003

HEIDI

The next morning I stopped wearing the ring. I kept it inside the drawer, then I got ready for work. I moved downstairs and I met Jace already dressed up in the living room. His mood? As if he was waiting for someone.

I didn't say anything, I just moved to the kitchen and poured myself a cup of water to drink.

This time, Jace made the first move, he came into me in the kitchen. His eyes dropped straight to my bare hand and stayed there a while before lifting to my face.

“Where is your ring?”

I reached for coffee, then I looked at my fingers. “I forgot.”

Jace's face twisted, he pulled closer to me. “You never forget!”

I shrugged nonchalantly. “Maybe I did today.”

“Put it back on, You’re a married woman. You're my wife.”

“Only when we’re alone, apparently.”

His jaw tightened in rage. “You know why we can’t tell anyone.”

“Yes. I know. That doesn’t make it hurt less.”

Before either of us could say more the doorbell rang. Maya walked in carrying two coffees, smiles aimed entirely at Jace. “Am I interrupting?”

“No,” Jace said.

I picked up my bag. “I was just leaving.”

Maya looked between us. “I thought you were coming with us.”

Jace frowned. “Heidi is working.”

Then his eyes found mine again. “You’re coming with me.”

I understood. He wanted his physiotherapist, not his wife. I forced a smile. “Fine.”

Outside the training facility cameras were already waiting. Maya’s return had become public overnight.

“Mr Stanford,Is Maya back for good?”

“Are you two getting back together?”

He ignored the questions but Maya didn’t. She smiled for the lenses and slipped her arm through his. He didn’t remove it, and I looked away.

~~~~~~~~~~

After training I was laying out supplies when Maya closed the medical-room door behind her and sat opposite me.

“You’re very comfortable around him,” she said quietly.

“He’s my patient.”

“That’s not what I mean. You look at him differently.”

My heart skipped. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She leaned forward. “ Whatever relationship you think you have with him won't work. We have history. Some things don’t disappear just because people spend time apart.”

I met her eyes. “Are you telling me you want him back?”

She smiled without warmth. “I’m telling you I already have him back.”

The door opened. Jace stepped in, eyes glaring between us. “What are you two talking about?”

Maya rose up smoothly. “Nothing important.” Maya pecked his cheek immediately and had a smile. “See you tonight, Jace” She rushed out. My heart sank at the peck. It seemed simple, but it showed how much claim Maya had on him.

The moment the door shut, Jace turned to me. “What did she say?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“You’re lying.” He stepped closer, voice lower. “Did she say anything that upsets you?”

I looked at him and almost told the truth. Instead I only said, “Sit down. Your thigh still needs work.”

Jace sat without a word and I continued to treat him as his physiotherapist.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonight the club was holding a private dinner for his latest victory. I assumed I wasn’t invited until Jace walked into the apartment while I was getting ready for bed.

“Get dressed. You’re coming.”

“I wasn’t invited.”

“You’re part of the medical staff.”

I almost laughed. “I don't want to attend.”

His face turned cold at me. “You’ve been doing that a lot lately. You don't expect me to pretend that it means nothing. Heidi, you've changed.”

“Maybe I’m tired of explaining myself.” I retorted. “I'm off to get dressed.” I turned away , heading to my bedroom to prepare for the party.

~

Twenty minutes later, we entered the restaurant. Cameras flashed. His hand settled briefly at my lower back—the first public touch in three years—and my heart jumped before I remembered it was only guidance through the crowd.

Maya was already inside, looking perfect. She had saved him a seat beside her. The only other open chair sat at the opposite end of the table. Jace looked at me.

“You can sit wherever you want.”

I smiled. “You’ll be more comfortable next to Maya.” I took the far seat.

Halfway through dinner a sponsor raised his glass. “To Jace Stanford and the woman who stood by him through everything.” Applause. The man turned to Maya. “Wonderful to see you two together again.”

Maya laughed. “We’re just friends.”

“Friends who were once dating,” someone else added. Laughter rolled around the table. Maya reached across and touched Jace’s arm. “I’ve always believed in him.”

Then the sponsor looked at me. “And Heidi—what’s it like managing someone as stubborn as him?”

I smiled. “He’s a good athlete.”

Maya leaned back. “She must know him very well by now. You’re lucky, Heidi. Not many people get to work this closely with Jace. You’re very dedicated to your job.”

A few awkward laughs followed. My face burned. I looked at Jace. He could have said something. Anything at all, but he only lifted his glass and stayed silent.

I excused myself, locked myself in a restroom stall, and stared at my own reflection until the anger settled into something colder. When I returned, Maya was still leaning into him, reminiscing about how he used to hate physiotherapy and they laughed together.

I stood and walked outside, I was still trying not to cry when the door opened behind me.

“Are you angry?” Jace spoke.

I laughed bitterly. “Should I be?”

“What happened there?”

“You really have to ask?” I turned fully to him. “Maya humiliated me in front of everyone. And you let her. I looked at you because I thought maybe—just once—you’d say something. You didn’t.”

He looked away without a word.

I nodded slowly. “That’s all I needed to know.” I said and I turned to leave. His hand caught my wrist.“Heidi. Don’t walk away like this.” His face tightened.

“Let me go, I’m tired, Jace.” I pulled free from him then I walked away. Jace didn't follow, and I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.