Page 54 of Icebound Attraction

“Duly noted, coach.”

I can't say anything else, and I'd rather withdraw.

***

The air in the park has cooled and the street lights have already been on for a while, when Chase approaches me with a smile.

I hope he can give me some advice. He's someone who knows a lot about women's issues, as well as men's, and may have another perspective on my situation.

He smiles encouragingly as he sits down next to me.

“Feeling better?”

Lying on the lawn, I sit up on my elbows and grimace.

“Thanks for earlier. Brad got on my nerves...”

“I get the impression that right now, you're pretty much on edge,” he says.

“I can't stop thinking about a lot of stuff, yeah, and it's starting to show.”

Chase frowns.

“Does it have anything to do with Emily?”

I nod.

“It's really complicated. I think that...”

I hesitate for a moment, struggling to put it into words. Especially out loud.

“I think I really like her,” I finally say.

“No kidding!”

Chase bursts out laughing, and I look at him surprised.

“Fuck, is it that obvious?” I exclaim, a little offended.

“Because I know you. Don't worry, the others just think you're grumpy at the moment, that's all.”

I sigh.

“I just don't know how to deal with it. On the one hand, I want to get closer to Emily, but on the other, I'm afraid that a relationship would damage my career. The coach has talked my ear off about this so much!”

Chase nods slowly.

“It's not an easy decision. But I think it's important to be honest with yourself and find out what you really want. Franklyn or not.”

I stare up at the dark sky, thoughts still swirling in my head.

“I feel like I'm between two worlds: Emily and ice hockey. To think that I used to try to reconcile studies and sport, and now feelings are getting in the way. Fucking temptations!” I exclaim.

Chase wraps his arms around his knees before speaking.

“And why shouldn't they be part of the same world? You think too much about the two things you like, seeing them as two different entities.”

I think for a moment before answering.

---