Page 35 of What If I Knew You

“That’s true.” He smiles. “And what about you? Is nursing something you’ve always wanted to do?”

Moving the conversation away from him. I see what he’s doing.

So, he really doesn’t want me to know who he is.

Which means he also has no idea who I am.

God, this could get awkward very fast.

Or…I could play it out because obviously this is happening for a reason.

And who better to understand his need for privacy than his coach’s daughter?

But damn if he ever finds out who I am…

Actually…what is there to lose?

If he finds out who I am, he’s not going to run to my dad and tell on himself.

That would be professional suicide if I know my dad.

And I’m certainly not going to tell Dad.

I have to earn his trust.

I have to make him feel safe.

That’s the only way this will work.

“Yeah I love nursing. I’ve wanted to be a nurse since my mom got sick twelve years ago.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.” His features soften and he touches my knee. The contact alone sends a spark up my spine. “Did she pass away?”

I nod. “Yeah. Bone cancer eleven years ago. It was hard because I was still a teenager. Not that it would be any easier now but…” I shrug. “Anyway. She’s not suffering anymore.”

He’s quiet for a brief moment before he swallows and says, “My dad passed from cancer four years ago.”

My mouth falls open as I gasp lightly. “Oh, Alan I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

How many years did Dad say Bodhi had played in Boston?

Two? Three? Four?

Damn! That means…

His father was going through this at the start of his hockey career.

“I guess that means we have something in common now, huh?”

“Yeah. Welcome to the dead parent club,” I tell him. “I wish I could say we’re happy to have you, but…you know…it sucks. I’m not going to lie.”

He huffs a soft laugh and nudges me with his elbow. “Is it terrible to say it’s nice to know I’m not alone?”

“Nah. I think that’s pretty normal. How old are you, Alan?”

“Twenty-four. Almost twenty-five. You?”

“Twenty- seven.”

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