Page 166 of The Overtime Kiss

FULL SKATER MODE

Tyler

When I have a bad game, I’m itching to hit the ice again. To prove myself. Do it all over. Show the team and myself that I can play and play well.

Later that evening, I’m crawling out of my skin. I’m antsy and aching as I clean up, as I read to the kids, as I make sure they brush their teeth, then tuck them in.

Because as I do all this—these daily chores, these wonderful daily chores—they’re my reminder.

This is my life.

These two people.

The second they’re asleep, I pad downstairs and knock on Sabrina’s door. But all I hear is a faint meow. No shuffling of feet. NoI’ll be right there. Just a plaintive little cry from a kitten.

Guilt and frustration climb my throat as I open the door to the garage, already dreading what I’ll find.

My heart sinks when I spot her side empty, her little orange car gone.

She left.

Because she’s not on duty tonight.

Because I stupidly, foolishly assumed she’d want to hang out with the kids and me.

This is her job though. And I need to treat her with some fucking respect. I can’t take advantage of whateverthiswas.

I can’t take advantage of her. I trudge upstairs and open a text.

Tyler: Hey. Let me know when you’re home so we can talk.

A few minutes later, a reply arrives.

Sabrina: Of course.

No exclamation points. No warmth. Well, it’s not like I deserve them.

I settle onto the couch and put on a rerun ofTacoma FD, one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen.

It’s funny all right.

But I don’t laugh.

When the garage finally opens again, I sit up straight, like a dog waiting for its owner.

Do I go downstairs right away? Or do I give her time?

Ah, fuck it. It’s late.

I count to sixty, then head down. Best to deal with things stat.

I knock. She opens the door a smidge, and I still can’t get a read on her.

“Can I come in?”

“Of course,” she says, opening the door all the way. And that’s when I spot Olive, curled up in her arms. A tiny, purring calico shield.

Or maybe not. Maybe this isn’t a shield at all. Maybe this is just business as usual for her as she plays with a kitten.

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