Page 30 of Love in Overtime

I bite my lower lip nervously as I start to head back to the Ice Breakers’ table. “Thanks, Sophie.”

I weave through the crowds of people indulging in all the delicious festival food. The smells of cinnamon and pumpkin spice have filled the air.

When I return to the table, Cooper is still in the same spot and the line has yet to dissipate. At least the Puck Bunnies are nowhere in sight. He’s sitting next to Noah Beaumontand Dawson Hayes. Keira and Emmy are also nearby talking.

“How’s it going?” I ask, walking up behind him. Without thinking I put my hands on his shoulders. He puts his hand on mine which causes a shiver from my head to my toes.

“Living the dream,” Cooper replies, looking up at me.

“Don’t worry, Cooper’s been on his best behavior,” Noah assures me.

“I’m glad to hear it,” I reply.

Ted Powell and his friend Harlow are standing next to the table talking to Ellie. I don’t know if Ted and Harlow are together, but they might be the cutest couple I’ve ever seen. He looks like a big teddy bear, and she’s petite and adorable.

“So how long have you two known each other?” I ask her.

“Since grade school,” Harlow answers.

“But we became better friends in high school,” Ted adds.

“Ooh, high school sweethearts?” Ellie chimes in.

“No, we’re best friends,” Harlow says.

“Just friends, huh?” Noah chuckles. This doesn’t surprise me coming from him. He’s the reformed bad boy on the team, and the stories about him would make my grandma clutch her pearls.

“Yes, guys and girls can just be friends. Why is that so hard for people to believe?” Harlow asks.

“Yep, just friends,” Ted adds. He doesn’t sound the least bit convincing.

I agree with Harlow though. Guys and girls can be friends, but sometimes fate has other plans and things happen that we don’t expect.

As the day goes on, the fans continue to stop and meet the players. I must give Cooper credit, he more than does histime at the table. When his shift is up, he practically jumps out of his chair.

“I can’t remember the last time I talked to so many people,” he tells me. “My social battery is dead. When can I leave?”

“You haven’t been to the corn maze or the haunted house yet,” I say.

He groans. “I’ll do the corn maze, but I’m skipping the haunted house.”

I lean my head to the side. “Are you scared?”

He nods. “Yes.”

I giggle. “At least you’re honest.”

As we walk, people stop to tell Cooper good luck. He does his part by nodding and waving at everyone. He doesn’t smile but he’s out here mingling, so I consider this a win.

“Hmm … look out, Dan Roberts-- there might be a new hero in Maple Falls,” I whisper.

He cracks a hint of a grin.

“Ah, I got you to smile again. I need to start using that tactic—a little healthy competition.”

He shakes his head. “I’m smiling because of you, Blair.”

My heart begins to beat rapidly, but I’m at a loss for words. “Um, thanks.”

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