Page 34 of Playoffs & Promises

The next cupcake I pick is chocolate, and looks very similar to Nate's engagement cake. Thinking of the party and Maria makes me smile.

Nate drops another puck, "Line it up."

New year, new me. I dribble the puck carefully as I skate toward Dan. Once more the team bangs their sticks on the ice. I'll make this one count. I don't think, don't second guess or doubt myself, I snap my stick and hit the puck. Once more Dan stops the puck, but barely.

Coach gives the cupcake away to Nate this time. Another missed chance.

My eyes roam the box as I take my time looking over the cupcakes. I find myself lingering over a pink one in the corner. There's a tiny pink heart on top, it's the same color as Maria's dress from the party. The thought of her has me smiling this time, but how could I not? She's amazing. Talented, smart, great with Cinnamon. Tough as nails. Did she know these cupcakes were for me? Would she care that they are? Was last night just a temporary truce, or something more?

I point to the cupcake.

Shane nods his agreement as he drops a puck for me. "Good choice. Hockey should be played with heart."

This time it feels different as I skate down the ice, like all the doubts, all the pressures weighing me down have been lifted. My legs move fluidly, each stride strong and sure, the puck moving exactly how far and how fast I want it to. My focus narrows, blocking out everything but the goal ahead of me. As I approach the net, instinct tells me the exact moment, and everything aligns.

I pull back, my wrist snapping forward with precision so clean it feels effortless. The puck shoots forward so fast it's a blur slicing through the air. Dan reacts, but just a second too late. The puck sails past him into nothing but net.

My team goes wild. Yelling and cheering as they surge forward to celebrate. Dan grabs my hand, lifting it high in the air like I just won the playoffs as we skate towards Coach for my victory cupcake.

"Good work Lou." Coach lifts the cupcake out of the box, then hands it to Shane. "Pick another."

Eleven

MARIA

Charlotte picked me up from the bakery, and as I slid into the passenger seat, I felt the cold immediately seep through my coat. The storm had come out of nowhere, turning the damp air biting. Shivering I'm grateful for the heated seats and even more grateful for Charlotte's company.

She tells me about her day at the salon with Lia, and points to a little gift bag near my feet. "Lia got some new product in that needs testing. That's for you."

"Oh you two are the best." I peek inside and find a eucalyptus and sage relaxation kit.

We drive to our favorite seafood spot, for a quick dinner before book club. The restaurant is near the pier and has the best fish and chips I've ever had. Something that is absolutely divine on a day like today. Charlotte, ever the indulgent one, ordered a plate of crab legs.

As we're settling in to eat our food, the server approaches with a basket of rolls, his eyes glued to Charlotte. Not that I blame him, she's stunning with her newly dyed bombshell blonde hair and perfected soft glam makeup. It's not over the top, but instead highlights her natural beauty. Even without trying, she's the kind of beautiful that draws people in.

"Can I get you ladies anything?" he asks.

"To-go boxes would be great," Charlotte says sweetly, not missing a beat, "We have some friends that couldn't make it and asked us to grab some."

She puts in the order and the server walks away to put in the order.

"Who's that for?" I ask.

"Hannah and her friend. They'll meet us at the bookstore."

"Do we need to get something for the bodyguard too?" I tease.

Her eyes light up, and her smile turns dreamy, "I hope so. I haven't seen him yet."

"Because they didn't ambush you," I grumble, pushing the basket toward her.

The unexpected interrogation when I got home from the bakery was unpleasant. Except for Cinnamon, she'd snuggled right up beside me and put her head in my lap like she belonged there. If it hadn't been for Cinnamon I would have shoved my friends out of my apartment just to put a stop to their desperate need for gossip about my time with Lou. Needless to say, they were all quite put out, there wasn't anything scandalous for me to share.

Laughing happily, Charlotte takes the basket and pulls out a roll. "Some days, I really love that you are a bread snob."

"What's the point of having a bakery if I can't be picky?"

"True." She pulls apart her roll. "So, is he hot?"

---