Page 26 of Love in Overtime

“She’s good,” she says. “Totally in her element here. I’m so glad she’s doing something she loves.”

“I get it. That’s why I play hockey,” I tell her.

“You really love it, don’t you?” she asks, as we start to walk down the row.

I shove my hands in my pockets. “The happiest memories in my life have been on the ice. I’m more comfortable when I’m out there than anywhere else. It’s always been the place I felt safe.”

“That’s why you’re so good,” she says. “Your love of the sport really shines through. It’s inspiring.”

I snort. “I doubt many people find me inspiring.”

She grins. “I think you’d be surprised.”

It’s taking every ounce of my strength and composure not to pull this woman into my arms and kiss her. Thank goodness we’re standing in front of the Maple Falls Meats stall. It’s not exactly the setting where you want to kiss the most incredible woman you’ve ever met.

“You’re right, I would be surprised,” I say.

As we wander through the market, I feel more and more relaxed. Blair has so much energy and fire, yet she has a strange calming effect on me.

The sun is beginning to set when we finally make it back to the lodge. There’s a nice breeze, and as the sun dips, it casts a golden path across the landscape.

“Did you have fun today?” Blair asks. “I know you probably would’ve preferred practice at the rink, but everyone needs a day off once in a while.”

That would be true most days, but not today. Spending time with her has changed that for me.

“You didn’t take the day off,” I remind her. “You were stuck with your moody client all day.”

She chews on her lower lip and gives a thoughtful look. “You know I’m beginning to wonder if you’re as grumpy as people think you are. I’ve caught you smiling a few times.”

If only she knew those smiles were because of her.

“I do smile—sometimes.”

She turns around to face me, walking backwards. “Maybe this town is having a good effect on you? Things are about to get wild. We have the Maple Fest next week, and before you know it, it’ll be game time.”

“Hopefully we can start playing together as a team,” I mumble. “It’s not looking good so far.”

She stops walking and steps directly in my path. “It will happen. Don’t worry. I have complete faith in you.”

“Thank you,” I say. “It’s nice to have someone in my corner.”

Her eyes lock on mine. “That’s what I’m here for.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Blair.”

My heart pounds against my ribs. There are so many thoughts swirling through my mind in this moment, including Chase’s advice.

“So am I,” she says softly.

I move a step closer to her, and we’re now standing a few inches apart. The breeze picks up, the rustling of leaves the only sound. I’m seconds from taking her in my arms when she speaks up.

“We should probably call it a night.” She steps back quickly, widening the distance between us.

I clear my throat. “Yes. I need to get in an early morning workout before our drills.”

“Good idea,” she says, giving me a double thumbs-up.

We’re both quiet as we make our way to our floor.

---