“Oh, please, don’t apologize. I’m glad you won’t be,” I half-joke. Although Aiden’s help has bolstered my confidence slightly, the attention was still nerve wracking. “Hey, don’t worry, okay?” He smiles at me softly and gives me a kiss on the forehead. “How about this — after your interview tonigh
I sit across from the host — Will Wilson, a famous local talk show personality — and try my best to keep my expression polite and put-together. I’m thankful for the fact the bright lights make it so I can’t make out the faces of the audience members without really squinting. I brace myself for ano
Adrenaline pumps through my system as all eyes in the room are glued to me. My ears are ringing – even I can’t believe my own bravery. The audience gasps, but they otherwise remain silent. Daniel’s expression is frozen in shock. My heart is thundering in my chest. Despite my mounting nervousness,
Terrified and disoriented, I immediately try to scream. The sound is muffled as a large, callous hand presses over my mouth. I struggle as violently as I can, kicking and punching in the darkness wildly. I can hear my attacker grunt, but his grip on me doesn’t waiver. Fear and adrenaline course th
In the wake of the attack, Aiden’s already protective nature has kicked into overdrive. I hardly spend a moment where Aiden isn’t by my side. He watches over me with a vigilant eye. It serves to settle my nerves somewhat. Aidens protectiveness has bled over into her private life, as well. Anytime
The next match approaches even more quickly than the last did. The feverish energy that picks up around games is upon us once again like a raging storm. This time, instead of being buried in real estate, I find myself deeply involved with the team. Most of the time, Coach Henry runs practice. He d
The game reaches its inevitable conclusion. As the final buzzer sounds, the audience erupts into joyous applause. The Freeze has won again, and the match wasn’t very close. The team makes their signature lap around the rink, soaking in the applause, before zipping into their locker room. I head do
The realization strikes me like lightning. It all suddenly seems so clear. I turn to Aiden, feeling a need to help mend our misunderstanding. “I don’t think they’ve been slacking off, Aiden,” I say softly. I gesture toward Aiden’s teammates. “They’re nervous.” Aiden blinks at me. He follows my g