Page 18 of Love in Overtime

“Very funny,” she snaps. “I’ve only had two cups, and that was hours ago. I’m just excited because I love this part of my job. It’s so rewarding to finally be in this moment after all the preparation, planning, and Zoom calls youdidn’tlisten on.”

She flashes me a wicked smile, which makes me wonder if there are ways around our client-publicist relationship.Wow—this is going to be a problem.

“Um, anyway … remember to be nice and try to think of something that will make you smile.” She turns and walks away before I have a chance to respond.

If only she knew she makes me smile.

I’m such a goner.

The good thing about this group of players is that most of them enjoy these press conferences and talking about themselves. This allows me to sit back and pretend like I’m enjoying myself, when really I’m thinking about how to get back to my usual level of skill on the ice. It was almost embarrassing how I performed at practice this morning. It can only get better from here, right?

We’re all sitting at a table in a large meeting room, reporters and photographers crowding in front of us. There’sa large banner behind us with our team logo and sponsors’ names.

My attention returns to the latest question, and I hear Coach Doug mention Scotty’s last season on the ice. I notice Blair move beside Scotty and say something to him. She has her usual captivating smile plastered on her face.

Scotty clears his throat and grabs hold of the microphone, the crowd quieting down.

He begins with a funny story about the last time he tried to give a speech and then talks about Happy Horizons Ranch. Did he just wink at the woman who runs the charity? I think he did. His sincere response is met with respectful applause. Whatever Blair said to him worked.

The reporters continue to ask questions and Dan Roberts is more than happy to respond.

“I have a question for Cooper Montgomery,” a woman in a black suit calls.

Ugh. That’s me.

Blair glances at me and gives a gentle nod as if she’s guiding me along. Then she points to her gorgeous mouth and reminds me to smile.

“Yes, hello,” I say awkwardly, forcing the corners of my mouth to curl up slightly. I doubt anyone will believe this scary grin is sincere. All eyes are on me, so here goes nothing.

“Mr. Montgomery, there were rumors you were going to pull out of this team in the eleventh hour. What made you decide to participate?”

I press my lips together, and out of the corner of my eye I see Blair watching me intently. For some reason knowing she’s in my corner gives me a boost of confidence.

“Like Scotty said, Happy Horizons Ranch is a great cause, and Troy and Zach Hart need our support. Six weeksaway from our lives to make a difference for the kids is a small sacrifice in the long run. Rumors are rumors, and like someone recently said to me—you can’t believe everything you hear.”

Yes, I’m quoting Blair, and that’s all I have to say. I avoid meeting her gaze as I lean far away from the microphone. The questions continue, but I’m done for the day.

At the end of the media frenzy, I’m the first one to get out of my chair. Blair is talking to Angel, the director of Happy Horizons, so it’s the perfect opportunity for me to sneak out without having to do any more socializing, smiling, or any other tasks she might decide to throw at me.

I barely make it outside when my phone buzzes with a text from Blair.

Good job up there. There are a few people you should meet.

That must be her way of reminding me I can’t leave yet. I could tell her I’ve had enough of the social stuff for one day, or I could be a team player. I sigh and turn to head back inside.

“Cooper,” Blair calls, waving me over. “This is Angel Davis. She runs Happy Horizons Ranch.”

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you,” I say, holding out my hand to shake hers.

“And you,” she says. “I still can’t believe how many celebrity hockey players have taken time out of their lives to come to our little town of Maple Falls. The kids who come here need to catch a break in life, so thank you for jumping in to help.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply.

“Giving back is very important to Cooper,” Blair adds. “He’s been involved in many children’s organizations over the years.”

Angel shifts her weight from side to side. “That’s soamazing, and kind of unexpected given how busy you must be.”

“I’m sure running a charity is busy.”

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