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very much, and I ll see you later this evening for our regular
lesson.
Have it your way, he said and turned abruptly and
walked away without a word.
Surprised by his abrupt departure and breathing a sigh of
relief at the same time, Christy finally unlocked the stubborn
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Heart of a Champion
bike lock, stowed it on the handlebars and started for home.
She spent so much of her time lately trying to quell the physi-
cal attraction she felt for Jason, she just couldn t bear to be
around him for another minute. About thirty seconds into her
ride home, she felt a vehicle was following her on the road.
Her adrenaline started pumping faster, and she looked casual-
ly from side to side to see where she might be able to go for
help if needed. Then she heard a familiar voice.
Sorry, didn t mean to scare you, ride on, Jason s voice
floated from behind her. Turning around, she saw the van
driving very slowly behind her.
What are you doing? she demanded.
Following you home to make sure you get there safely.
I m a firm believer that there is more than one way to skin a
cat, even a hissing, spitting one! he said cheerfully.
Now you re calling me a hissing, spitting cat? What is
with you anyway! she yelled. Can t you take no for an an-
swer? I hired you as a coach, not a babysitter!
Lights in a few bedrooms of the two-story houses in the
immediate area started to turn on as people woke up to the
sound of her yelling.
Keep your voice down, Christy. You re starting to act
like you need a babysitter. You re waking up the entire neigh-
borhood. Now let s get going, I need to get a few hours sleep
or I ll be useless all day, he admonished.
Then bloody well go home! I m not stopping you. As a
matter of fact, I told you to leave me alone before we left the
arena, she hissed at him, her voice several decibels quieter.
Getting back on her bike, she started to ride home again
and lo and behold, the van continued to follow her at a dis-
creet distance. Feeling murderous, she sped up as fast as she
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Heart of a Champion
could. Across from her apartment, she rode even faster to
cross the street toward her driveway. It was at that unfortu-
nate moment she realized that the construction on the house
next door was now complete. It looked like kids had been
playing with leftover bricks, leaving one strategically placed in
her direct path. Seeing it too late to avoid it, she simply
jumped off the bike, landing in her driveway, taking most of
the impact directly on her back. Next thing she knew, she was
gazing at the stars and trying with every ounce of effort she
possessed to take a breath.
Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she tried fruit-
lessly to force some air past her throat, and she was dimly
aware of the sound of running feet approaching her. Hands
started to touch her, feeling her legs and arms and ribs as
darkness began creeping into her field of vision. Some kind
soul she couldn t see lifted her into a sitting position and
rubbed her back gently. There, now she could just barely drag
in a small stream of air, and her breathing continued to im-
prove as she sat there.
Next thing she knew, she was lifted in strong arms and
her jacket pocket was being rifled. Not even caring that this
wonderful human being seemed to now be robbing her, she
stayed safely cocooned in his arms as the door to her apart-
ment was opened and she was carried in and gently laid on her
couch.
Coming back to her senses, she realized her savior was Ja-
son. Hell and damnation, she thought distantly, with no real
fight in her. He was kneeling beside the couch, unzipping her
jacket and looking at her with such concern on his face, she
couldn t bring herself to stay mad at him.
I m fine now Jason, thank you so much for helping me.
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Heart of a Champion
Is my bike okay? she asked, wondering what on earth she
would do if it was a write off.
To tell you the truth, I have no idea. I saw you flying
through the air and all I could think was that you were going
to hit your head and die and I d lose you forever, he said with
a frown.
Finally you appreciate me. I wondered how long it
would take for you to realize coaching me would be the best
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