Page 37 of Love in Overtime

“That’s a good thing, right?”

I nod. “Yes. What about you? Have you talked to Dan the Man?”

Her cheeks turn pink. “A little.”

Obviously neither of us are being very forthcoming about our situations and that’s okay.

“Anyway, what else do you recommend I try this morning?” I ask, changing the subject.

Relief washes over her face. “Ooh, great question. I’ll show you around the market.”

“Awesome.” I exclaim. In other words, I don’t want to talk about Cooper, and she doesn’t want to talk about Dan.

It’s almost time for dinner with Cooper, and I thought I’d be more nervous about it. We need to discuss our situation. Confession: I spent some time on Google this afternoon. There aren’t many clear-cut, specific articles about client-publicist romances. However, many consider it a conflict of interest to become involved with a client. I know one unforgettable kiss doesn’t mean automatic relationship, and the fact is that in a few weeks our time in Maple Falls will be over. Cooper will return to Tennessee and join his season, and I will return to Dallas. We will continue to communicatevia email and text and have Zoom meetings he may or may not listen on. Then I will join him for some games and major events. This is probably the most suitable outcome. I’m just not sure it’s the outcome I want.

The sound of my phone drags me out of my thoughts. It’s a text from Cooper, which suddenly turns me into a giddy teenager.

Hey. Are we still on for dinner? Pick the place—Pine Falls doesn’t have many options.

I giggle as I type my response.

Yes, and I think you mean Maple Falls? I’ll choose a place.

My pulse picks up as I chew on my fingernail. As much as I don’t want to admit it—I’m super excited for this evening.

Cooper is right about there not being many restaurant choices in town. There’s the Bistro, a diner, a pizzeria called the Rustic Slice and an upscale restaurant called the Glass Olive. So, The Glass Olive it is.

Sophie texted earlier today and asked if anything happened between Cooper and me. I didn’t respond because that conversation needs to take place over the phone. Some things can’t be accurately explained via text, and my amazing kiss with Cooper is one of those things.

There’s a knock on my door at seven o’clock on the dot. Cooper is known for his punctuality, so I’m ready. I’m wearing a pair of cream-colored wide-leg pants with a red bodysuit. It seemed like a suitable outfit for dinner with someone who’s both a client and the man you have feelings for.

I take a deep breath before opening the door. It might be just my imagination, but Cooper looks even hotter today than he did yesterday.

“Hey,” I say cheerfully.

“Hey.” The corners of his mouth turn up slightly. I really like seeing him smile.

I hold my door open. “Want to come in for a minute?”

“Sure.” He looks up and down the hall. I guess you get used to being extra aware of your surroundings when you’re constantly under the scrutiny of the public eye.

“How was your day?” he asks.

“It was nice. How was yours?”

“Okay. Practice started a bit rough, but I think we’re finally making some progress as a team.”

“That’s great news.”

“And then Estelle called,” he adds.

Oh.

“How’s she doing?” I ask. “Hopefully enjoying all her free time.”

“She’s good. I think she’s still trying to recover from the years of working with me.”

I giggle. “Did she say that?”

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