Page 11 of Fate on the Ice

Then my thoughts drift to the place I left a few months ago and to a guy I thought was my boyfriend. A guy who stole my work, called it his own, and was the reason I was expelled from college.

I should hate him.

And I do dislike him, but I wasn’t invested in school or him. It was a blessing in disguise. I probably would have complacently stayed with him until he broke me. My low self-worth is more than apparent in my choices when it comes to men. And Hayze was just like all the others.

I wish that the whole thing hadn’t ruined my reputation in the process, though. But maybe that’s what I needed to bring me here. I’m trying to look at the positives, to stay on the bright side. Maybe that’s what I needed to find these girls.

It doesn’t hurt that the eye candy across the street is there for my viewing pleasure because that’s all they can be—eye candy. I’m going to have a good time enjoying said eye candy.

Closing the blinds, I push away from the window and slip between the clean sheets. Lying in bed, I stare at the ceiling and wonder what the world is going to place at my feet tomorrow.

I thought that my life was over when I was expelled from college. Then I went to my mother’s, and she confirmed that my life was indeed over and done. At least any help she gave me was over—she was done with me. Her anger, while justified, won’t dissipate—not until I prove myself.

And I will prove myself.

But not for her—for me.

I left my mother’s house with no idea of what was going to happen next, just that I had to do something. I had to prove to everyone that I could make it. And with that determination, I’ve had nothing but positive things come my way.

I doubt it’s because of anything I’ve done per se, but I’m going to keep moving forward and accepting everything that happens. Every good thing. Every little victory, I’m going to say yes to.

I can only hope they continue.

OTTO

Rolling to my side, I force myself to sit up, placing my feet flat on the floor. I run my palm down my face in an attempt to wake up before I stand and shuffle over to the window. I’m not sure why, but I have to look out and take note of the house across the street.

Except that’s a lie.

I know exactly what I’m looking for—who I’m looking for. Grace. I haven’t been able to get her off my mind since the moment I laid eyes on her a few days ago, watching her carry a box into the house.

Her window blinds are closed, and there isn’t any movement in the rest of the house. It doesn’t surprise me, especially since it’s just past six in the morning. That house usually doesn’t start making noise until around eight.

Taking one step backward, I turn and head to the bathroom to get ready for practice. I have a busy day ahead of me, like every day, and it’s a fucking dream come true.

A week off is all we’ve earned for our victory.

And now it’s back to work.

Grabbing my duffel from the floor, I head downstairs. I’m not surprised to find my roommates in the kitchen. They’re all in different stages of making a protein drink, and I join them, although mine is dairy-free.

“You get that girl’s number and ask her out yet?” Forrest calls out with a laugh.

“What girl?” I ask, pretending not to know what the fuck he’s talking about as I go about my business. I attempt to appear unbothered, although I’m not sure it works.

He snorts, but it’s Alexei who speaks first. “Don’t play that shit,” he says. “You know who we’re talking about. You think we don’t know when one of our guys falls?”

Finishing up making my protein drink, I screw the lid onto the shaker bottle and begin to shake it, making sure to do it hard, fast, and loud. Mainly to give myself a moment to think of what to say.

“I haven’t fallen,” I state. Which is a lie. “I don’t even know her.”

Lev laughs and then clears his throat. “You know enough.”

He’s right. I do. Because I want her, want to get to know more of her… naked. With a shrug, I lift my protein drink to my lips and suck down a big gulp. Taking a step backward, I walk over to my duffel, ignoring their shit.

I pick it up by the handles and walk out of the house. I can hear them laughing behind me, and I know it’s because they are likely taking bets on how long it’ll be before Grace starts spending the night here.

Continuing to ignore them, I jog out to my car, throw my shit inside, and take off toward the arena. I need to focus on practice, on my workout, and then later this afternoon, on my lessons. What I don’t need to do is think about the sexy new girl across the street.

---