Page 21 of Playoffs & Promises

"Considering you hate me," he says, almost like it's a fact we both agreed on long ago.

I hesitate, then shrug. "I've always wanted a dog, but bakery life doesn't exactly suit one."

"Why's that?" he asks, his curiosity genuine.

"I'm gone for long periods and work super early," I explain, stroking Cinnamon's soft fur. Her eyes are warm, reminding me of brown sugar and everything comforting about baking.

"That's how I feel," he admits. "Only it's late nights after games."

"How long is she staying with you?"

"A couple more weeks," he says, his voice tinged with regret. "Then I've got away games, and she'll go back to the rescue if she's not adopted."

"To a kennel?" The thought horrifies me, and I instinctively hug Cinnamon closer. "That's awful."

Lou looks at me, his eyes softening. "I was just about to take her for a walk. Want to join? I can tell you more about it."

"Yes," I say without hesitation. Before he can say anything else, I snatch the leash from his hand and start walking down the hallway, Cinnamon happily leading the way.

Lou catches up to us, glancing at the bag of lemons still by my door. "Want me to take care of those first?"

"They'll be fine until we get back," I reply, brushing it off.

The cold evening air bites at my skin, and snow threatens to fall, but Cinnamon doesn't seem to mind. She sniffs along the sidewalk, pulling me forward with surprising strength. When she pulls too hard, I nearly lose my grip on the leash, but Lou is quick, lunging forward and grabbing it. His large hands cover mine, warm and steady, as we hold the leash together.

The closeness makes my breath hitch. He smells faintly of lemons, of all things, which throws me. I always imagined Lou smelling like something rugged, like pine or cloves, but citrus? It doesn't fit him at all.

"Easy," he murmurs.

I'm not sure if he's talking to me or Cinnamon, but the moment breaks, and Cinnamon stops pulling, looking back at us as if waiting for a decision.

I loosen my hold on the leash and hand it over to him. "Thanks. I thought she was going to pull me off my feet."

Lou chuckles, his eyes warm as he takes the leash. "She gets excited sometimes. Needs to be reminded to dial it back."

"Don't we all?" I reply, a smile tugging at my lips.

My phone chirps and I pull it out to look. Sofie responded that she's happy to reschedule book club for a night that will work for everyone including new members. I quickly send a message to Lia with the good news.

"What's that?" he asks.

"Book club stuff," I tell him. "Lia was asking about bringing someone new, but they work for the team so it has to be on a night when there isn't a game."

He smiles wide. "Anyone I know?"

"Maybe. Alexis?"

"Dan's wife?" he asks and I nod to confirm. "She's great. Don't tell Dan, but everyone likes her better than him."

He's teasing, and it brings a smile to my face as I ask. "Why's that."

"She knows her stuff and if you listen to her things get a lot better, faster."

"Do you get hurt a lot?" I ask.

"It's hockey."

He says it like that's all there is to it, and maybe that's really all there is.

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