Are you free tomorrow? Guys have an off day.
I unlock my door and slip inside, kicking off my shoes. I’m free for the foreseeable future thanks to my self-imposed break to do some soul searching, but I take a beat before answering so he doesn’t think I’m too eager. Dropping onto the couch, I drum my fingers against the side of my phone.
Me
Tomorrow should work. Where’s a place that’s convenient for you?
Unknown number
The arena, if you’re okay with it. I have meetings all morning.
Me
Sure. Noon?
Unknown number
I’ll be here. Check in at the security window and they’ll get you a visitor’s pass. Text me if you have any issues.
Me
Sounds good.
I rub a hand over my chest. Nerves sit at the base of my spine, but it’s a different feeling from what I’ve been grappling with as of late. Is this this hope I feel? The excitement I’ve been looking for? My way to jumpstart my passion for skating again?
God, I hope so.
My phone buzzes one more time. I don’t look at it until later, after I shower and climb into bed for the night. When I do, the message I read makes my belly swoop low. It makes those nerves melt to something secretive I’ve tried to forget.
Unknown number
Looking forward to seeing you.
TEN
BRODY
I’m a fucking wreck.
I check the clock every five minutes throughout the morning. I sweat through my T-shirt and have to change after a meeting with my coaching staff. I can’t stop pacing around my office, and when Lexi pops her head in at ten minutes to noon, she smirks.
“Why are you ruining the carpet?” she asks, a clipboard tucked under her arm.
“I’m not doing anything to the carpet.”
“Not yet. But if you keep walking in circles, you’re going to put a hole in the brand-new flooring the arena operations team spent all summer working on.”
“Maybe the carpet is the problem,” I grunt. “Did you need something?”
“You’re in a mood. What pissed you off today?”
“The sun came up.”
“Hopefully this helps.” Lexi smiles and walks into my office, setting a stack of papers on my desk. “Riley’s monthly injury update. He’s cleared to start practicing with our AHL affiliate.”
I stop in my tracks and stare at her. She’s been working with him relentlessly since his accident last summer. She’s learnedevery component of his prosthetic leg. Put him through intense physical therapy exercises and has him skating again.
She fell in love with him too.
