Page 54 of Scores Of The Heart

It’s not the first time I’ve heard it, but I’m glad she sees there’s more to me than what’s written in the news. “You were expecting something different?”

“I didn’t know what to expect, to be honest. I don’t think all hockey players would be cool about cold coffee being spilled all over them.”

I laugh as I think back to that day she slammed into me in the hallway. “I didn’t mind because it was you.”

“Is that right?” She seems pleasantly surprised by the smile on her lips.

“It’s kinda handy the location of your office, not that I get to see you much, but I have to pass by to see coach every day. Sometimes I might use that as an excuse, but hey.” It springs to mind again about the fact I’ve watched her walk into work every single week since I took a shining to her. And she has no idea. After hearing coach talk on the phone to his ex wife and the fact Cindy was attacked in college, I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring that up. At least, not yet. Though I do want to get to the bottom of that, and hopefully she will open up to me in time about it.

I love how it’s an easy conversation between us. She seems very uncomplicated and has herself together. I like the fact she’s quietly confident.

“You pass by every day so you can see me?” She asks, clearly surprised.

“Well, I try to see you. You’re not always in your office.” I chuckle.

It’s easy for me to be open with her. I’m not struggling at all in that department. In fact, I’m probably saying too much. I just hope I’m not coming on too strong.

“I had no idea. Well, Andrea made a comment about you being down our end of the building a lot more than in recent times, but I thought she was joking.”

“Andrea might be a little more observant than I realized.”

We both laugh.

“Seriously though, she isn’t far off, Cindy. I almost can’t wait for the playoffs to be over so we can spend some more time together. I mean, if you want to?”

She licks her lips as I take a sip of coffee, my eyes flicking down to them.

“Of course I want to,” she says. “All you guys have gotta do now is win.”

A grin spreads across my face. “Oh, babe, you better believe it. It’s everything we’ve worked for.”

“You guys have the best chance. You were the favorite going into the playoffs.”

“New York have been tough, I’ll give them that. But Vegas have been consistent in this whole tournament.”

“I have a feeling you guys will pull it off if you keep playing like you have been this season.”

“I think so too. A win like this would be awesome. I only have another year left of my contract,” I say. “Would be great to get a Stanley Cup under my belt before I bow out.”

She looks up at me, surprised. “You’ll retire?”

“I gotta think about it at some stage.” I sigh. Hockey is all I’ve ever really known, so the thought is a little scary. But I know I can’t play forever. As long as I’m fit and healthy, I will keep going.

“What would you do after the NHL is over?”

“You know, hockey has been my life for so long, I don’t think I could ever truly give it up. I’d love to coach maybe someday.”

“Wow, Tyler. I think you’d be a fantastic coach.”

“You do?”

“Yes. You have the maturity and the leadership. I know you’re well respected in the league, too.”

I smile. “Thank you. It’s been a hard, and at times, a rough slog. But it’s all worth it. It certainly beats having a regular day job. My parents have instilled that into me. I’m not out there like many people, trying to make ends meet on the minimum wage. I never take it for granted.”

“They sound like really great people, making sure you stay grounded.” She smiles.

“They definitely are.”

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