Stick With the Hockey Rival

THREE

My breath comes in shallow pants, and my legs feel like Jell-O. Is my heart supposed to feel like it’s about to pound out of my chest? Running is for the birds. On second thought, birds don’t run. I shake my head, swiping away the hair stuck to my lips.

Sand kicks up and settles in the back of my sneakers, rubbing against my heels. Still, I keep pumping my legs. Why did I ever think this was a good idea? Oh, right. The revenge body. Though now I’m questioning if it’s even worth it.

I glance down at my Apple Watch—nine minutes. Nine minutes?! My legs come to an abrupt stop as I double over, a huff of laughter escaping. I’m more out of shape than I thought. With my hands on my knees, I catch a glimpse of my stomach, the skin pressing against the waistband of my leggings. Jace’s voice echoes in my mind, along with the image of his hand pinching my skin. “What’s this?” he asked.