Hot Summer Nights

34

Chapter Thirty-Four

Landon

I can't stop myself from looking into the stands as I teach my adolescent skills class at the rink. Leah and Tessa came today to watch me work and I can't describe the way that makes me feel. I'm damn near bursting at the seams to pull her into my arms and tell her how happy it makes me to see her out there, smiling as I teach a kid a new skill.

Every time I look up, I see her grinning as she and Tessa talk with some of the moms who've come out to watch their kids today. This is Leah's third time coming to watch me out here since the first time she came and surprised me, and just like the first time, my heart stutters when I see her face in the stands.

Letting her see this part of my life was one of the best decisions I've made. Every piece of me I give to her helps lower the walls she's built around herself- around her heart. And with each piece of me I give, she shares another piece of herself. Every piece she's given, I will cherish. Every moment we're granted has been a gift.

By the time the class is over, I'm all but bursting to meet up with my girl. The other coaches help get the kids to their parents and start putting away the equipment. I'm in the middle of doing the same when a familiar voice cuts through the air- one I try very hard not to cringe at.

"Heyyy, Coach. You were looking good out there today," Clarissa coos.

With my back turned, I allow myself to grimace. She's a nightmare on a normal day, but since she found out I'm dating Leah, she's become worse somehow.

It's taken everything inside of me to not blow up on her about it. I can't- not if I want to stay professional and keep my job with the team. Instead, I've been short in my replies to her and put as much distance between us as possible. She still hasn't gotten the message.

When I don't reply, she moves closer. "Landon," she whines, "Did you hear me? I said you looked g-"

"I heard," I reply curtly, hoping that will put an end to her attempt at flirting.

It doesn't.

She continues like she didn't hear my tone. "Well, it definitely gave me and the other moms a thrill seeing you out there- with the kids," she says, making me want to roll my eyes.

I resist, feeling my patience start to slip. Before I can say something I'd undoubtedly regret later, I see Leah and Tessa making their way over. Leah eyes Clarissa with amused annoyance while Tessa studies her like she's some new breed of insect.

Seeing my girl walking toward me warms my insides and I feel a smile tugging at my lips. An irritated huff beside me nabs my attention.

I turn to see Clarissa sneering at Leah and Tessa. "I didn't know they let just anyone in here while the kids are practicing. That doesn't seem safe."

Leah hits her with a saccharine smile and opens her mouth to say something, but before she can, one of the other moms- Tia- answers for her. "They came as my guests to support Abby," she says, leveling Clarissa with a sharp look, effectively shutting her up.

Thank, God.

Or, thank, Tia I suppose.

At that, Clarissa purses her lips, struggling to come up with an effective retort. That's when the kids decide to make an appearance and a brilliant idea pops into my head.

I turn to Clarissa as her son walks over to us. "You know, Tommy mentioned his dad offered to bring him to class today. I think maybe that would be a great idea going forward."