Page 50 of Love in Overtime

“I’m surprised you’re already up and moving. What a game that was last night—you guys were amazing.”

“Thanks,” I say. “I’m heading over to the arena before we head out of town later today.”

“I hope you enjoyed your stay with us,” she says. “Maple Falls is really going to miss you all, me especially.” She gives me a wink. Hmm … I guess she is the team’s #1 fan.

I nod. “We will miss Maple Falls.”

I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true.

“I hope you’ll come back and see us again,” she purrs.

“I’m planning on it.”

Blair and me already discussed returning to Maple Falls. I know she wants to see Keira more often, and if it wasn’t for this place, we probably wouldn’t be together. The thought of Blair makes me smile. I wonder what the critics will say when they see me walking around with a permanent grin on my face. They’ll probably make up their own story, but like Blair says—you can’t believe everything you hear.

I breathe in the fresh morning air as I walk to the arena. Who knew a city boy like me would get so comfortable in a small town?

I take out my phone and send Blair a text.

Good morning. Couldn’t sleep. Going to the arena.

I’m sure she’s not awake yet. But I want my text to be the first thing she sees when she wakes up. We still have a few hours together today, and I plan to make every second count.

My phone buzzes immediately.

Hi! I couldn’t sleep either. So I’m looking up flights to Tennessee.

Seeing this message is the best news I could get to start my day. Our time in Maple Falls is coming to an end, but this is only the beginning for us.

What has happened to me? I’m all up in my feelings. This woman has completely turned my life upside down in every way possible.

Blair and I are in the SUV on the way to the airport. She’s resting her head on my shoulder, our fingers intertwined. We haven’t said much since we left the lodge, which isn’t unusual for me. As we leave Maple Falls, I think about the message on the welcome sign.You’ll never want to leave.There might be something to that, even though the only reason I’d want to stay in the town is because of Blair.

I tighten my fingers around hers, assuring her I’m in this no matter how far apart we are.

When we arrive at the airport, I feel like I’ve been repeatedly punched in the gut. Blair’s flight leaves before mine, so if I cry, she won’t see it. I don’t know if I’ll shed any tears, but I’m not the same person I was before coming to Maple Falls. Anything is possible with this new version of Cooper Montgomery.

After we’re through security, I walk with Blair to her gate.

“Remember, you have team photos on Thursday morning,” she says, scrolling through her phone. “I sent you the calendar reminder.”

“Got it.”

“AndHockey Weekly Digestwants to interview you about your time with the Ice Breakers.”

I groan. “Okay.”

She raises her eyebrow. “This is happening, Montgomery. I’m expecting more requests because your popularity has increased overnight. Your calendar is going to be jam packed.”

“Cool.” I couldn’t sound less convincing. “On second thought, I’m glad I’ll be so busy. That’ll leave me less time to miss you.”

Tears begin to fill her eyes.

“Oh no, I’m sorry, Blair.” I put my arm around her and pull her toward me.

“Don’t be sorry,” she sniffs. “That was sweet.”

I cringe. “Sweet? I can’t remember the last time anyone called me that. As long as they don’t call me that on the ice.”

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