Page 16 of Defend Her Heart

Katie’s smile widens as she nods at me. “I’m sure. You’re family now, Avery. I’d happily help you for free but I know you wouldn’t be happy with that. So, I promise we can work something out. Just because you can’t afford it right now, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to get the help you need and deserve.”

“Thank you. I’ll see you next week then!”

Katie lifts her hand in a wave. I return the gesture and make my way out of her office. I turn the corner to head to the employee exit when I smack into a hard chest. My forehead bounces off the wall of muscle and I lose my balance slightly. Large, strong hands grip my upper arms as theperson steadies me before I can make a bigger fool of myself.

“Shit. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

I’m still rubbing my forehead while I make my apology. When I finally take a step back and the stranger releases their hold on me, I look up to see it’s no stranger at all.

My stomach drops as I survey his frame and my breath catches for a second as I try to formulate words. My hands tremble at my sides due to his proximity, so I clench them into fists, feeling my nails dig into my palms, as I continue to take him in.

Connor stands in front of me, his giant body towering over me, amusement painted on every inch of his face. I haven’t seen him up close since the end of the year barbecue. Honestly, that was on purpose. Anytime I’ve hung out with Sadie or the girls, I’ve made sure to ask who will be there before agreeing. I guess it’s time to get used to seeing him around.

Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that I no longer want to allow men to have any power over me, and I find my voice.

“Oh, it’s just you.”

He slips his hands into his athletic shorts and then quirks a brow at me. “Just me? You wound me, Aves.”

“Don’t call me that.” The minute the words leave my mouth, I immediately regret it. I don’t want Connor to know that he affects me in any way. He may have broken my heart in high school but it’s been a long time since then. His presence should not elicit any type of reaction out of me.

I watch the amusement on his face transform right before my eyes. Now, instead of the raised brow, creases furrow between them. Gone is the crooked grin, replaced by a slight frown.

Before he can say another word, I take another step back and attempt to change the subject.

“What are you doing here? Getting a skate in?”

We used to spend most of our time at the rink together in Minnesota. After we started dating, we decided staying at school over summer was better than returning home to no friends and training alone. Connor was more than just a boyfriend. He was my training partner, best friend, competition, and biggest fan.

And now we’re just…coworkers? I don’t even think we’re that. I work for the team he plays for and get to talk about him when he plays the sport I had to give up. The realization of our situation hits like a punch to the gut.

Connor’s voice breaks through the harsh reality that is now my life. “Um, no. I have an appointment with the team psychologist.”

His confession takes me by surprise. I’m not sure why it does. Professional athletes are under an insane amount of pressure all season, especially star athletes like Connor. He’s one of the best defenseman in the league and with the Olympics happening in a few months, I know this season he’ll be hoping to see his name on that roster come January.

Part of me wants to ask him if everything is okay. Even after all this time and all the anger I still feel, some sliver of my heart will always belong to him. He was my first boyfriend. My first love. My first everything. But he let me go, then cut me out of his life. Bittersweet memories flood my mind.

I need to get out of here. I just did some amazing work on myself, taking a big step forward to self-love. Now my past threatens to push me two steps back. I won’t let this man or those memories erase my progress.

“Oh. Well, don’t let me keep you then.”

My steps are quick as I move around him without waiting for a response. I’m about to push the door open to the parking lot when I hear my name.

“Avery!”

I should pretend I don’t hear it. I should push this dooropen, hop in my car, and drive straight to the nearest pizza place.

But I don’t.

My mind and body disconnect, and I’m frozen in place, waiting to see what happens next.

The sound of shoes thudding against the concrete floor grows louder and louder until coming to an abrupt stop. I know he’s standing right behind me. I just can’t bring myself to look at him.

“What is it, Connor?” My hand is still gripping the push bar of the door, my eyes fixated on the spot.

“You can’t even look at me?”

Anger floods my system. How dare he ask me such a question.