Page 66 of The Cutting Edge
Whatever this is between us, it has an expiration date. Once I've been cleared by USFS and the playoffs and finals are over, I'll resume my Olympic training schedule, and he'll go back to his life with Poppy. We're ships passing in the night, nothing more.
So why does it feel like we're drifting closer with each encounter? Like the tide pulling me under, I'm losing myself in Logan Rivers. And the truth is, I don't know if I want to be saved.
My gaze tracks Logan as he flies across the ice, powerful and graceful. He handles the puck with ease, weaving through his teammates to send a blistering shot into the net. The other wives and girlfriends cheer, and I add my voice to the chorus.
Cam plops himself down between Jenny and me, bumping my shoulder companionably with his. "I'm glad to see you back. And even gladder to see the way Rivers is smiling again. I was worried he might mope forever after what happened."
A blush steals over my cheeks at the implication that Logan's happiness is tied to me. "He shouldn't feel guilty. It was an accident."
"Doesn't change the fact that he cares about you." Cam's lips quirk. "Anyone with eyeballs can see that."
"I don’t know," I deny automatically. But the memory of Logan's searing kiss and heartfelt promise lingers, belying my words.
Maybe Cam's right. Maybe it's time for me to stop avoiding the truth and embrace what’s right in front of me.
"Astral-projecting again?" Marissa's voice breaks through my reverie as she plops onto the bench beside me. "You look a million miles away. Everything okay?"
“Huh?” I shrug, eyes still tracking Logan as he and Cam face off for a one-on-one drill. "Just thinking."
"About a certain hockey god, I'll venture" She nudges me with her elbow, a knowing gleam in her eyes. "Spill. What's going on?"
"Nothing," I say too quickly. "I mean, you know. It’s early, it’s complicated."
Marissa snorts. "Please. The sexual tension is so thick I could cut it with a knife. And the way he looks at you—like you're the only thing that matters in his universe." Her gaze softens. "It's okay if you've developed feelings for him, Coco. Real feelings. You deserve to be happy."
"Even if it means getting hurt again?" The words slip out before I can stop them, old fears and insecurities bubbling to the surface.
"You can't live your life afraid of taking chances. Not every guy is a total slimeball dumpster fire like Brent. Not every guy will sleep with your teammate the night before your Olympic long program and then blame you for it when you fall apart. That, my friend, is a special kind of asshole. Very special. " She squeezes my hand. "Logan's a good one. I feel very strongly you can trust your heart on this one."
I stare down at our joined hands, a smile tugging at my lips. How did I get so lucky to have a friend like her?
Maybe she's right. Maybe it's time I stop overthinking and take a leap of faith.
My gaze lifts to find Logan's across the ice, dark eyes glowing with warmth and something more—something that makes my heart skip a beat with possibility.
Marissa heads over to our rink to teach her lesson as the Slashers’ practice wraps up. Logan helps me gather my things, his hand warm against the small of my back.
Shayna waves at me as she gets ready to go, "Will we see you in Philly tomorrow night?"
"No," I say, as Logan answers simultaneously, "If she's free."
I notice several of the other wives and girlfriends whispering amongst themselves, not even attempting to hide their interest in our conversation.
Heat creeps into my cheeks at Logan's unexpected answer.
"Don't mind them," Shayna says, glancing at the wives. "None of us have ever seen Logan bring a girl here before. Well, other than Poppy, of course. He must really like you."
My blush deepens as I glance up at Logan. The tender look in his eyes makes my heart stutter.
"Yeah," he says, smiling softly. "I really do."
Shayna smiles. "Well, aren't you two just the cutest! It's been a long time coming if you ask me. The whole team's been dying to see Logan settled down."
Settled down. The implication makes my pulse leap in a mixture of excitement and panic. We've only just begun whatever this is between us. Isn't it way too soon to be thinking of forever?
As if sensing my inner turmoil, Logan gives my waist a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, we're taking things slow. For now, I'm just happy Coco's giving me a shot."
His reassurance helps quiet the worries swirling through my mind. We have plenty of time to figure out what comes next.
