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ANDI

These last two weeks have felt like a dream, but it’s one I don’t want to wake up from. Life with Carson is so damn easy. He’s been nothing short of attentive to both Matteo and me. He’s been working his ass off between being in the gym and trying to get as much ice time as he possibly can to work towards being in his best shape for the next season.

By the time he gets home each day, he’s exhausted and usually ends up taking an afternoon nap while I finish up any work I’m doing remotely. After he gets some rest, he’s been keeping Matteo and me busy before we settle in for dinner and time together in the evening.

Most nights, I cook, but he’s right there, trying to figure out how the hell he can make an edible meal. He tries, but goddamn, he truly shouldn’t give up his day job.

We finish out the day with him buried deep inside of me until we’re both spent and satiated, falling asleep wrapped up in one another.

Our time together is wearing thinner each day. It won’t be long before Matteo and I will be going back to Starling Ridge. As much as I don’t want to leave, I know I have to.

My feelings for Carson continue to grow the more time we spend together and I know he can feel it too. But I also know I can’t stay if he can’t be honest with himself and with me. He keeps his feelings guarded close to his chest. If he can’t admit the way he feels for me, then I know there’s really no chance here.

I watch Carson and Matteo out on the ice together, weaving through people as they pretend to race around the rink. We’ve been coming to public skates together, just so they can both get some extra time on the ice. It’s an amazing bonding experience for them and I’m so glad I get to be a part of it all.

The relationship between them is truly amazing and after watching it blossom, I don’t want to interfere.

I throw out my drink, making sure it lands in the trash can, then prepare to head back onto the ice with my guys.

“Excuse me, ma’am.”

I slowly turn around at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. A woman standing behind me offers me a smile. “Hi. I’m sorry, was I in your way?”

“Oh, absolutely not.” She points down at her feet that are covered by boots. “I’m not skating tonight.” She holds out her hand for me to shake it. I remove my glove, reaching for her hand. “I’m Ellen, I run the learn to skate program here.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Andi. My son plays hockey here.”

“Yes, I’ve seen him here a few times.” She pauses, tilting her head to the side. “I remember you from your figure skating days. My daughter competed against you often.” She purses her lips. “You were an exceptional skater.”

“Oh, thank you,” I tell her, smiling. “I spent a lot of time skating, but when I got to college, I wanted to see and do other things. It felt like I had sacrificed so much for it growing up that I was just burnt out.”

She nods. “I completely understand that. Have you considered doing anything with your abilities now?”

I shake my head at her, letting out a nervous laugh. “Oh, no. I just do it for pleasure now. I don’t have it like I once did.”

“Well, if you’re ever interested, we are always looking to add skilled coaches to our skating program.” She reaches into her pocket, pulling out a small business card before handing it to me. “We would love to have you come join us. The kids could really benefit from lessons with someone who knows the ins and outs of skating like you do.”

I stare down at her card, my heart pounding erratically inside my chest. I look up at her, catching that hopeful look in her eyes. “I’m not sure how good I would be at teaching.”

“And I completely understand that too.” She gives me a warm smile. “No pressure or obligation, just think about it.”

“Okay, I will,” I tell her, tucking the card into the side pocket of my pants. I’ve helped with camps when I was younger, but that was years ago. I’m not sure how great I would be at teaching and committing to something like that wouldn’t be possible when it’s time for Matteo and me to return home.

“Have a great night, Andi.”

“Thanks, you too,” I tell her, offering her one last parting smile before turning back around to the rink. I make my way around the boards, back over to the door where Matteo and Carson end up meeting me at the same exact time.

“Mommy, look!” Matteo spins around to face me, skating backwards at a slow and steady pace. I watch him as he transitions forward again before moving to face me once more.

“Wow,caro! Your transitions are getting so much smoother!”

“I know!” He exclaims, his body bouncing up and down. “Dad was showing me how to use different edges to make it easier.”

I glance over at Carson, who’s skating slowly beside me with a tender smile on his face. “Well, it’s a great thing you have such an amazing dad to show you all the tricks.”

“I know,” Matteo smiles, looking up at Carson. “He’s really great.”

“He is, isn’t he?”