DURING HER STOLEN SESSIONS on the ice over the last few months, Katie hadn’t bothered with elaborate warm-ups. She wasn’t skating hard enough to need them, after all. But today Brendan insisted they go through their usual routine, adjusted for what her knee would tolerate. Katie teased him for using his coach voice on her, which made Brendan look so sweetly pleased with himself she couldn’t help squeezing his hand in hers.
The ritual of the routine was good. Being here was what mattered as she helped Brendan with his stretches and let him help her in return. Still, she was nervous as Brendan offered her a hand after she tied her skates. Last night they had slept together, and now they were going to skate, sore muscles and all. The last time they had so much as kissed, skating — and an ent
