Healing Us: Sports Romance, A Comeback Uncovers Love Read Online Free Page B

my
athletes. If you want to be handled with kid gloves, then head back to Oregon
and you can win local races until you’re 90.”
     
    Beth didn’t respond because she realized that it wouldn’t do
any good. Seth was tough but that’s what she needed in order for her comeback
to be successful. Beth knew that every second that she thought about Ben would
take her focus away from running. He was just clearing the air by kissing her
so they could pursue their goals – after all, Ben had Lizzie and taking away
another woman’s man was not something she would do. It was frustrating because
the feeling of being in Ben’s strong arms was all she could think of. The
preoccupation with Elijah had vanished and all Beth could think about was Ben.
Before she knew it, her workout with Seth was complete and it was time to head
to the pool to be with Ben. Seth motioned her to come over.
     
    “Nice job out there, Barker.” Seth said with a smile, which
made Beth wonder whether or not he had a split personality. “Your form is not
far from perfect so I was worried for no reason. I’m thinking of making a
change to the 4x4 line-up and I want your feedback.”
     
    Beth was elated because she missed running the relay and she
thought if there was a spot open it would be hers. “You don’t have to say
another word – yes, yes, yes.”
     
    “You’re fast and clairvoyant.” Seth laughed. “I’m
glad you saw what I saw in Heather Morgan. She got faster than I ever imagined
during her time away from the sport. Celia Crosby has been dealing with some
foot issues and I think Heather will blend nicely with the group.”
     
    “Heather, oh, yes. My suitemate Heather. I thought – forget
what I thought because it’s a great move.” Beth wished a sinkhole would appear
beneath her feet and swallow her up. She tried hard to play along that she
thought choosing Heather for the relay team was a good idea. “When are you
going to deliver the good news?”
     
    “I’m on my way over there if I can catch her. The girl’s
always on the move and I think we may have a gold medalist in our midst.”
     
    Beth wanted to blurt out – what about me? Or run away
in tears but she did neither. “I have to meet Ben at the pool so I’ll plan on
seeing you tomorrow. I’m anxious to see where I’m at with my 1500 time.”
     
    “You mean the 5000 because we said you would end up running
in the race where you were the most needed.”
     
    Beth just shook her head and waved behind her back as she
scampered away. She had to pull it together because next she would be in the
pool with Ben where she’d have to pretend like nothing was bothering her. She
would have to conceal her attraction to her physical therapist which wouldn’t
be easy as they would be splashing around in the pool together. Hunky man in a
Speedo brushing up against her in the water would be push the limits. Beth took
a deep breath and walked into the facility.

Chapter Seven
     
    Ben was sitting on the pool’s edge as he dangled his feet in
the water. Beth stood back because it appeared he was on a face chat and it was
probably Lizzie he was talking to because he was smiling and laughing. Beth saw
Ben make goofy faces into his phone which she thought was silly in an adult
relationship. Whatever works for them, Beth thought as she caught Ben’s eye. He
stood up and sure enough he was wearing a black Apex issued swimsuit, which was
the same one professional divers wore. Beth swallowed hard and looked away so
he wouldn’t notice her gawking. His chiseled abs and developed calf muscles
made it obvious that he hit the gym regularly. Ben no longer had a skinny
runner’s body and he looked like a cover model for a fitness magazine.
     
    “Seth sent me vids of you in action today. It looks as if
I’ve got my work cut out for me because if you’re not sore after today then
you’re superhuman.”
     
    “I’m fine for now but I can’t imagine I’ll be singing the
same tune in