Page 50 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
Grace looks over at me with raised eyebrows. “When was the last time you came here?”
“A week before I left,” I reply, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. “I came with Josh.” A small, bittersweet smile creeps onto my lips. “That guy could skate. He was good.”
“When was the last time you saw him?” Luke asks.
“Um, three years ago, I guess. Has anyone else seen him?”
Everyone shakes their heads no. For a moment, none of us say anything, and then Luke claps his hands together, breaking the tension.
“Alright, enough sappiness. Let’s see if Grace can make it around the rink without falling on her face.”
Grace gasps, swatting at him playfully. “I’ll have you know, I’ve been doing great!”
As they bicker, I glance across the rink. Liam’s still there, skating with the same quiet focus. He does not look in our direction, but I feel the weight of his presence all the same.
Maya looks at me, then says, “You’ll be okay, Hazel.”
I nod. “Yeah... I will be.”
Chapter fourteen
Liam
Why can’t I just escape her?
Why did she have to come to the rink today, and why did she? Well, technically, this is the only public rink in the town, but still. It is supposed to be unavailable today, which is why I came here. I needed someplace quiet, an empty space where I could just focus. I could have gone to the Avalanche training center, but I did not want to take my chance with my peace.
But here she is.
Her laugh echoes across the rink, carried by the cool air. I stop mid-skate, eyes narrowing. She glides across the ice with a natural grace, effortless, like it is second nature to her. I cannot help but watch, my mind flicking back to when we were younger, when it was just us on the rink, skating for hours, sharing everything.
I do not want to think about that.
But my eyes will not leave her. I cannot stop myself.
I watch her, and my jaw tightens when I see her laughing and smiling... then my stomach twists when I catch the mention of aguy. Josh. A guy she apparently was seeing. A guy who, - she says - can skate.
I try to push the thought away. Why should it matter? We are done. She has moved on. But something about it stings. Did she cheat on me with him, too? I don’t even know why it bothers me. It is in the past but hearing that... it does not sit right.
I stop skating, the chill of the rink biting at my skin as I drag myself to the bleachers. My bag is tucked in the corner, and I make my way over, slumping down onto the metal seat. I pull my water bottle out and take a long swig.
I drag a hand through my hair. I do not think she can see me where I am sitting, but I’m watching her every move.
After a few minutes, her friends finally skate over to her. They exchange a few words, laughing softly before each of them hugs Hazel in turn. I watch them leave until it’s just Hazel. Alone.
I watch her skate for a bit longer; her movements are slower now, almost like she is lost in thought. Just a few minutes later, I push myself off the bleachers and head back to the rink.
I skate toward her, not fast, but enough to make my presence known.
"Not bad," I say, my voice low, "but not good either."
She stops mid-skate, turning sharply in my direction. Her head snaps up, her wide eyes locking on me. For a moment, there is a genuine surprise on her face. Then, just as quickly, the surprise disappears, replaced by something I know all too well - a fiery, defiant look.
It is the same look she used to give me when we were younger, back when we’d go at it on the ice, testing each other’s skills. She cocks her head, one brow arching. "Oh, I’m sorry, did I ask for your expert opinion?"
"Didn’t need to. It’s written all over your form."
"My form is fine," she snaps, skating toward me.
