Page 116 of Goal Line

My head snaps over toward her, and that’s when I realize I got so distracted thinking about Luke that I never even responded.

“Sorry,” I say with a slight grimace. “Totally just got lost thinking about Luke.”

Lauren laughs. “I’d tease you about it, but that would be like the pot calling the kettle black.”

We take one last lap around the rink, and I’m amazed by how comfortable Lauren is now.That’swhat makes me want to coach—witnessing someone doing something they didn’t think they could do, and knowing that I helped them get there.

But then the kids start filing into the stands to get readyfor their lesson, and Lauren and I part ways. She heads up to the offices for work, as I head toward the Back Bay for my practice with Christopher.

I’m almost at our practice rink when Lauren’s text comes through.

Lauren

Thanks for this morning...I never thought I’d feel safe and happy on the ice again. Coaching seems like a natural fit for you!

Chapter Forty-Six

EVA

You can do this,I tell myself as the driver takes the turn up Newbury Street toward the restaurant where the event is being held.One hour of making nice with the sponsors, and then you can go home, crawl into bed, and wait for Luke to get back.

I glance at my phone again, looking at the last messages we exchanged.

Luke

Looks like we’re going to arrive almost an hour earlier than planned. Can’t wait to see you tonight!

Eva

I will make sure I’m home and naked before youget there.

Luke

That winky face better not mean you’re joking. I just spent three nights without you and I miss you like crazy. Don’t plan on leaving that bed all weekend.

Eva

It’s cute that you think you can tell me what to do.

Luke

Don’t be a brat.

Eva

Why? What happens to brats?

Luke

Fuck around and find out, Peaches.

Crossing my legs and squeezing my thighs together, I attempt to quell the ache that’s building there.

After I’d finally come clean to Luke about having to throw out my whole toy collection in LA, he’d left me a care package with a wide array of toys before he headed to the airport a few days ago. We’ve had fun on video calls at night as I tested them out—but nothing beats him being here with me. The toys will never be a satisfactory replacement for Luke.

Still, perhaps him being away has been good practice for when the season starts up. I don’t know how I’m going to handle the week-long road trips where he’s in different cities every couple of days. Maybe after the Olympics, if we even get there, the baby and I can travel with him?

I slide my phone into my purse, hoping that I can control my longing for him for the next hour or so.