Page 74 of Goalie Secrets

“Why?” I ask gently.

“Honestly? I don’t know. But every time I put on my goaltending gear, I… I have a panic attack.”

My chest squeezes because what she is describing is tantamount to having something you love, become the source of fear. It’s heartbreaking.

“What can I do, Sabrina?”

“I see how you’re helping Jeremy. How much you’ve catered your therapy to his specific needs. Maybe I can consult with you on—”

“Yes!” I answer without waiting for her to finish. “Of course, Sabrina! Helping you gain your confidence would be nothing short of an honor for me.” I mean it. God, she’s been amazing. This is the least I can do.

“Thank you, Vanya.”

“But I think something else is going on? Have you seen a sports psychologist?”

“You sound like my husband.”

“He happens to be a very smart man,” I state. “What you and I work on will benefit from your commitment to wellness in all aspects of your life.”

She nods. “You’re right. Yes, I’ll, um, I’ll look into it.” She stands. “I won’t keep you any longer tonight. Since for once you’re able to leave early.”

“We can start on Monday. You’re an early bird like me. Let’s say before the office opens?”

“That’s perfect. I can’t thank you enough.”

She walks out and I can finally exhale.

Vanya stroking my hair is like being put under a spell. I’m still turned on, obviously, but there’s a blunted edge to my arousal. A feeling of tender affection that overtakes lust. My contentment under her care is so all-encompassing, it’s beyond physical. Something inside me quiets down as Vanya’s hand lays on my head, her thigh against my cheek.

But the spell is broken by Vanya’s frustrated exhale the second Sabrina leaves the room.

I’m still crumpled under the desk, my flexibility coming in handy. This right here is the real payoff of goalie training—the ability to fold myself in half so I can make Vanya crazy after she tied me up like a tease. New fantasy unlocked.

I kiss each knee before unfolding myself from under the desk. She stands as well, walking to put her ear against the door. She listens to the hallway chatter and presses the lock, so we don’t get any more surprises.

She looks so worried, I try to comfort her with a joke. “Good thing you’re bad at tying knots.” After all, Vanya needed me to adjust quickly when she didn’t hear the knock.

Chuckling while putting her hand over her mouth, Vanya shakes her head. “I can’t believe I did that. And I didn’t even ask for your consent before tying you up. Oh my god, Jeremy, I’m sor—”

“Don’t you dare.” I wrap an arm around her waist and lean down so our foreheads are touching. “No apologies. I would have told you if something didn’t sit right with me. But damn, Vanya. That felt good in so many ways. I loved it.”

“Me too,” she admits.

Before I can suggest we finish what we started, her eyes stray to the closed door.

“I’ll sneak out to check if we’re in the clear. Do not move until I give you the green light,” Vanya orders.

I put my hand on the doorknob to stop her from her ill-formed spy plan. “You’re going to look more suspicious darting around, beautiful.”

I tuck a stray black strand behind her ear and let my thumb linger on heated cheeks. Sabrina is the only one who greeted me when I first came in. Her office is at the end of the medical wing, closer to the fitness center.

“Don’t worry about Sabrina. She’s long gone.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Let’s straighten up and I’ll stroll out casually. It won’t be an issue.”

“You’re right,” Vanya says with relief. “There aren’t a lot of people who linger this late in the afternoon.”