It might be time to reconsider your life choices.
Is this really what my life’s come to, rage cleaning as a distraction from my problems?
Or maybe it’s a replacement for hot sex.
Why can’t it be both?
Indeed. It’s been a week since I walked away from Knox. A week since I told him we couldn’t be together. A week of avoiding him like my life depends on it—which, professionally speaking, it does.
I’ve been using the garage to come and go, timing my departures so I don’t run into him on the way to the rink. And like the coward I am, I scheduled his one-on-one session for the end of the day on Friday.
At which point you conveniently ran out of time.
Okay, so I’ve been a coward, but who could blame me? I’m stuck in an impossible situation and my only options are crappy ones.
My phone buzzes on the bathroom counter, the vibration loud against the granite.
I glance at the screen, and my stomach drops.
Adam Carlyle.
I strip off the gloves and wash my hands, anxiety coiling low in my belly. Adam rarely calls—we’re still figuring out this whole father-daughter thing—so when he does, I know it’s important.
I dry my hands on a towel and swipe accept, forcing brightness into my voice. “Hey, Adam.”
I still can’t bring myself to call him Dad, but calling him Coach outside of work feels weird too.
Awkward Moments 87,000,000,000 – Ava 0.
“Ava, I’m glad I caught you. I wanted to see how your first week in Atlanta went?”
My chest tightens at the warmth in his tone. Is this how it feels to have a father who calls to check in and wants to know how you’re doing?
“It was good.” I lean against the counter, getting comfortable. “I’m all settled in, and now I’m just doing some light cleaning.”
He chuckles. “Sounds thrilling. How’s work going? Everyone treating you okay?”
Here we go.
“It’s going well,” I say carefully. “Everyone has been really welcoming, and I’m getting a feel for the rhythm of the team.”
What I don’t tell him is that I’ve dreamed about his star player for the last three nights and woken so aroused I had to take matters into my own hands.
“I’m glad to hear it. You wouldn’t know it from their record, but this team is really special.” There’s a pause, and I can practically hear him choosing his words. “How has the city been treating you? Are you finding your way around? Have you made any friends?”
“So far, so good. I really haven’t had a chance to explore much, but I’m sure that will come with time.”
At present, I don’t have a minute to spare.
“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Did you and Knox exchange keys yet?”
My breath catches. “Excuse me?”
“Keys,” he repeats. “In case of emergency? We talked about this last week. Did you forget?”
I exhale, forcing my breath out in a rush.
“Uh, no. We haven’t done that yet.” I clear my throat. “But we will.”