Page 207 of Skate the Line

I keep my gaze pinned to Rhodes.

Watching him play hockey is captivating. He is focused, driven, and patient. With his chest rising, he glances to the bench and nods, taking off in that direction.

I follow him like a magnet. I selfishly want him to look at me, but I know he’s too into the game for me to pop into his head like he continues to pop into mine.

My cheeks warm when I slip my gaze to the hallway that leads from the bench.

What we did earlier was so uncharacteristic of the both of us, but walking back out onto the ice during Family Day, I don’t think either one of us regretted it.

I bite my lip and find him on the bench again.

To my surprise, he’s staring right at me.

His eyebrow lifts, and I roll my lips.

He caught me.

There’s a quick shake of his head paired with his smirk, and suddenly, he’s standing again to get back on the ice.

I cover my smile with my hand and shift my gaze over the rest of the team, only to pause.

My smile falls along with my heart.

The entire arena blurs. Panic rushes to my fingertips.

I grip the sleeve of Ellie’s sweatshirt.

I hear her voice, yet I can’t pull away.

I’m pinned with shock, and reality comes crashing around me like I’m in the middle of a burning building with no way out.

The devil himself smiles at me.

What ishedoing here?

What ishedoing behind the Blue Devils bench in a suit, like he’s coaching?

My heart stumbles back to life, and I turn toward Ellie.

“Sunny? Are you okay?” Her eyes grow wide, and worry lines curve around her little mouth.

I swallow past the lump of dread and confusion.

Is this a coincidence?

Too many questions hit me from every direction, and my thoughts spiral.

“I think I’m sick.” It’s not a lie. I’m so sick to my stomach that I have to grab a hold of it. “Let’s go get you to the box so you can be with Scottie. Is that okay?”

Ellie nods quickly, more concerned with me than she is the game at this point.

What am I going to do?

He’s not even supposed to be near me, yet he’s here? Coaching?

There was no flicker of surprise on his face when he saw me, which is beyond concerning.

And then there’s Rhodes. What do I tell him? That I used to nanny for his new coach, and he’s the reason why I left Washington?

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