Page 19 of Love in Overtime

“You have no idea,” she replies and then quickly holds up her hands. “I mean, maybe you do. I didn’t mean to make assumptions. I’m sure you know lots of things about lots of subjects other than hockey.” She bites her lip. “How about I just say that we’re honored you came to our town, and I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Me too,” I say. I may not love being in this town, but I’m glad I can help her charity.

Angel excuses herself, leaving Blair and me alone.

“See? You can do hard things,” Blair teases.

“Ha, ha. At least this press conference went better than our first practice,” I tell her, running my hand through my hair.

She frowns. “Really? What happened?”

I throw my hands up. “It was a disaster. We couldn’t get on the same page, and I played worse than I have in years.”

“It was your first time playing together,” she reminds me. “Give yourself some grace.”

“We looked more like amateurs than professional athletes.”

“I’m sure it will get better,” she insists. “A few more practices, and the Ice Breakers will be ready to clinch a victory.”

I lean my head to the side. “Are you always this positive?”

She shrugs. “Not always, but I try. Plus it’s part of my job to boost you up. I know I have some very big shoes to fill. Estelle was a powerhouse.”

Hmm … she’s doing a good job so far.

“That being said, can you stay for a few more minutes before you try to sneak out again?”

Ah, I should’ve known she’d caught me.

I sigh. “Fine. But only a few minutes. I need to try to get some sleep tonight.”

“You haven’t been sleeping?”

I shake my head. “Maybe that explains why I suddenly forgot how to play hockey.”

I conveniently leave out that I’ve been thinking about her. Just because she’s my publicist doesn’t mean she needs to know everything.

CHAPTER 6

BLAIR

Ilove a good party. And a fall-themed gathering at the home of the affluent Harrison family sounds like a must-do in Maple Falls. The Harrisons own Falling for Books, and of course they know all the important people in town. It’s the perfect place for Cooper to make an appearance, along with some of his teammates. He probably won’t agree, but that’s what I’m here for.

I owe Keira big-time because she was able to get Cooper and me an invitation through her friend (and Dan’s sister), Emmy. I have a feeling Keira is in denial when it comes to Dan. I told her to talk to him, but then again, I probably shouldn’t be giving romantic advice, considering I’m crushing on my client.

I send Cooper a quick text informing him of our plans for the evening.

Party tonight. Be ready at six.

Short, sweet, and to the point. If I ask if he wants to go, he’ll say no. This way I haven’t given him the option. And if he can send the short texts, so can I.

What party? It’s noton the itinerary.

I chew on my lower lip as I type my response.

Since when do you read the itinerary?

My attraction to Cooper is only growing by the day. Even his texts send my stomach into an excited frenzy. Thankfully he’s been so preoccupied with the Ice Breakers practices that I haven’t spent too much time with him over the past few days. Apparently, things haven’t gotten much better for the team. They still haven’t found a rhythm, which is a bit concerning, considering the games are starting in a few short weeks. I’m sure it will come together—at least that’s what I keep telling Cooper. It’s part of my job to hype him up.

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