Page 115 of Break my Heart

Competing.

It’s what I’ve wanted for so long, but everything is so uncertain now. And I’m not sure if I’m ready to open that door again and step back into that world.

“Meet with her,” he urges gently.

His words circle through my brain. It’s almost a shock when I blurt, “Okay. I’ll listen to what she has to say with an open mind.”

“That’s all I’m asking. Just give it a chance.”

It’s only when his lips lift into a smile and relief floods his eyes, easing the heavy lines of tension, that I realize how stressed he appears.

My brow furrows as I search his face. “Is everything all right?”

“Oh, you know… just heading into the playoffs with a new team.”

I nod, accepting the response. There’s no reason for him to lie. Plus, I know how much he enjoys his position at Western. If the team doesn’t do well, there’s the possibility his contract might not get renewed.

And then he would be on the hunt for a new coaching position, which means more upheaval in our lives.

As tempting as it is to tell him about Nathan, now doesn’t seem like the right time.

“You guys are going to crush it.” I force a smile. “You’ll probably end up winning the championship.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.” He glances at the watch wrapped around his left wrist. “Do you want me to hang around until you’re done? I don’t like the idea of you being here alone.”

“No, I’ll be fine.” I shake my head, knowing he probably has a ton more work to do before he goes to bed tonight. “I won’t stay long.”

Indecision flashes across his face before he gives me another tight smile and heads toward his office in the locker room.

When he’s about a dozen or so feet away, he swings around. “Text me when you get back to your apartment, all right? I won’t sleep well unless I know you’re safe.”

My rigidly held muscles loosen. “I will.”

“Love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you too.”

Once he disappears, I turn my attention to the ice. The familiar chill of the air settles around me, soothing the tension in my body. This is exactly what I need. An escape from everything gnawing away at the back of my brain.

As soon as my blades cut through the smooth surface, a sense of calm washes over me. The rink has always been my sanctuary. Even after everything that happened with Nathan, it still feels like home.

It’s the one constant in my life.

But it’s still not able to fully erase the pain of a broken heart.

Not tonight.

As I glide across the ice, my mind drifts back to the conversation with Dad. As much as the thought of skating under Nadia excites me, the idea of leaving everything I’ve built here at Western—the friends I’ve made, the life I’m trying to piece together—is terrifying.

No matter if I return to skating or not, I can’t shake the feeling that something just as important has slipped through my fingers.

Hayes.

As I push off and glide forward, a chill runs down my spine. It’s colder than usual. Or maybe it’s just me. I pick up speed and try to shake off the strange feelings by losing myself in the rhythm of my skates as they cut through the ice.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

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