Page 131 of Check & Chase
I sigh. “Mr. Peterson called me into his office this morning.”
“Ah. About last night?”
“About the ‘optics’ of our relationship. And how the front office is concerned we’re becoming a ‘distraction.’”
His jaw tightens. “That’s bullshit. We’re on a four-game winning streak.”
“The video went viral, Chase. Two million views.”
Chase chuckles. “Epic—”
“It’s different for me, okay? It’s not epic. I’m medical staff. I’m held to different standards.”
He blows out a breath, his expression softening. “I get it. I’m sorry if I made things harder. I just saw you on that screen and… I wanted to kiss you.”
My anger dissolves. How can I stay mad at someone whose biggest crime is wanting to kiss me in front of thousands of people?
“It was a pretty great kiss,” I admit.
“Worth every minute in the penalty box,” he agrees.
I shake my head. “We need to be more careful, though.”
He reaches across the boards to take my hand. “I’d never let anything happen to your job. I promise.”
I force a weak smile, though my chest is still tight.
“Hey,” Chase says softly. “Come skate with me. It’ll clear your head.”
I glance down at my work clothes.
“I have some new gear for you. Part of the surprise I’ve been working on.”
My curiosity piqued, I follow him to the warming hut. Inside, he opens a wooden chest, pulling out a black case.
“What’s this?”
“Open it,” he prompts, eyes bright with anticipation.
I lift the lid to find professional-grade figure skating blades nested in protective foam. Not just any blades, but the exact model I used to compete with.
“Chase,” I breathe, lifting one reverently. “Theseare…”
“Maya mentioned the blades you had in competitions were special. I thought maybe having the right equipment might help you feel more confident trying some of the harder elements again.”
I stare at him, momentarily speechless. The fact that he remembered such a detail, went to the trouble of finding exactly the right blades, makes my chest ache.
“I love them. I just… I can’t believe you did this.”
“I’ve seen how you watch the ice now, Emma. There’s longing there, not just fear.”
He’s right. “I’ve been thinking about trying a jump. Nothing major. Just a single axel, maybe.”
Chase’s eyes widen. “Really? That’s huge.”
“It’s terrifying,” I correct, but I’m smiling. “But I think I’m ready.”
He pulls out black leggings and a thermal top. “Can’t have you getting cold.”
