“I remember seeing your posts when you were in Africa,” Danny said, “and being kind of jealous but not really. Like I wanted to do that, but I wanted to play rugby more, if you get what I mean?”

She nodded. Because people didn’t all have the same dreams. “Back when my friends were taking off to parts unknown, a lot of them didn’t understand how I could stay put. But I always knew I was never going to take an entire year off to travel and explore. I can do that when I retire.” Which, for an athlete, came at a far younger age than it did for people in most other professions.

“Yeah.” Danny nudged at her hand with his head.

“Greedy,” she said with a laugh but started the massage again. “So what’s their idea?”

“That I go play a season somewhere else—maybe Japan or over in Europe.” Danny’s words were stones dropping into a still pond, the ripples immediate and cascading.

“Harriers talked to the national selectors too, worked it out so I’d remain in the running for national selection after that season. By joining an overseas club team, I could stay in form but still have time out, do a bit of travel in the region that I choose.”

Two things happened simultaneously inside Catie.

Happiness for Danny. She could see exactly how this could be the best of both worlds for him.

And panic because this would speed up the inevitable end of their relationship.

Heart squeezing tight, she said, “I’d jump at the idea, Danny.” It came out rough, but at least her voice didn’t shake. “You know how tough they are about that kind of switch up.” No major team liked to lose players—for management to suggest Danny play for a club team in another country was a big deal. It was also a sign of just how worried they were about their young star.

Danny looked up, held her gaze with the dark brown of his. “You think so?” All at once, it was no longer just a conversation between one former nemesis and another; it was deeper, more intense.

Swallowing, she nodded. “Yes. You need the time-out, and you’ll love the experience—and the memories.”

Danny reached up to touch her jaw. “If I go, do you think you’ll have downtime where you can come join me? We could see a bit of Japan together. That’s where I’m leaning toward.”

Catie stared at him, the ground under her feet shaky and uncertain. “You don’t want to use your downtime to get drunk in some disreputable bar in a back corner of Tokyo?”

“Not without you to rescue me,” he quipped before his face turned solemn. “Maybe I’ll make the odd stupid decision, but I’ll miss my nemesis. Will you come?”