Page 36 of Enemy Games

“Do you hear that?” she asked.

“What?”

She grinned. “Exactly. A little bounce in my step. Land lightly. Not this.” She mimicked me slamming her feet down with each step.

“Yeah, I got it. You can stop.”

She hopped off and strode over to the mat area and sat with her legs straight out in front of her. I noticed her phone and water bottle were over there. At least I understood now how I missed her. She was out of my line of sight and hidden behind machines.

It was uncomfortable now though. I couldn’t run without hearing how loud each strike was. I slowed down to a walk, waiting her out. If she’d been here for over an hour already, she should be leaving soon. Especially since I was here. I doubted she would hang out for longer than necessary.

The longer she stayed, the more my confusion grew.

Wasn’t she still mad at me? Was she over there, silently plotting her revenge? Should I prepare for some sort of attack?

After ten minutes of nothing, I got off and headed to the free weights. It was closer to her, but we both had headphones in, so as long as she didn’t engage, I wouldn’t.

I started with shoulders, rotating between three lifts in a super set circuit. My attention was focused on my breathing and watching my form.

Then she appeared behind me like a wraith. I flinched, but covered it and brought the weights down before removing one of my headphones. “Yes?”

“You’re grumpier than normal. Can’t sleep?”

What a great way to start off a conversation. “No. I can’t.”

She nodded and held up her wrapped wrist. “Matt and Coach said I have to rest for the first two weeks, so I’m sneaking in workouts.”

“Your trainer told you to rest, and you’re going behind his back? And your coach?” That was an interesting choice. One that could end up getting her benched for a whole lot longer than two weeks.

“I tried to point out that my wrist does not impact my legs, core, or back. They said I should use this time to adjust to life and school.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s cute that they think I have a life outside of the team. That any of us do.”

She wasn’t going to get an argument from me. My only friends were the guys, and a few other athletes. Beyond that, I didn’t have time to make and keep connections with anyone else.

“You’re not going to skate, are you?”

Her eyes roamed over the room, never meeting mine. “Probably not.”

“You already have, haven’t you?”

“Maybe.” A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

“Alone?”

“Well, it’s not like this place attracts many others at this time.”

That was so stupid. She shouldn’t be risking greater injury right now, especially without backup.

“You could get seriously hurt.”

“Or I could lose my speed and agility and say goodbye to ever going to Alberta.”

Another point I wouldn’t argue over. Someone who didn’t understand the dedication and sacrifice to get to her level might tell her it wasn’t worth it, but I understood. If I was in her position, I would be doing the exact same thing. But maybe bringing Ethan or Reid along.

She didn’t have best friends who had her back, not yet at least. Her team was too new. It was too soon to ask someone to break rules with her.

“Fair enough.” It wasn’t like I was in a position to give her advice or criticism.

“So, I don’t actually remember a lot of what happened at the hospital. It’s all kind of a blur, but I wanted to make sure I said thank you for taking me and staying with me. You didn’t have to do that, and I really appreciate it.”