Page 23 of Love in Overtime

“Thanks,” I say, my grip firmly on his biceps. I’m in no hurry to let go of him.

He helps me off the elevator, his arms still around me.

“I’m sorry about the boot. That had to hurt.” Without thinking I move my hand to his forehead where a red mark has appeared. Our eyes are fixed on each other, and I instantly pull my hand away.

Suddenly he lets go of me and goes to retrieve my boot. “Did you forget I play hockey? I’m constantly getting hitwith sticks, pucks, fists—your boot was a welcome change.”

Did Cooper just make a joke?

“Well, I’m glad to hear it. That’s what I get for trying to be comfortable. I should’ve kept my boots on for a few more minutes.”

We walk slowly down the hall to our rooms.

“So, I was thinking of checking out the farmers market,” Cooper says. “Would you want to go? You know, so you can make sure I’m mingling correctly with the townsfolk.”

My heart swells at his invitation, even though I shouldn’t be so excited about it. There is so much inner turmoil happening right now.

“I’d love to go. I told Keira I’d come visit her anyway.”

We approach his room first, and he hands me my boot.

“Thanks again for the assist,” I tease, trying to use a hockey reference. I should probably get used to it since the sport is a major part of my life now.

“You’re welcome.” He pauses. “So, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sounds good.” I walk the short distance to my room and look back as Cooper opens his door.

“Good night.”

I exhale loudly as soon as I’m safely in my room. The feeling of Cooper’s arms around me will live rent free in my mind from this night forward. I’m not sure what to do next, but this is not how I expected my experience in Maple Falls to be.

CHAPTER 7

COOPER

Ican’t remember the last time I was so attracted to someone. Things like this happen every day, but not to me. What am I supposed to do now? The practical thing would be to push away all the feelings I’m having and continue on a path of a professional relationship with Blair. Or I could give into my feelings and hope she feels the same. But if we go that route and things don’t work out, I’ll lose another great publicist. I know there isn’t anyone better than Estelle or Blair.

I didn’t want to do this, but I have no other choice. I scroll through my phone until I find Chase’s number. Chase is a former teammate of mine from the Wolves and probably the person I’m the closest too apart from Estelle.

“Cooper Montgomery, I was just telling Lucy that I hadn’t heard from you. How’s life in the small town?”

“It’s a blast.”

He laughs. “At least you’re there for a good reason. I’ve been following the story, and Zach Hart has really stepped in to help the charity in his brother’s town.”

“Yeah. If only we could pull it together on the ice. Thepractices haven’t been going well so far. And I’m dealing with those young guys like Nate Simpson who thinks he’s the star of the show. I had to put him in his place when he was giving Scotty MacFarland a hard time.”

“Good for you. How is Scotty doing?”

“He says he’s okay. And he’s really putting in a lot of effort to help Strickland get us all on the same page.”

“You guys will pull it together.”

“Maybe. Although I have an even bigger issue now.”

Am I really doing this? I don’t call friends to talk about my feelings. I keep them inside and let them eat away at me—at least I used to.

“Oh, no. What? Are you being nice to everyone?”

---