Healing Us: Sports Romance, A Comeback Uncovers Love Read online

  Healing Us

  By Abi Josselyn

  Copyright © 2016 by Abi Josselyn – All rights reserved.

  The author holds exclusive rights to this work. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  WARNING: This book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language. It may be considered offensive to some readers. This book is intended for adults 18+ ONLY. Please ensure this book is stored somewhere that cannot be accessed by underage readers.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are used in a fictitious manner and not to be construed as real. Similarities to real people, places or events are entirely coincidental.

  Message from the Author:

  Thank you so much for downloading my book! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did writing it. After reading, please give the book your honest feedback by submitting an Amazon review. It would take just a few moments and will mean the world to me to hear my reader’s feedback. I hope to deliver many more books and truly thankful I’m able to write for my audience.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Prologue

  Beth Barker is staging a comeback. She plans on winning the gold medal in the summer Olympics after she survived a horrific accident. When she’s accepted to an elite track team in Utah, finding love is the last thing on her mind.

  Love happens anyways when an old college mate enters as her physical therapist. Ben Knight is not the scrawny athlete with a crew cut anymore. Ben’s silky brown hair and chiseled physique cause Beth to take notice of the man whom she is forced to spend time with.

  Beth has never run faster and she’s falling in love but trouble ensues. Ben has Lizzie on the mind and the young upstart Heather appears as her suitemate. Drugs, miscommunication and a competitive field of athletes are obstacles Beth and Ben must conquer. Will they have what it takes to win when a gold medal and love are within reach?

  Chapter One

  Beth Barker stared at the phone as if she could will it to ring because her long-time coach was scheduled to call. She was perched on the couch that replaced the one she spent 4 weeks sleeping on as she recovered from reconstructive knee surgery. Buying a new couch was necessary because the old one reminded her of the dark days in which she recovered by painfully pushing her body. Beth had already done things that her surgeons thought impossible. Now, Beth waited to hear if she could take another step towards the Olympic gold medal podium. Beth won the silver medal four years prior but a year later, demolished her knee while riding her bike during a weeklong tour. The phone chimed and Beth prepared herself to learn her fate.

  “Hello Jonathan. There are no sharp objects within reach so you can give it to me straight,” Beth said as she sat on the edge of her seat.

  Jonathan cleared his throat. “Pack your bags Beth because you’re headed for Park City Utah. You have the chance to make the comeback that few thought possible. I’m not going to sugar coat it; you have your work cut out for you. Team Apex had conversations with your surgeons and gave it a lot of thought. They’re going to put you into intensive rehab and you’ll be required to see a sport’s psychologist. They had concerns about your attitude and your ability to work as a member of a team.”

  “College was a long time ago and it’s not fair to bring that crap up again,” Beth snapped. Her reputation as a lone wolf with a short temper was not easily shed.

  “Beth, that’s what they’re talking about. They can bring up whatever they want because they’re taking a risk bringing you on board. They don’t have room for divas at Apex.”

  “This injury has humbled me and given me time to ponder. I’ll reign in the behavior but I’m sure that you’ll be the first to tell me if I screw up.”

  “I’ll have to counsel you from afar Beth because they don’t want you bringing your own coach or physical therapist. They have their own way of doing things and they’re not willing to make exceptions.”

  Beth threw a shoe across the room. “You and Elijah are huge reasons that I’ve come this far. This is beginning to sound like boot camp and what if I don’t like the new people. Jonathan; you’ve been with me for eight years and Elijah is special but I don’t have to explain that.”

  “Beth; these are sacrifices that you’re going to have to make. You’re considered one of the older women competing for an Olympic medal at 26, although in normal human years you’re just a baby. I’ll be available for pep talks as you need them and Elijah knows how badly you want a comeback. he’ll be willing to let you go and you never know what will happen with him in the future.”

  “When do I leave Jonathan?” The sacrifices were more than Beth prepared for but she was willing to make them.

  “Day after tomorrow, which gives you to time to say farewell to Oregon.”

  “Yeah, that’s not long enough. I’d better find Elijah. Will you be at the track tomorrow so I can hug you goodbye.”

  “I’ll be there. This is good news Beth and you shouldn’t be thinking of anything but that gold medal. Coburg Oregon will be here waiting for you when you’re done kicking ass.”

  “I have a million things to do Jonathan, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Beth hung up and dialed her physical therapist Elijah. They had recently moved beyond a flirtation and Beth hoped it would be her first full blown relationship since a broken engagement. It was probably best that things hadn’t gone as far as having sex because it was easier to say good bye.

  ****

  Beth answered a knock at her door while she was throwing things in her suitcase. She opened the door to find Elijah with a jar of wildflowers.

  Elijah smiled as he gave Beth a kiss. “I got your message and I spoke with Jonathan. I grabbed these from my garden to give to you as a farewell and good luck gift. I was thinking red roses but I remembered that you hate those because they’re thorny. Congratulations Beth; the dream lives on and you have a shot at glory.”

  Beth wiped away a tear. “It’s not fair that I have to give up you as my physical therapist and friend. We had something good happening Elijah.”

  Elijah embraced Beth. “It’s for the best Beth. You don’t have time for a partner and I hate to say it but you’re not ready. You were engaged to Trevor a year ago. It’s going to happen but not now and not with me.” Elijah ran his fingers through Beth’s short red hair. “Don’t think for a minute that I haven’t thought about us hopping in bed together but it’s not responsible.”

  “You can visit and we can video-chat.” Beth said hopefully.

  Elijah shook his head. “This is good bye Beth. I want you to head to Utah and not look back. Second chances don’t come along often – go for it.”

  Beth had a good cry after Elijah left. She had been confused and maybe it would be best to shelve her romantic life. Her relationship with Tre
vor ended badly and part of it was her attraction to Elijah. It was something that Trevor couldn’t come to terms with and he encouraged her to figure it out. Beth thought she was doing that with Elijah but Utah took precedence. Beth sighed as she continued to pack for her new life in Utah.

  Chapter Two

  Beth walked off the plane in Salt Lake City, scanning the crowd for Dixie Simmons who would be picking her up. Dixie would be easy to spot because she was tall and glamorous. She had her hair in intricate braids and her make-up done, even as she flew over the hurdles.

  Dixie bound over when she saw Beth and gave her a warm embrace. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard you were coming. You were all anyone talked about last year and some people were saying you’d walk with a limp. Running was out of the question.”

  “What can I say Dixie. I have amazing folks on my side and a hell of a lot of good luck.” Beth smiled.

  “I think it took more than good luck. You’re a determined woman and resilient.”

  “I guess. We’re the old ladies of the group because I hear that most of the women or should I say girls, are teen-agers.”

  “It’s true but we already had our shot at being young and I’d say we did o.k. with a gold and silver medal in our back pockets. If we make the team and win medals than great but we have to be happy and not jealous of the youngsters.”

  “Impressive attitude Dixie,” Beth said as she hauled her baggage off the carousel.

  “I’m a mom now and it changed me.” She smiled.

  “Wow, congratulations. How’d you get back in such amazing shape?”

  “Baby weight isn’t a big problem when you go into the pregnancy fit. I had that going for me as well as the great staff they have at Apex including the General, as I like to call him. He’s a physical therapist who’s also a pro when it comes to diet and fitness. I was hesitant at first having a man with his hands all over me. They gave me the opportunity to go with a woman but I said no and I’m glad I did. I’m in better shape than before I had Julian.”

  “Nice. I need someone like that on my side although my coach and therapist in Oregon were top notch.”

  “The staff here is on another level Beth and I advise you to trust them. I’ll drop you at your condo which is in the same building that I’m in with Samir and little Julian. We have a family suite but you’ll share yours with another woman. Everyone has a private room and bathroom but you share a kitchen and living room. The set up works and if you have a partner, the privacy comes in handy.”

  “I won’t need that, Dixie. I’m flying solo, which I think is a good thing.”

  “It is good. Samir and I took advantage of our privacy and it resulted in Julian.” Dixie laughed. “I wouldn’t change a thing because Julian is the best thing that’s ever happened to me but be careful.”

  They pulled up to a modern condo building with a stunning view of the Wasatch mountains. It was apparent that Apex spared no expense. Things had changed a great deal in four years because she remembered training facilities used college dorms that were free in the summer to house athletes. A concierge greeted her as she walked through the glass doors.

  “Hello, I recognize the red hair so you must be Beth Barker. I’m Robin, the concierge, building manager or whatever. Some refer to me as the house hen but I prefer Robin.”

  “Good to meet you Robin. Dixie dropped me off and I don’t even know what floor I’m on. You’re on five and I have a key for you and a packet of information. Seth Mulligan will be in later to see you and he’ll be your coach.”

  “Cool Robin. I’ll wait for Seth who I assume will have more information because I sure need some. This place is like a city and I’m new to Apex so it’ll take time to learn the ropes. I’m sure to see you a lot.”

  “No, you really won’t. Athletes spend their days at the track and the gym. Any time left will be for sleeping and believe me, you’ll need it.”

  Beth took the elevator up to the fifth floor and into her suite that had a panoramic view. Both rooms were empty so she took the one facing the mountains. Her muscles were tight from the flight and then sitting in the car. However, it was mostly the result of nerves as she tensed up when she wasn’t comfortable in a situation. It was one of the things Beth would discuss with the sports psychologist because she couldn’t tense up in international competition. She unpacked and waited for Seth whom she knew only through reputation as a no nonsense coach. He won a gold medal 20 years ago at the Olympics in the 1500 and expected his athletes to fall in line or go home. She heard the front door of her suite open; apparently Seth didn’t knock first.

  “It’s Seth. I’ll wait in the living room for you. I checked in with Robin and she said you were here,” he called out. “You have been assigned a therapist who should be here shortly and then we’ll go straight to the Bolt gym.”

  Beth answered back as she threw on a pair of black athletic pants and a green Lycra mid-drift. “Bolt as in Usain? That’s cute because it seems like all the buildings on the Apex campus are named for gold medal winners.”

  “Astute Beth. That’s why there isn’t one with your name on it because silver medal winners don’t get the honor.”

  Beth shook her head before walking out to meet her new coach. He wasn’t like Jonathan at all but that was o.k. because liking her coach was not necessary as long as he helped her win gold. Beth walked out of her room confidently.

  Seth offered his hand. “Nice to meet you.” He looked her up and down. “I see we have our work cut out for us because I don’t think Jonathan was telling the truth about your weight. We’ll test all of that and see where we stand in terms of nutrition. You’ll have a chance to spend time with your therapist this afternoon but tomorrow at 5:30 you’re all mine when we hit the track together. One last thing before Ben arrives; what was your last 5000?”

  “Jonathan sent you my times and they were in the 14.12-14 range. I ran the 1500 in the last Olympics and that’s what I’m focusing on.”

  “That has yet to be decided. You’ll run the race that’ll get you through the trials because you’re older and the field is different.”

  Beth bristled at his comment. “What’s Ben’s last name?”

  Seth stood up and smiled. “Why don’t you ask him Beth because here he is.”

  Standing in the doorway was Ben Knight, who Beth knew well from college athletics. They were not exactly friends and knew each other from the Central Colorado University (CCU) Track and Field team. Beth was the marquee runner and Ben wasn’t happy being in her shadow. He didn’t like that she was the star and shined the light on women’s athletics, thus pushing the men’s program into the shadows. It ended badly when Beth suddenly went pro and left the program shorthanded before the NCAA finals. Ben and the rest of the male athletes were crestfallen when no one paid attention to the program after her departure Ben looked fit and more put together than he did in college. His black hair shined and it wasn’t cut in the military style he sported in college; instead it was tousled and skimmed the collar of his shirt. Beth felt sick to her stomach and a part of her wished Ben had a beer belly with a bald head. Most importantly, Beth wished he wasn’t her physical therapist.

  Chapter Three

  “You look fantastic Ben. I had no idea that you were interested in physical therapy.” Beth pasted on a smile.

  “I needed something to focus on after the track and field program fell apart. We didn’t go to regionals after you left because our star bolted and the men’s relay broke up. Our team anchor was on scholarship, which went away after you left the program. Thanks to a lot of hard work and community college, I found my way and now I’m in charge of your therapy.”

  Seth spoke up. “I had no idea that you two shared a past. My job just got a whole lot easier because you can hit the ground running. Ha – get it, I made a pun. You can have Beth for the rest of the day and then she hits the track. My assistant is working on her calendar so we have a good balance between rehabilitation and workouts. I have to r
un so I’ll leave it to you.”

  Seth walked out the door, leaving behind Ben and Beth who didn’t see eye to eye, which was a gentle way of saying they didn’t like each other.

  “The way I see it, we can either rehash the past, which you already started to do in front of Seth.” Beth wasn’t happy but she was trying hard not to show it. “Or, we can wipe the slate clean and work together and try to win a medal.”

  Ben was quick to correct Beth. “You mean a gold medal. I was pissed at you for a long time and dreamed of the day in which we’d meet again. I couldn’t wait to tell you a million different ways to go to hell but considering your injury, I think Karma took care of you.”

  “It sounds as if you think my injury was well deserved.”

  “Did I say that?” Ben replied.

  “No, but it was implied and I hope your last few years were equally as delightful.”

  Ben’s phone rang, he looked at who was calling. “It’s Lizzie and I have to take this.” He walked into the vacant bedroom. Beth heard him cooing and telling Lizzie how much he loved her and that hardly a moment passed that she wasn’t in his thoughts. Beth was sickened by the saccharine sweetness of the exchange. After several minutes Ben returned.