Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
After more than a year away from the competitive circuit, I can’t envision what it would be like to train full time again. Nor can I imagine how people would react if I just showed up at a competition.
The knowing smirks.
The hushed whispers.
The gossip would be rampant.
Am I willing to subject myself to that all over again?
The thought is enough to have me shrinking in on myself.
“Take all the time you need,” Mom says gently. “But don’t let fear hold you back.”
With a nod, I grab my bag and head for the door. As I step into the hallway, her final words echo through my mind.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, that’s exactly what I’ve spent the last year doing.
32
Ava
Seven hours later and Nadia Petrovic’s name continues to repeat in my head. My thoughts are a swirling mess of disbelief and confusion.
One of the greatest figure skating coaches in the world is interested in me.
It doesn’t feel real.
As I step out of the library and into the cool evening air, I pull my jacket tighter around me. My mind is still stuck on everything Dad said at lunch, and my body continues to buzz with all the possibilities. Nadia had always been kind whenever our paths crossed at competitions, throwing a few compliments my way, but this isn’t something I ever expected.
She can work with her pick of athletes. Skaters who are still competing, still relevant. Why would she bother with someone like me, a girl who hasn’t been on the competitive circuit in over a year?
It doesn’t make sense.
Lost in my thoughts, I cut a path through the parking lot toward my car.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that part of me wants to at least speak with the Russian coach and hear what she has to say.
But there’s a larger part that’s grown comfortable with my life at Western. I may not have everything figured out yet, but I’ve found friends—real friends like Britt—and for once, I don’t feel the constant pressure weighing on me like I did when skating was my entire world.
And then there’s Hayes.
Thoughts of him send a warm tingle through my chest. I haven’t known him for long, but something about what we’re slowly building feels different. Solid. Real. It’s more than just sex. Although, the sex is incredible. He makes me feel safe, understood in a way no one else ever has. We’ve shared pieces of ourselves, parts of our past we don’t let anyone else see. With him, I don’t have to pretend.
I can just… be.
“Ava! Wait up!”
I halt in my tracks and glance around to find Hayes jogging toward me from the direction of the arena. A smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it.
Seeing him has that effect on me.
As he gets closer, his smile mirrors mine, and his presence puts me at ease. His blond hair is slightly damp from practice, curling a little at the ends, and even in the dim parking lot lights, I can see the energy buzzing through him.
“I didn’t know you’d still be on campus this late,” he says as he reaches me, his breath visible in the cool air.
“I had a lot of homework to get through, and I’ve got a test coming up, so I camped out at the library for most of the afternoon.”
He tilts his head toward the arena where a few guys are still making their way to their cars. “We just wrapped up practice.”
“What are you up to now?” I ask, shifting closer. “Any interest in coming over?”
I could use the distraction. Something to take my mind off the whirlwind of thoughts surrounding Nadia, and the unexpected decision that now looms over me.
My heart stutters.
It would mean leaving Hayes.
Why didn’t that occur to me before?
His gaze drops to the phone in his hand. “I’ve got something to take care of first. How about I come over around nine?”
A mixture of arousal and excitement dances in the pit of my belly. “What needs to be taken care of?”
Humor sparks in his green eyes as he reaches out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. It’s a simple but intimate gesture. His touch lingers on my cheek, his thumb brushing against my skin.
“You know exactly what needs to be done.”
My pulse quickens at the intensity in his gaze, and for a moment, I forget about everything else.
Nadia.
Skating.
My parents.
Nathan.
Right now, it’s just Hayes and me, standing in the middle of an empty parking lot.
He leans in, his mouth sweeping against mine in a kiss that’s gentle but full of promise. I tip my head, deepening it, savoring the feel of him. Every time his lips brush against mine, it’s like the world falls away and nothing else matters.
When we finally pull apart, there’s a warmth in his eyes that makes my heart flutter.