Page 13 of Love in Overtime

He clears his throat, looking uncomfortable. “Yeah, sorry—just zoned out for a second.”

“Okay, so we have a media event after practice tomorrow,” I continue. “It’ll be the first time the entire team will be together in front of the press. It’s obviously extremely important.”

“Try to smile—got it,” he replies, a gleam in his eyes.

I snort. “Yeah, you don’t want people saying you never smile.”

He shrugs. “It’s a common assumption.”

I take a sip of my drink. “Well, this is your chance to show otherwise.”

He folds his arms. “Estelle used to the say the same thing, but she finally gave up on me. I’m surprised it took her as long as it did to retire. I think I wore her out, and she only stayed because she thought no one else would want to work with me.”

I purse my lips. “Well, you’ll learn I’m extremely stubborn and it takes a lot for me to give up. If anything, I thrive when I’m faced with harder tasks.”

Cooper groans dramatically. “I guess that means I’m in trouble.”

I giggle. “That all depends on you. I may seem calm and sweet, but there’s a whole other side that comes out when I’m in work mode.”

“Really?” he asks, not sounding surprised. “I never would’ve guessed.”

“Hmm … maybe you should’ve listened on the Zoom calls after all.”

Crap. That sounded flirtier than I wanted it to.

“I did”—he pauses. “Mostly.”

“Ah-ha, moment of truth,” I exclaim. “I think I already have you figured out, Mr. Montgomery.”

A hint of a smirk appears on his face, but then it quickly fades.

“I saw that,” I exclaim. “Where is the paparazzi when I need them?”

I hear him chuckle under his breath, which makes my pulse pick up. Thankfully the server arrives with our food.This will give me a few minutes to regroup before I say something I’m going to regret. I feel like every word is coming out the wrong way.

Cooper and I eat in silence for a few minutes before he’s the first to speak up.

“So, do you like Dallas?”

“I love it,” I say, welcoming a new topic of conversation. “Dallas has the best restaurants and shopping. It’s a fun place to live.”

“It’s a nice city,” he agrees. “And quite a bit bigger than Pine Falls.”

“Maple Falls,” I emphasize.

“Yeah, about that. Doesn’t it feel like Pine Falls to you?”

“No,” I say with a laugh. “Maybe I should hold up a sign for you or write it on your hand.”

Without thinking I reach over and tap him on the hand. An electric current surges through my body as soon as I touch his skin. I quickly jerk my hand back, and Cooper looks as startled as I feel.

“A sign might help,” he suggests. “Or we could talk to someone about changing the town name. I’m sure Dan Roberts has some influence. He’s the town celebrity—they worship him here.”

Ah Dan Roberts, also known as Mary-Ellen McCluskey’s favorite player and Keira’s ex-boyfriend. I feel like I know everything there is to know about that guy.

“Do you know Dan personally?” I ask.

He nods. “I’ve played against him in the league. And he’s as good of a player as everyone thinks he is, but don’t tell anyone I said that.”

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