. “You’re fire.”

Three Weeks Later

They started talking during breaks. He asked about her childhood. She told him about her father, who pushed her too hard, and how skating was the only thing that made her feel alive.

“Sometimes I skate because it’s the only place where I feel like myself,” Emma whispered.

“And sometimes I play hockey because it’s the only time I forget everything else,” Liam replied.

Their rivalry melted. Their laughs replaced the shouting. Their silence became comforting.

The Night of the Big Competition

Emma was nervous. She sat in the locker room, breathing fast. Liam walked in.

“You okay?”

“No. I can’t do this. What if I fail?”

“You won’t. You’re the strongest person I know,” he said, kneeling in front of her. “Emma, I never thought I’d say this, but... I think I’m falling for you.”

She blinked. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious. You’ve changed me.”

Emma smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I hated you.”

“I know,” he grinned. “And now?”

“Now… I think I’m falling for you too.”

She skated like never before. Every move was perfect. When she finished, she looked up — Liam stood, clapping the loudest. Later, they met outside, snow falling around them.

“You were amazing,” he whispered.

“Thank you. It means a lot that you're here.”

They kissed, soft and slow, like the ice finally melting between them.