Page 28 of Love in Overtime

“Your client looks like he’s having agreattime.”

I gaze over at Cooper. “Yeah. I just reminded him to try to act like he’s happy to be here. Obviously, we’re still working on him following my advice.”

She giggles. “Are you enjoying your job?”

“Yes. It’s been a dream come true so far,” I exclaim. “And I really like Maple Falls.”

She smiles. “I told you it’s a great place.”

“You were right.”

She gives me a satisfied smile. “I don’t think your client agrees with you.”

My gaze settles on Cooper who is signing an Ice Breakersshirt. “Honestly, I think he’s having more fun than he wants to admit. I’m pretty sure there’s another side to Cooper Montgomery.”

“Really? Tell me more,” Keira demands.

Crap. I may have said too much.

Suddenly I notice Dan walking toward us.Saved by the bell.

“I think someone wants to talk to you,” I whisper. I give her a quick hug and make my escape to give them some time alone.

The line to greet the players continues to grow longer. It’s awesome to see the town embracing these guys, especially because they’re here to help the children of Happy Horizons Ranch.

As I move closer to the table, I overhear Cooper say he’s having a great time inPineFalls. Ugh.

“Cooper, we’re inMapleFalls,” I remind him.

I glance over and immediately notice a familiar face.

“Willa Blackwell!” I shout, rushing over to hug her. “It’s been ages. I thought I saw you at the media event at the Regent’s Hotel and didn’t have a chance to say hi. How are you?”

Willa is a super talented photographer. We’ve crossed paths a few times throughout our careers, and she’s a doll.

“Good.” She holds up her camera bag. “Working, but it looks like you are too?”

“Yep. New client. This one’s a wild card,” I say, pointing to the table where Cooper is talking to a little boy and his dad. The boy beams as Cooper signs his shirt. My heart swells watching this scene. Cooper may not love this part of his career, but he makes a sincere effort when it comes to children.

“Oh, fun,” Willa says, gritting her teeth. “Been there. He’s a breath of fresh air.”

It’s amusing to see the reactions to Cooper. Willa worked on an athletics magazine that featured players, so she knows how challenging he can be.

Our conversation is interrupted by Noah. He flashes a brilliant smile at Willa, and I sneak away so she can do her job.

I decide to wander a bit while Cooper is busy at the table. He doesn’t need me to hover over him all day to make sure he’s putting on a happy face. Hopefully he doesn’t have any more slip ups with the town name.

I stop to get a bag of Maple Falls’ famous caramel corn. It’s made by Shirley May, the woman who runs the diner, and everyone says it’s the best.

I wave to Angel Davis, who’s at the pumpkin carving station with Scotty MacFarland. They look like they’re having a blast, and … am I seeing some romance sparking there? I could swear they just rubbed shoulders …

As I munch on my popcorn, I spot Zach Hart. Right now, he doesn’t look like a billionaire—if I didn’t know it, I’d think he was just another resident of Maple Falls. He’s with Kiki’s friend Ellie, who teaches ice skating at the arena, and they look very cozy. I’m guessing someone else has made a connection in Maple Falls. Good for them.

Seeing them together makes me think of Cooper and how I feel when I’m around him.

Our situation is different because we work together. There are so many complications that can arise when you get mixed up in a workplace romance. This might be a risk I can’t afford to take.

I haven’t told a soul about my feelings for him yet, but I’m in desperate need of some advice.

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