Chapter 10: What She Watches

Nadia didn't mean to start noticing things.

It just happened.

At first it was harmless.

The way Dominic always arrived before everyone else.

The way he checked his skates twice before every session.

The way he drank black coffee that looked strong enough to dissolve metal.

Then she started noticing other things.

The way he smiled when he thought nobody was watching.

The way he relaxed around children at the academy.

The way he quietly helped younger skaters without expecting credit.

None of it matched his reputation.

One afternoon she watched him helping a twelve-year-old skater with footwork.

The kid looked frustrated.

Embarrassed.

Ready to quit.

Dominic spent twenty minutes working through the problem.

Patiently.

Calmly.

When the kid finally succeeded, Dominic looked happier than the student.

"You're staring again."

Nadia jumped.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough."

"That's creepy."

"Maybe stop staring."

"Maybe stop being interesting."

The words escaped before she could stop them.

Dominic blinked.

"Interesting?"

"Forget I said that."

"Not happening."

"Dominic."

"Nadia."

She groaned.

He smiled.

A real smile this time.

And somehow that felt more dangerous than any lift they'd practiced.

Because lately she wasn't just noticing Dominic Hartley.

She was looking for him.

And that was a problem she didn't know how to solve.