Page 61 of Broken Hearts
Her routine starts staring down at the ice and then a whip of the head as the music starts. I glance over at a smug-looking Sienna when the music begins and then it’s go-time. She’s graceful, which I’m not, and her program includes a lot of waving arms and fancy footwork that I’m sure look ridiculous with my choppy movements, but I can only focus on remembering the choreography and not acing it. And staying upright. I almost bite it on the first jump, catching myself in the nick of time.
The next jump is the one I’m worried about and it’s coming up fast. I say a silent prayer to anyone who might be listening, then give it my best. I chuckle as I magically land it. I throw my hands overhead and then go into the spin.
After that, it’s cake. The only thing I can’t manage is grabbing my skate behind my head, but I hold one foot up, imitating it the best I can and then fist-bump to the roaring applause I’m expecting.
When I glance back at Sienna, she’s not alone.
My buddies, dressed in their workout gear, watch with expressions ranging from amusement to confusion.
“What the fuck was that?” Jordan asks, brows raised.
“That shit’s going viral,” Maverick says, holding his phone up, probably recording me.
I ignore all of them and focus on Sienna. Her expression gives nothing away as she skates out to me.
“You jacked up the choreography and your jumps are shit, but that was damn impressive.”
That thrill of success shoots through me. “My parents own a skating camp, remember?”
“Mhmmm.” She’s still staring at me through a narrowed gaze. “How do you know my routine so well?”
“The same reason I’m sure this isn’t a rebound.”
“You’re delusional?” A hint of a smile appears, and I know I’ve won her over. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.
“Yeah, probably that too.” I grip her waist hard enough she can’t skate away from me like she’s so prone to do. “You’re under my skin.”
She doesn’t comment, but relents by leaning into me.
“Rauthruss, ready to watch some hockey or are you switching sports?” Heath calls.
“Coming,” I yell, not looking away from Sienna. “Now, what time are you coming over later?” I wink, drop a kiss to her mouth, and skate backward away from her slowly, waiting for an answer.
“Seven. I have to finish slides for a presentation next week and take a nap.”
“Awesome.” A grin tugs up the corners of my mouth. I’m cheesing hard and I’m never going to live this down from the guys, but I don’t even care.
18
Sienna
Thursday evening, I go to Rhett’s apartment. It’s a busy week for the both of us trying to manage classes, practice, and spending every free second together. Tonight is the last night we’ll be able to hang for a few days.
Tomorrow I head off to Phoenix for a competition and before I get back, he leaves for regionals.
“I have news,” I say while we work on school stuff. He’s sprawled out on his side studying management policies and I’m sitting in the middle of the bed with my laptop rereading the acceptance email I just sent. “I accepted the job with Dalton.”
“Really? Congrats! So you’ll be in Appleton?”
“Yeah.” It doesn’t feel real. I’m not as excited as I thought I’d be, but I know it’s a good job and it’s the best starting salary that I’ve been offered, by far.
“Awesome. We’ll only be a few hours apart.”
Five. Yes, I already checked.
His bedroom door is open and Maverick steps in. “Sardines?”
I make a face of disgust. Yuck. “No thank you.”
