Page 48 of Love in Overtime

I listen as he talks about returning to Tennessee and rejoining the Wolves. I still can’t believe our time in Maple Falls is almost over. It seems like it was just yesterday I met Cooper at the airport. I was so focused on proving I could fill Estelle’s role as his publicist. I think I accomplished that goal, and then things took an unexpected turn.

After fifteen minutes Cooper begins shooting me glances. I think his social battery is officially drained. He signs a few autographs, and then we make a quick run for the elevator before we’re stopped again.

“I know it’s getting late, but I was hoping we could hang out for a bit,” Cooper asks as we walk down the hall toward our rooms.

“Sure,” I exclaim. “I just need to change first. Do you want to come over in about ten minutes?”

“I’ll be there.”

As I freshen up, I’m a bundle of nerves. This is the conversation Cooper and I have been waiting to have. There are so many questions. What happens now that it’s time for us to go home? Will we keep our relationship professional or try to balance work and more?

I throw on a cropped Taylor Swift T-shirt, yoga pants and brush my teeth—just in case.

My stomach does a flip when I hear a knock on the door. I take a few slow deep breaths and go to answer it.

Cooper doesn’t waste any time scooping me up in his arms and lifting me off the ground. He doesn’t say anything, but I’m learning that Cooper has a way of expressing himself without speaking. He’s wearing blue athletic pants and a plain white T-shirt that could’ve been specially made for him. The man’s body is so impressive.

I bury my face in his chest, memorizing how it feels to have his arms around me in case this is one of the last times.

“Finally,” he says, letting out a huge exhale.

I laugh and lead him to the couch. “You just saw me ten minutes ago.”

When we sit, I turn to face him and fold my legs under me.

“Yes, but we’ve been stuck with the whole town for hours. I was counting the minutes until we could leave.”

“The wrap party was on the itinerary,” I remind him. “And I’m proud of you for being so engaging with the fans.”

“Thanks.” He clears his throat and pushes a strand of my hair behind my ear.

“So,” I say.

“So...”

“I guess we can’t put off this conversation any longer,” I add with a nervous laugh.

“Yeah.” He shifts around. “Blair, the last few weeks with you have been great.”

My heart sinks. I’m not sure what he’s about to say, but this could go either way. If he only wants to maintain our professional partnership, I’ll understand. It’s not what I want, but it might be the best thing in our situation.

“I agree.”

My stomach twists into knots as I wait to hear what he’s about to say.

“I had no idea what to expect when you took over for Estelle. Honestly, I didn’t think you’d put up with me for very long.”

“I told you I wouldn’t give up that easily.” I place my hand on his arm. He reaches up and puts his hand on top of mine.

“I’m not good at the emotional stuff,” he continues. “So, I decided a long time ago I would focus on the one thing that made me happy—and that was hockey. Seeing you in thestands cheering for me and our team was the greatest feeling. Knowing you were there to support me meant everything.”

“I love watching you play,” I admit.

He sighs. “When I texted Estelle earlier, I told her that coming here has changed my life.”

My pulse picks up slightly. “Well, you put your life on hold for a great cause. I imagine that feels very fulfilling.”

He nods. “That’s part of it, but mostly it’s changed because of you. You push me to get out of my comfort zone and to do better.”

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