Page 4 of My Athlete Neighbor

She blinked. Dina, one of the library workers, was watching her with concern.

"Fine." Allison forced a smile, shoving her phone in her pocket. "Just reviewing the schedule."

She gathered the last few books with hands that only slightly shook. Jesse's engagement wasn't a surprise. She'd heard through mutual friends that he and Vanessa were still together. Still, seeing it splashed across social media sucked.

It seemed like a good as time as any to go to lunch. She went home to make a sandwich and ran into Kane in the apartment building’s lobby.

His smile was warm and genuine, nothing like Jesse's calculated charm. It made her stomach flip and her brain started thinking naughty thoughts.

Because the universe had a sense of humor.

The last thing she wanted to do was to get involved with another hockey player, especially one that might think her grandfather could put in a good word for him and get him called up to the NHL.

Kane was retrieving mail from his box, wearing workout clothes that did unfair things to his shoulders. A gym bag sat at his feet, and his dark hair was still damp from what she assumed was morning practice.

"Morning, neighbor," he said. "Haven't seen you much this week."

"Been busy. New job and all." She headed for the stairs, praying he wouldn't follow.

He fell into step beside her. Of course. "How's the library?"

"Good. Great. Lots of... books."Smooth, Allison. Really smooth.

"I was thinking of stopping by. Maybe returning that copy ofThe Hockey Sweaterthat crashed into me last week." The teasing note in his voice made her pause on the landing.

She risked a glance at him. His eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Super cute. "I wanted to thank you for your kindness the other night.”

"Anytime." He looked like he wanted to say more, but her phone chose that moment to buzz again. More social media tags probably.

She must have flinched because his expression shifted to concern. "Everything okay?"

"Fine. Just social media drama. Nothing important." She started climbing again. "I need to go grab lunch. I have to be back in an hour for story time."

"Right. Of course." Was that disappointment in his voice? "See you around, neighbor."

She didn't let herself look back as she unlocked her apartment. Hockey players were nothing but trouble, no matter how kind their eyes or genuine their smiles.

Her lunchtime passed in a blur, and soon she was back at the library, setting up the reading circle for story time. Twenty rainbow-colored cushions arranged in a semicircle. Her special storytelling chair positioned just so. A stack of winter-themed books ready to go.

Parents and children began filtering in. The quiet shuffle of young children being settled was interrupted by a new sound. Adult footsteps, accompanied by excited whispers. She looked up. And nearly dropped her book. A tall man in a Charm City Chill jacket was helping a small boy find a cushion. The man looked up, offering an apologetic smile that transformed his serious face.

"Sorry we're late," he said quietly. "Someone couldn't find his favorite dinosaur shirt." He nodded toward the boy, who clutched a well-loved T-Rex plushie.

Allison recognized him from Kane's apartment during the power outage. Liam Something. The goalie.

More whispers rippled through the parents. A few phones appeared, not-so-subtly taking pictures.

Right. Of course a local hero at story time would cause a stir. She needed to regain control of her session.

"Welcome." She pitched her voice to carry without shouting. "We're just startingThe Snowy Day. Everyone ready to help Peter explore?"

Twenty small voices responded enthusiastically. The moment passed. She began to read.

To her surprise, Liam turned out to be an excellent story time participant. He did all the movements with his nephew duringHead, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. He helped nearby kids with their snowflake crafts. His quiet "thank you" when she handed out take-home activity sheets was genuine.

She was cleaning up afterward when he approached, nephew in tow.

"Ms. Warrant?" There was something careful in the way Liam said her name. "Thank you for story time. Max loved it."

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