Page 1 of Taylor

PROLOGUE

Alice

Music thumped as Alice sat, absentmindedly shredding a napkin to pieces. Beautiful women and handsome hockey players danced on the floor nearby, but she sat alone. A part of her would have loved to be out there, but more often than not, this is where she found herself, especially in moments like this. She was at the Magic’s charity gala because her father was the head coach. One might think that would give her a sense of belonging, but nope, she was still on the outside looking in.

She was here on behalf of a program she volunteered with that helped kids in behavioral therapy express themselves with art. She had talked the therapist who ran the program into offering a slot for their silent auction. While the slot was just a basic art class, it would help to get funding and spread awareness for this incredible program.

As the music turned into a slow song, she watched from her empty table as the group coupled up and danced, lost ineach other’s eyes. Not wanting to be jealous of these people, she got up from the table, and after being stood up, she didn’t particularly want to watch it.

She made her way over to the table where the silent auction sheets sat. The art class had several signatures, so it wasn’t a total bust. After one more drink, she would get her fortune told by the little Scottish woman in the corner before she snuck out early.

As she turned, she bumped into a tall, strong, solid body.

“I’m sorry,” said a deep voice.

Her eyes dragged up from his shiny black shoes to his tux pants strained against his muscular thighs, up to his broad chest and perfectly fitted jacket, then to his handsome face, which was pulled into a concerned expression.

“I’m the one who should be apologizing. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” she said, aware of the heat creeping up her chest.

“Taylor Campbell,” he said, reaching for her hand.

“Hi, I’m Alice Wagner,” she said, taking his hand.

It was as if a spark of electricity shot through her at his touch. She needed to get herself under control because she’d been around guys like Taylor her entire life, but she still found herself tongue tied.

“Oh, Coach’s daughter, right?”

Alice nodded.

“Nice to meet you. I was just about to sign up for the silent auction. Any suggestions?”

His genuine smile did little to calm her, but there was something about Taylor she’d always liked. He shied away from the media more than the other guys did, and he had always been kind to her.

As she looked into his deep brown eyes, that kindness glinted, and he cocked his head as if waiting for her to say something.

Right, they were attempting to have a conversation.

She gave her head a quick shake. “Well, if you like art,” Alice said, “there is someone who does art therapy with kids. He helps kids with behavior problems express themselves. He’s offering some fun classes.”

He gave a small smile and a shake of his head. “Sadly, there’s not an artistic bone in my body, but that sounds like a really great program. Do you do similar work?”

Did she do similar work? No, she was currently working for a realtor, setting up his social media, but she was sure she would be fired. But that was a problem for another day.

“No, I just like to support him.”

“Good to know. Well, I’ll take a look. It was nice to meet you, Alice Wagner.” He tipped a small nod.

Alice couldn’t help the excitement bubbling inside of her.

“You too,” she said and quickly turned.

The fortune teller’s table was open. Perfect timing. As she approached the table, the redheaded woman smiled.

“Hello there, lass, would ye like me to read yer cards?” she asked in a thick Scottish brogue.

“Yeah,” Alice said.

“Have a seat.” She gestured to the chair across from her.

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