Free Healing Us: Sports Romance, A Comeback Uncovers Love by Abi Josselyn Page B

wake up laughing.”
     
    “I think we all have dreams where we’re doing something in
the nude. I don’t know why that’s so. I’m usually driving to work and I’ve
forgot to get dressed.” Ben pulled Beth in for a kiss. “My world would be
perfect if I could wake up every day this way but it’s time to get back to the
real world. My flight back to Denver takes off this afternoon.”
     
    “Party pooper,” Beth joked. “I should check in with Seth
because we have to figure out a strategy to beat Su from Ethiopia. That woman
is lightning quick at 30 years old. I’m always saying that I’m nearing the end
of my career but she gives me hope that one can get faster beyond 25.”
     
    “I’ve only seen Su on television and that woman always has a
smile on her face. I believe that a positive attitude has a lot to do with
winning.” Ben put his fingers at the corners of Beth’s mouth and pushed them up
into a smile. “That’s better. Keep it that way because you look beautiful when
you smile.”
     
    “Thank you Ben,” Beth said as she pulled herself out of bed.
     
    “Thanks for what Beth?”
     
    “Thanks for being you, last night and for not once
mentioning Heather. My brain needed a break from everything.”
     
    “I can tell you what my research found if you’re ready to
talk about it.”
     
    “Let’s hop in the tub and you can tell me there,” Beth said
with a devilish grin.
     
    “If you think we can both talk and bathe at the same time –
I’m game.”
     
    Beth giggled as she sashayed to the tub and started running
the water. “It’s a good thing you’re not my physical therapist anymore because
we’d be too tempted during the pool exercises.”
     
    “I just thought about Elijah. He’s not going to be working
with you – is he?”
     
    “No, I mentioned something to Seth about him being an
ex-boyfriend and how I felt uncomfortable.”
     
    “Perfect.” Ben massaged Beth’s back with a loofah as he
spoke. “I looked into your past and you’ve never had a bad drug test. You were
on a lot of banned substances while you were recovering but you went off everything.
According to comments made by physicians, you went of some drugs too early but
you were insistent. Seth asked all of the relevant questions before you were
brought on board. Anything Heather has on you is pure conjecture.”
     
    “What about you. I care more about Lizzie than anything
else.”
     
    “I was a witness for the prosecution in my sister’s case and
I’ve never even been given a parking ticket. In addition, I’d hardly qualify
meth and heroin as PED’s. In order to become Lizzie’s permanent legal guardian,
I had to pass through family services. I was put under a microscope so
Heather’s accusation won’t hold water.”
     
    Beth changed positions so she could get her quads rubbed
down.
     
    “So if I’m hearing you correctly; I should turn Heather and
Elijah into the authorities?”
     
    “Regardless of whether you go to Seth who might let them
just walk away and promise never to compete again or you go to the federation
you’ll still need proof.”
     
    “You mean wear a wire?”
     
    “No, but you have a smartphone and you can record them or
even take some pictures.” Ben laughed. “You’re going to have to channel your
inner James Bond so we can get this over with and you can focus on the
Olympics.”
     
    “Ugh, reality sucks and I wish we could stay in this room
forever.”
     
    “Lizzie and I are travelling across the continent to see you
compete so you have to put this behind you.” Ben smiled.
     
    Beth splashed water in Ben’s face. “You and Lizzie are
coming to the games? I can’t believe you’re just now telling me.”
     
    “It was going to be a surprise but I suck at keeping secrets
when it’s good news.
     
    They finally got out of the tub and checked out with just
enough time for Ben to drop off Beth at her building and race to the airport.
It was hard to say good