Page 39 of Love in Overtime

He shakes his head. “Not much during the season. But there is one restaurant that I go to all the time. The owner is a friend and Wolves season ticket holder. I’ll have to take you there when?—"

He abruptly pauses. “Um,ifyou come for meetings and work.”

I try to swallow the lump forming in my throat. “I’d love to go.”

These are things we will be discussing after he’s done playing with the Ice Breakers. Before we came to Maple Falls, we had meetings virtually. And Cooper is used to this setup since Estelle lives in New York. We can easily maintain our professional partnership from a distance without any issues. Beyond that is still to be determined.

The server returns with our drinks and to take our orders. I finally select the sea bass with asparagus and risotto, and Cooper orders the filet and roasted potatoes. I also request a second basket of bread since I inhaled the first one. Poor Cooper was lucky to get a piece.

“So, do you think you’re ready for the Lumberjacks?” I ask, referring to the team the Ice Breakers are playing.

“I hope so,” he says. “They are tough, and they’ve been playing together longer than we have.”

I did some research on the team, and the Canadian Lumberjacks look super intimidating. I don’t think any of them are shorter than six foot five. That’s a whole team of men Cooper’s size and above.

“I have faith you guys can pull out the win.”

He folds his hands, rests them on the table, and leans toward me. “Hearing you say that makes me believe it.”

I hold my wine glass in the air. “To an Ice Breakers win.”

Cooper touches his glass to mine. “I likethe sound of that.”

After a wonderful meal, Cooper and I walk back to the lodge. It’s another chilly night in Maple Falls, so thankfully it’s not a long walk. Just as we turn the corner, we’re met with two reporters. I recognize them immediately from the media event.

“Whoa. Cooper Montgomery. This is a late night for you,” the man says.

“Can you give us an update on the team? There are reports saying the Ice Breakers aren’t ready to take on the Jacks,” the woman adds.

“I don’t do random interviews,” Cooper tells them.

“Wait. You’re Blair Radcliffe,” the guy exclaims when he notices me. “You’re Cooper’s publicist, so you must have something to say.”

I exhale slowly. I got this.

“Cooper Montgomery will be available for comment the day of the first game against the Lumberjacks.”

“Is Cooper planning to quit the Ice Breakers before the final game?” the woman asks, ignoring everything I said.

Where do they come up with this stuff? Is there someone out there who just starts rumors for fun?

“Cooper will play all five games here in Maple Falls,” I tell them.

We manage to get past them and continue our trek back to the lodge.

“Sorry about that,” Cooper says. “That’s the part of my life I don’t enjoy.”

I shrug. “It comes with the territory. I knew that when I took this job.”

“Yes, but I’m not one of the players who likes all the hype and attention. It would probably be easier to have a client like Dan Roberts.”

Hmm … I don’t know about that. I’ve heard plenty of stories about Dan from Keira.

“I don’t want a client like Dan. I want …” I trail off before I say anything else. I know what I want—both my career and Cooper. I’m just not sure how to make that happen.

Thankfully we arrive at the lodge at just the right moment. We’re both quiet as we travel to our floor.

“I guess we still have some things to talk about,” Cooper says.

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