Page 36 of Love in Overtime

“Okay. I need to hit the showers. I have a dinner meeting.”

This isn’t a lie since I’m meeting Blair for dinner.

Estelle makes me promise to update her after the first game.

At this point she knows everything she needs to know. Now it’s time for me to get ready for dinner with the woman I’m falling for.

CHAPTER 10

BLAIR

After having the best kiss of my life last night, I’m more confused than ever. It’s not supposed to be this way.

When I took over for Estelle Windsor, I thought it would catapult my career to the next level. Having new high-profile clients would open doors for me that I never dreamed of. Of course, I didn’t know what it would be like working with Cooper. I was prepared to put a lot of time into building a level of trust with him based on everything I’d heard and read. Estelle even cautioned me that he might be uncooperative at first and then eventually he would come around. I’m assuming after last night, that’s no longer the case.

And wow, Cooper is a good kisser. I may not have loads of experience like the Puck Bunnies who are currently roaming Maple Falls, but I’ve had a few relationships in my lifetime, and Cooper Montgomery wins by a landslide.

I think I’ll leave that tidbit out of his bio. Excellent kisser doesn’t need to be listed along with his stats, standings, and team history.

I decide to get out and visit the farmers market. Roamingthrough the rows of stalls and visiting Kiki sounds like the perfect way to spend my morning. I stop to grab a pumpkin spice latte and head to the waffle stand. It must be good because there are quite a few people lined up in front of it.

I text Kiki while I wait.

I’m at the farmers market. Getting a waffle. Are you here?

As soon as I pick up my order, I spot Keira walking down the row.

“Good morning, B,” she says, giving me a tight hug. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she looks comfortable and cute in her t-shirt and jeans. She’s totally in her element here.

“Hey Kiki. I’ve been dying to try one of these waffles. They look so delish.”

“They are amazing.” She agrees. We walk toward a little round table and sit down.

“I don’t want to keep you if you’re busy. I just wanted to say hi.”

I take a bite of the strawberries and cream waffle and it practically melts in my mouth.

“No worries, I have a few minutes,” she says. “You’re not working today?”

I shake my head. “Cooper goes to the arena every morning to get in extra practice time. He really takes his hockey career seriously.”

Keira gives me a curious look. “B, can I ask you something?”

“Always.”

“Is there something going on with Cooper?”

Crap.Is it obvious? Have we fallen into the clutches of the Maple Falls gossip?

I clear my throat. “What do you mean?”

She’s quiet for a few seconds. “Your expression changeswhen mention him. And he always looks miserable—except when he’s talking to you.”

Hearing her say this makes my pulse quicken.

“Cooper and I are … getting along well.” I don’t have time to get into it right now.

Kiki raises her eyebrows.

---