Page 82 of Heat It Up (Off the Ice)
I look at my foot, again, worried he’ll get the wrong idea if I check out his body for too long. Behind me the ripping of fabric tears through the air. Before I have a chance to see what’s going on, Joni kneels and starts wrapping the fabric around my foot.
“You need stitches,” he says, his attention focused on what he’s doing. He ties the ends so the knot is on top of my foot. “The hospital isn’t far from here.”
“But you’ve got your family thingy going on. You can’t leave.” And honestly? I’ve had enough of hospitals to last me a while.
His lips attempt a smile but only sadness reaches his eyes. “Considering it’s my fault you ran and cut your foot…” His smile fades. “I’m really sorry. I mean, I’m not sorry for kissing you. I’m sorry for upsetting you.”
Now it’s my turn to look away. “I shouldn’t have reacted that way.”
He chuckles. “So you’re saying slapping me would have been a better option?”
I look back at him. “I’m just confused about everything and you kissing me didn’t help.”
His mouth slides up to one side. Amusement gleams in his warm brown eyes. “Does that mean you like me more than you’re letting on?”
My gaze drops to my bandaged foot and the blood beginning to seep through the white fabric. “It means I’m falling in love with Kyle but it doesn’t matter.”
“Why?”
“Why doesn’t it matter or why am I falling in love with Kyle?”
Joni laughs shortly. “Maybe a little of both, although I’d prefer you skip the part about falling in love. Especially since he’s all wrong for you.”
I decide to ignore the last part. I’ll never convince Joni otherwise. “Kyle was offered a job, but it means he has to move away to another state. And I’ve got to think about Muumu. She needs me.” Joni knows I’ve been thinking of staying here for the year to help out. He doesn’t know about the experience with the Bears that I’ll lose out on. “So like I said, it doesn’t matter that I’m falling in love with him. It will never work out.”
He’s silent for a moment then asks, “If you stay here once the summer is over, will you be allowed to still work at the sports center?”
I shrug. “I have no idea. I have a feeling I won’t be. It was only a temporary position.” And my work visa will no longer be good if I lose that job. Which means I’ll need to find a new job and apply for a new visa. Neither will be easy to do.
“You know if you need help, just let me know and I can see what I can do.” He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my skin.
“Thanks.” I stand, not wanting to talk about this anymore, not wanting to think about what he’s really offering. “My foot should be fine now.”
Joni gently grabs hold of my arm. “I’m driving you to the hospital and they can decide if your foot is fine or not. And whether you want to hear my opinion or not, you don’t have a choice. He’s wrong for you. You’re a sweet and amazing woman, Sofia. Kyle’s the kind of guy who could end up bulldozing over you, especially if he starts drinking again.”
The sad thing is I know he’s right about the last part. But Kyle deserves a chance to prove himself. I’m just not sure if I should give it to him—or if doing so will only lead to more heartache.
Chapter Forty-Two
Sofia
I wake up to find Kyle’s arms wrapped securely around me. I blink my eyes clear and take in the bedroom bathed in the early morning sunlight. The bedroom that doesn’t belong to Kyle. The bedroom that doesn’t belong to me. The bedroom that looks familiar but I can’t figure out why.
And then everything about last night comes back to me. The kiss. The broken glass. The several hours spent in the ER. The stitches in my foot.
I groan and don’t bother to turn around. Even without looking, I know it’s Joni’s arm pinning me from behind. I glance down and exhale a relieved breath at the sight of my sleep shorts and t-shirt, which I now remember changing into once we returned from the hospital.
Wiggling myself free, I slide off the bed. Joni doesn’t stir. It’s still early in Finland, but it’s the perfect time to phone home. I grab the crutches, which I’m supposed to use until my foot is healed, and collect my phone from my purse. Then I quietly leave the room, shutting the door behind me, and crutch my way down the hallway and the stairs.
Outside, I sit on a bench overlooking a small pond shaped like a wonky heart. Several orange fish dart around the lily pads. On the other side, a statue of a young girl pours water in the pond from a jug. At least she doesn’t have men problems. The worst she has to worry about is birds pooping on her head. Lucky girl.
I call mom first and go straight to voicemail. I end the call without bothering to leave a message. Next, I call Claire since it’s too early to call Kyle. Besides, it’s my best friend I need to talk to more than anyone. She’ll know what to do about Kyle, about Joni, about Muumu.
“Hey you,” she says after the second ring. “Aren’t you at the wedding?”
“No, it’s not for a few more hours.”
“So? How’s it going?”
