Common for athletes to take lessons they learned on the field into real life, Hannah knew. But that wasn’t the way the world worked and the most successful ones – the true greats – knew that.

How could she persuade Ward that learning to trust her might well be the key to winning this game?

Chapter 19

WARD

‘You’re doing good,’ Shelley assured when Ward had finished another round of sit-ups. ‘Really good.’

She released his ankles and he gave her a nod, wiping off his sweaty face and neck with the towel lying on the floor beside him.

‘Thanks,’ he said, meaning it.

‘Wow. That might be the nicest tone you’ve ever used on me. What’s the occasion?’

He got to his feet, wincing a little as he stood. He’d drunk about a gallon of water after leaving the park earlier but, hurt pride aside, was feeling a hell of a lot better after his latest embarrassing encounter with Hannah.

Though crappy about the way he’d handled it. But for some reason he turned into the worst version of himself when around her. And that was not a good sign, because Ward knew it meant that deep down he really did give a shit about what she thought of him. So straight into self-destruct mode he went.

Now, chastened by some long overdue self-reflection, he looked at Shelley. ‘I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you’re doing for me. I know there are times over the last couple of weeks when you probably wanted to just walk away, but I’m glad you didn’t.’

She shrugged. ‘Johnny said that you were worth it. I’ll admit I wasn’t sure at first, but I’ve changed my mind.’

‘What else did Johnny tell you about me?’

‘He said that you had your heart stepped on right before you got injured and that you were probably in a fragile place – and that you’d hate being in that place and that would make you into a mean and ornery jerk but that wasn’t who you were. And that if you felt threatened, you’d probably try to hit on me and I had his permission to kick you in the nuts if you did.’ She chuckled and then glanced at the litter tray. ‘But when a so-called big tough guy like you brought home Pretzel, it told me everything I needed to know.’

Despite Shelley’s dubious assessment of him overall, Ward had to smile.