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Don’t I deserve to have this little piece of happiness?

Shouldn’t I take what I can get for now? Enjoy Brad while he’s here?

People do this all the time and walk away with their hearts intact and no regrets. As long as I know what I’m getting myself into, I won’t get hurt. It’s not like Brad is going to profess his undying love for me and then leave. No, we both know the score and love isn’t involved.

It’s just sex. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. Even it was the hottest freaking sex ever.

It was just that…sex.

The anticipation of seeing Brad this evening has me floating through the day. I haven’t told anyone about my date, including my friend Hanna. It’s not that I’m trying to keep it a secret. It’s just that I’m not sure what to say. I don’t know how to explain what’s going on.

What would I even say? Hey, guess what? I spent the entire night having my brains screwed out by my ex? Oh, you know, the ex who’s leaving in a few weeks? The one I was madly in love with? And, yeah, he’s sorta coming over tonight, too.

Hanna would tell me I’ve lost my mind. She’d be right. I guess if I’m going to lose my mind, it might as well be to an insanely hot guy.

It feels reckless and exhilarating and oh-so-wonderful.

But I also kinda feel like a deep pile of dog crap for keeping this from my friend. She and I have always leaned on each other and been there for each other. Every heartache, every breakup, every love story we’ve shared with each other.

As I’m leaving the ice with my last group of students, I look over my shoulder and see Hanna staring curiously at me. Again. Oh, she totally knows something’s up. Her antennae are on full alert. If the rapidly approaching sound of skates scraping against the ice behind me is any sign, I’m about to have a full-on inquisition.

“Soooo, how ya doing, Win? You’ve been quiet today,” Hanna says as she taps me on the shoulder.

I turn to her and shrug nonchalantly and grimace. “Just trying to figure out how I’m going to come up with the money for a new heater. Mine went out again last night. It’s probably a goner this time.”

“That sucks. I’m so sorry.”

We clomp to the locker room and start unlacing our skates.

“Hopefully, I can pick up some more lessons or something. I’d hate to take the money out of my savings. I’m still holding out hope that Gerald will work with me on purchasing the rink. So, I have to be super careful about what I spend right now,” I explain.

She snorts. “Did you talk to the Old Man again? From what you told me of your last conversation with Gerald, it doesn’t sound too promising.”

I flash a falsely bright smile. “Oh, he’s still telling me he can’t do it. Said he needs the money for retirement and some medical bills. But I’m sure I can wear him down,” I boast.

Hanna doesn’t look like she believes me. She finishes putting on her shoes and shoves her ice skates into the locker. “I hope you’re right. But, just in case it doesn’t work out, shouldn’t we start looking for other jobs or something?” she asks.

I’m busy taking my frustrations out on my ice skate and the tangled mess of my laces. Once I finally get it unknotted, I toss my skates in the locker next to Hanna’s. My breath huffs out in annoyance before answering her. “What else are we going to do? All we’ve ever done is skate. It’s not like there’s another rink in town. Besides, I have a chance to make something of myself as a coach. I have so many plans. This has to work. Gerald has to agree to sell me the rink or at least keep it himself and allow me to run it.”

Hanna puts her arm around my neck, and we head outside. “You’re right. It’s going to work. Let’s go get our coffee and come up with a plan. Okay?”

“So, you’re on board? You’re going to help?”

She grins cheekily. “I’m on board to help you out, yes. However, you know I don’t have any interest in having any ownership of the rink. I’ll help you come up with a business plan and help you present it to Gerald,” she says. “However, my help comes up with a price.”

I raise my eyebrows in suspicion. “What price?”

Hanna waits until we cross the street. She comes to a halt, places her hand on my shoulder, and turns me around to meet her gaze. With that same hand, she yanks back the collar of my sweater. “My price? You’re going to tell me who’s been sucking on your neck.”

I jerk back from her and continue walking towards the coffee shop. “No one,” I say unconvincingly. “I burned my neck on my curling iron.” Hanna’s laughter rings out loud behind me. “Winny Cramer, you’re a damn liar. I know a hickey when I see one. And that one’s a whopper.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see several people giving us a curious look. I spin around to face her, hands on my hips. “Shush, everyone is going to hear you!”

Hanna smirks at me. “So, are you going to tell me? Who’s the lucky stud muffin, and why are you keeping him a secret?” Her eyes narrow questioningly on mine. Then, “Ahhhh, holy shit. Are you back with Craig? I thought you said you’d never date him again!”

“No! It’s not Craig. I’m still avoiding him like the plague,” I tell her.

“Ha! So, you admit it? You have a secret lover. Are you gonna tell me the name of this lucky guy, or do I have to keep guessing?”