Page 168 of Skate the Line

My pulse thrums when I read her name on the screen.

Sunshine: If you see a scratch on your truck, no you didn’t.

My jaw clicks.What?

I can’t read her next message quickly enough.

Sunshine: KIDDING. Just texting to let you know we’re here. Good luck!

I really hate that she makes my lips twitch.

Me: You think you’re funny?

She texts me back right away.

Sunshine: Ellie thinks I am.

Me: Well, I don’t.

I retie my skate to give myself something to do while I wait.

I wouldn’t want anyone to know I’m taking my time climbing onto the ice because I’m waiting for my daughter's nanny to text me back, right?

Sunshine: I think you do.

She’s right. I do. I’ve laughed more with her than I have in a long time.

Me: You know what happens when you lie, right?

If I had to guess, she’s blushing right about now.

Sunshine: It was a joke!

The team is starting to head out for warm-ups.

Me: It’s almost like you want me to punish you.

Sunshine: I do not!

I stand on my skates. Excitement rushes to my fingers at the thought of seeing her in the stands.

Me: Another lie? Whatever am I going to do with you?

Without waiting for her to text, I fire off another.

Me: I’ll let you think about that while watching me score a goal or two.

My phone vibrates as soon as I set it in my locker. I grab it with eager hands.

Sunshine: If you score, maybe I’ll let you punish me.

Wrong thing to say, baby.

I told her she was supposed to be the rational one, but I’m so fucking glad she isn’t listening to my nonsense.

Me: Challenge accepted.

I shut my locker and head for the rink with a lot more confidence than I typically yield.

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