Page 26 of The Overtime Kiss

My brain scrambles, conjuring awkward images of usbumping into each other in the kitchen, both trying not to remember how I threw myself at him, begging him to do un-St. Bernard-like things to me.

“That’s…a lot to think about,” I manage to say, my voice even despite the storm of awkwardness brewing inside me.

“He’s completely on board,” Lauren says, correctly reading my hesitation. “He told me to make it work if I found the right person. And Sabrina—you are the right person.”

I’ve wandered into an alternate reality. And then Lauren says a number—a big number—that makes me question if I’ve stepped intosomeone else’slife entirely.

I grab the boards for support. That’s more than I’ve ever made. Enough to market my coaching business more. Add clinics. Connect with additional schools. Reach other kids who want to learn and grow in ice skating, the best sport there is. Enough to actually save money instead of constantly scraping by.

Plus, a steady job. A real place to live. No more juggling side gigs or showering at the gym. Maybe I could even afford to see my therapist, Elena, again. But could I really work so close to Tyler without melting into a puddle of lust? The man just exudes hot capableness in a beard and big body.

“I’ll need some time to think about it,” I say carefully, trying to erase thoughts of this woman’s sexy son from my head.

Do not lust after her son in her presence.

“Of course.” Her smile softens. “But I hope you’ll say yes. You’re exactly what Tyler and the kids need.”

As she gathers the children, the weight of the decision presses on me. Turning this down would be a mistake. But living that close to Tyler might be asking for trouble.

Time. I need time.

Except...did I overthink Chad’s cheating? Nope. I handed over the MP3 and marched down the aisle.

And I won’t overthink this either. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for—and the money I need to finally make it on my own. I am strong. I can commit to this like I’ve committed to practice my entire life.

Just don’t sleep with your boss.

How hard can it be?

I jam on my skate guards and catch up to her. “I’m in.”

She beams. “Can you start next week?”

There’s only one answer.

“Yes.”

And honestly? No more garlic is reason enough.

9

THE MOM TRAP

Tyler

One minute, you’re having a nice Sunday meal at your mom’s house. Chicken and risotto, with sautéed green beans, the kind of dinner your stepdad gets way too excited about. You helped him make it while your mom boasted—understandably—about a new trick she taught her four rescue pups.

Group shake. It’s so absurdly cute that you almost forget the chaos your family can bring to the table.

Almost.

The next minute, your fork is halfway to your mouth when your mom casually drops a bomb that makes you freeze.

“What did you just say?” I set my fork down, staring at her like she’s lost her mind.

My little sister, Charlie, grins like a sweet, sassy devil. “She said she hired Sabrina as the nanny,” she says, overly helpful, like I truly didn’t hear Mom when actually I can’t believe my ears.

At least Luna and Parker are in the other room, giggling over something the dogs are doing, since the kids already ate. Thank god. I don’t need them to hear this.

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