“Thanks, Coach.” She nodded.
“You two have a good night.”
Once he left, she hopped back up to sit on the counter and tilted her head to the side. “So what did you think?”
“He’s definitely invested in your career.”
“Well, of course he is. He’s my coach.”
“Sure,” I said, taking a sip of my water.
“Tell me what you’re thinking right now.” She tugged on my tee and pulled me closer.
“Well, I think you’re his golden ticket. He’s probably a great coach, but I also think your success is beneficial to his career, his winnings, and he’s not subtle about it. I’m guessing he and your dad are on the same page there.”
“He likes to win, but I do, too.” She laughed. “Just maybe not as much as I used to. I feel like at this point, my motivation is just about proving everyone wrong about doubting Wrax.”
“Do you think Wrax is up for the challenge?” My fingers intertwined with hers as she thought over the question.
“He’s up for it as much as I am. I’d say we’re on the same page.”
“That’s all that matters. You’ve always trusted your gut, Wren. Don’t stop now,” I said, placing my hands on each side of her face.
“I think I lost myself a little during our time apart, because you were always the person I confided in and talked to about everything. And then it was Coach Sharky and my father, and they know what they want.” She shrugged. “I really just threw myself all in, and I had nothing outside of this.”
“I get it. I got very lost in work myself during that time. It was probably a coping mechanism for both of us, huh?” I rested my forehead against hers.
“Probably.”
“But that’s not something you need to worry about anymore, Wren, because I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere.”
“Well, you’re going back to Rosewood River in a week,” she said with a laugh.
I placed my thumb and pointer finger on each side of her jaw and gave her a chaste kiss. “Such a smart mouth.”
“You love it,” she said, her voice lighter now.
“I love you. No doubt about it.” I tugged her down from the counter. “Now let’s go eat before I change my mind and strip you naked and have my way with you.”
“We could always do that first,” she said, walking backward toward the bedroom.
“Yeah? I wouldn’t mind burying my face between your thighs before dinner.”
Her cheeks pinked, and then she turned and ran toward the bedroom. “You won’t get an argument from me.”
That’s what I like to hear.
thirty-one
. . .
Wren
Of course theweek flew by in a blur, because I was having the best time with Axel being here. Coach had pushed me hard during our workouts the first few days back, but I didn’t even care because I got to go home to the man I loved afterward.
Thankfully, we’d pulled back these last few days to prepare for my first competition. The Valley International was a big event, and the most elite competitors from around the world were here for it. It was my favorite event, because it was on my home turf where I trained and lived, and the familiarity for me and Wrax made it all the better. There was no travel involved, and I’d always looked forward to this one each year.
I’d ignored the recent articles about my return this past week.
