Page 37 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

"Got a girlfriend finally?" he teases. His tone is curious, and not loud enough for others to hear.

"Just a friend," I tell him. My voice is a bit too sharp, and I glance around to see if it's caught anyone's attention.

Lucky for me the guys sitting around us either have headphones on or are napping.

I glance at Hannah and Lou more pointedly. After all that Hannah did for Nate, there's no way he'd say something that would cost her, her job.

Nate nods and nudges my arm with his elbow. "Well, chocolate is the way to go." He pulls up a website. "Those are always a safe bet."

But I don't want a safe bet. I want something that every time she sees it, she's going to think of me. Something more personal that has meaning. Something that reminds her of our moments together and hints at what I can't say. Something that will make her smile. I take my phone back and keep clicking through different options, but nothing is standing out.

The flight seems to last forever as I click and scroll through page after page. Then I stumble upon a photo of the perfect thing. It's so simple. I know instantly that it's the route to take. I can add to it as we make memories and it's something she can look at often.

By the time the flight lands I've gone all in with the idea. I've found a local place to pick it up from, it'll take a couple of days to get to her, but it's worth it to make it perfect, and I hope I'll be able to see her face when she gets it.

Lost in my thoughts I didn't notice that we'd landed. It's only when Nate nudges me that I realize it's time to deboard the plane.

"Find something?" Nate asks.

"Yeah I think I did." I'm smiling as I walk off the plane.

Chapter 12

Hannah

The work week is in full swing as I prepare for the next game and PR moments. Noah's mom got back to me, and after some back and forth I think I've found something really special for him at his first hockey game. Now it's all up to him to stay feeling better. I'm feeling so good about it I don't even mind when Tiffany emails me for my receipts from the trip if I need reimbursement.

As my flight was previously approved I didn't have anything to submit to her, which I cheerily let her know in my reply. I've just sent it when there's a knock on my door, and I look up to see Sam with his mail cart.

"Hey Hannah. I've got a delivery for you."

"Oh?" I try to think if I've ordered anything, but nothing comes to mind.

I get up from my chair and walk to the door where I see a giant gift basket on the cart. It's wrapped up in an iridescent cellophane, but I can see inside it is filled with books and snacks.

"There's a card," Sam tells me, and then hands me a sealed envelope.

Thanking Sam, I take the card and basket from him. As Sam wheels his cart away I notice a few people in the hallway giving me curious looks. I take the basket inside my office and set it on my desk.

When I open the card it's to find a note that says:

Beautiful, take a moment to relax. Your Secret Admirer.

Which is when I remember the hastily hatched plan with my friends. I pull open my phone and text them all a thank you for the books since I don't know which one sent it. Although if I had to guess it would probably be Sofie. My guess is confirmed when she responds saying I'm welcome to swap any book I don't like. And then I get more texts that other gifts are on the way and should arrive this week.

The next day I receive a gift bag with fancy lotions and soaps from the luxury salon spa Lia works for. Tiffany across the hall even stops by.

"Are you certain you don't have any receipts?" she asks. "Once I complete my report, it'll be too late to submit."

"I'm certain." I tell her.

She's never asked if I'm certain that I have everything submitted. So I'm not surprised when her gaze goes straight to the gift bag on the corner of my desk.

"That's a nice gift bag you have there," She tells me. "Who's it from?"

"My secret admirer."

"Who would be?"

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