No beating around the bush. He gets straight to the point.
“Good. Leg feels strong.”
“Glad to hear it. Because you’ve got a race next weekend.”
“What?” My gaze flits to Logan’s. He’s watching me as I pull back into the corner by the lockers. Like I don’t want him to hear this conversation.
I’m not ready to leave him.
“We didn’t think you’d be ready, but I called to talk with Scott and he says you’re doing great.” Of course the two of them are talking and he’s keeping Coach updated on my status. “Seeing as how the race is here, we figured it’d be a great chance for you to get back out there.”
“I thought the qualifiers weren’t until January?” I’m trying to think of any excuse not to leave this weekend.
“Why wait if you’re ready? With you being out most of the year, you need some events under your belt—so to speak—to get there.”
Shit.
I didn’t really think about that. I’d been so focused on getting back into shape, that I never stopped to think about what I would need to do to even get there.
Shit.
“When do I need to be back in town?”
“Need you here next Thursday.”
It’s Wednesday. More than a full week to get home. Not an impossible ask. Except my mind is already flying ahead to this weekend and cashing in on my bet with Logan.
My heart catches in my chest.
This is what happened last time. With our crazy schedules and me constantly being sent all over the world to train and race, we were like two ships passing in the night. And with Logan looking to rejoin the team, what will that mean for us?
I only just got him back. The thought of losing him again has my hand rubbing over the spot in my chest where my heart lies.
I don’t want to lose him again.
Ican’tlose him again.
So much for taking this slow.
“Audrey? You still with me?”
“Yeah. Sounds good. I’ll see you Thursday.”
I hang up the phone without a second thought, squeezing it in my palms.
“What was that all about?” Logan’s voice startles me.
“I’ve got a race next weekend,” I tell him. My tone is cautious. I don’t want to spook him. This thing between us, while familiar, is still new. I don’t want to do anything that might cause him to get cold feet.
“Audrey, that’s great.”
“Yeah.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “It’s at Copper Mountain.”
“Oh.” His face drops, that momentary happiness for me wiped away. “When will you be leaving Jackson?”
“Need to be there Thursday, so might give myself a few days to adjust being back home.”
“Right, sounds like a good plan.”
