“Okay, what the hell is wrong with you?” Patrick had had enough. All through light training in Los Angeles two days later Jonathan had seemed distracted. Now they were back at the hotel and he still seemed absent. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s good that you weren’t aggressive in training anymore, but this is not much better.”
“I’m just worried about April.”
“Why?”
“Because her ex-boyfriend showed up at my apartment when we got back from the rink. And he tried to pressure her into coming back with him.” Jonny sighed and picked up the menu to find something to eat. “She was strong in front of him and told him that she would stay with me, but when the doors were closed she started crying. I asked Abby if April could stay with her, but I haven’t heard from them since I took April there yesterday.”
“But you know that she’ll be safe with Abby.”
“Yes I do.” He put the menu down again and looked around for a waiter.
Patrick was watching him. The last time he’d seen his friend like this had been months ago. “You really like her, don’t you?”
A heavy sigh escaped Jonathan’s lips: “I think I do. I’m not sure.” He ran a hand over his face trying to find the right words. “I like spending time with her. I kissed her again.”
“Good for you. Both of you. As long as you both enjoy it, there won’t be a problem.”
“This is strictly between us, okay? Nobody needs to know about it.”
“I think Abby already knows that you’re keen on April. Yes, as always, this is strictly between us.” Patrick and Jonathan ordered their food before they resumed their conversation, but now Jonathan was focusing on Patrick.
“How have you been sleeping these past days?”
“Okay. I’ve gotten enough sleep, but the nightmares returned. Physical exhaustion is the best way for me to fall asleep and not dream about anything at all.”
“Then you’ll sleep like a baby tomorrow night.”

Spending time with Abby had been good for April. Today Jonathan would return and she wanted to be there when he arrived. She’d already cleaned the place and thought about something for dinner. Eating out at restaurants was nice, but nothing topped a nice, home-cooked meal.
In the past days April had watched movies with Abby, they’d gone shopping and for a walk in the snow. It had been good to do some girly-stuff. She hadn’t done that in a very, very long time. Abby seemed to be a good friend. Maybe April would tell her about kissing Jonathan. She needed a second opinion or rather just someone to talk to about this and she felt like she could trust Abby.
When the door opened behind her, she immediately turned around. A huge smile spread out on her face when she saw Jonathan. Snowflakes were still glistening in his hair. It had started snowing again about an hour ago. Looking out of the window had been so fascinating that she’d forgotten the time.
“You’re back!”
Jonathan looked up when he heard April’s voice. Slowly his lips curled up, he put his suitcase down and closed the door. Without wasting any more time, he closed the distance between them, wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. It didn’t matter that he was still wearing his wet coat and boots. He probably liked her more than he’d admitted to Patrick. He didn’t care right now. It felt so good to have her in his arms.
“That’s what I call a hello,” April murmured against his lips, slowly opening her eyes again. She ran a hand through his damp hair.
“Hey,” Jonathan said while letting go of her. He didn’t want her clothes to get all wet because of the snow and water on him. Still keeping an eye on her, he toed off his boots and took off the coat. Only then did he wrap his arms around her again. “It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too,” she admitted. She ran her hands up his chest, his throat and tangled her fingers in his hair. She rose to the balls of her feet and sealed his lips with hers. His hands tightened on her hips. God, how he longed for more, but he didn’t want to pressure her into anything she didn’t want to do. But if she kept on kissing him like this, he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands to himself.
He picked her up and carried her to the sofa, where he sat down with her next to him. Positioning her on his lap wouldn’t be so wise right now. Ever so gently he pushed her hair back from her face and looked in her eyes.
“April, do you want to spend Christmas with me and Patrick? And maybe a couple other people?” He took her hand in his and took a deep breath. For the past days he’d thought about that. There wasn’t enough time to visit his family, so he’d stay in Chicago. And spend the day with Patrick and whoever else would be there.
“I’d love to.” April’s eyes lit up. She’d always loved Christmas, but with her family, and her boyfriend at the time, it hadn’t really been nice. It had just been like any other weekend.
“Perfect,” Jonathan mumbled, before pulling her close again. He didn’t want to take this any further right now, but he couldn’t seem to keep his lips away from her.