Page 41 of Something Like That

He opened his mouth to say something, anything to get her to stop and explain. But she glanced at him over her shoulder and gave him the biggest, brightest smile he’d ever seen. His heart stuttered like a cold Zamboni.

“You can join me tonight, if you want. I can text you later with the details.” She pointed at the changing room door. “I’ll see you in the gym.” With that, she disappeared through the door next to the desk.

Part of him wanted to chase after her, grill her for information, get her to spill her secret.

But he didn’t, mostly because he liked the teasing tone in her voice and the way her eyes sparkled.

The front door opened, the little bell tinkling its happy tune. Sabrina walked in and smiled at him. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.”

“Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Sadler?” She hurried behind the counter, slipping off her coat and hanging it on the back of her chair. “We weren’t sure if you were going to be in today or not. Did you need to change your appointment time?”

“No, I’m good.” He glanced at the door Alex had disappeared through, and couldn’t stop from grinning like an idiot. He looked back at Sabrina. “I’ll see you after my session.”

“Sounds good.” She gave him a nod and turned to her computer.

He spun and headed for the locker room, the urge to whistle a happy tune bubbling through him. What the hell was wrong with him?

Chapter Nine

Alex stopped at the red light, the windshield wipers of her little Tercel barely keeping up with the downpour. She hadn’t expected Nick to agree to come tonight. Especially not after she’d been so cryptic with him earlier.

But, as promised, after his session, where he’d been nothing but professional—and had worked his butt off without complaint—she’d sent him a text with a time and the instructions that he bring his skates. He’d sent her back a gif of Han Solo giving a salute along with a smiley face. She’d then spent the rest of the afternoon questioning everything.

Was she doing the right thing, getting involved with him? There was no denying part of her was excited. That part of her was doing a flipping happy dance at the prospect of living out her teenage fantasies.

But that was ridiculous. They weren’t kids anymore. They’d both grown and changed in the last sixteen years. They were different people. With plenty of baggage, and the wounds and scars that came along with all of it.

That didn’t mean she wasn’t fascinated by the man he’d become.

The idea of getting to know this Nick was just as thrilling. If not more so. Because this time, their relationship was going to be physical. As in deep, hungry kisses, and bold, sweeping touches, and naked, sweaty bodies rubbing against one another.

Which were not things she needed be thinking about right now. She kept her gaze focused on the road, her grip tight on the wheel. Heavy raindrops bounced off the windshield. She loved the Pacific Northwest. It was beautiful and lush, with plenty of opportunities to get out and commune with nature.

She could, however, do with a little less rain.

Shockingly, the drop off area in front of the hotel was free. She pulled up, expecting him not to be there, especially given she was about twenty minutes early.

But there he was, standing to the side of the door, his back against the front window.

She put the car in park and made to get out, but he shook his head, already on his way over. He pulled on the passenger side handle. The door didn’t open.

Crap, crap, crap. The power door locks were tricky on the best of days, and it seemed today was not one of them. She flicked the switch and the thunk-thunk of the locks sounded. He tried again. The door still didn’t open.

Shame and embarrassment burned through her. Why now? Out of all the times she needed the stupid things to work properly, today was the day they chose to crap out.

She flicked the switch again, tossing a silent prayer out to the universe. The locks made another thunk-thunk.

Apparently, someone out there was listening, because the door opened when he tried it a third time.

He slid into the seat. “Hey.” He lifted his bag over the space between the front seats, shoving it into the back. His hand brushed her arm and she jerked. Even such an innocent touch lit her nerve endings on fire.

She was in so much trouble.

He settled back in the seat and buckled himself in.

Oh, if only the ground would open up and swallow her whole, she might be able to survive this. “Sorry about that.” She waved in the direction of his door.