Page 6 of Love in Overtime

“Oh, right. I remember you mentioned that on one of our Zoom calls.”

I barely paid attention on those calls. Estelle handled most of those conversations while I sulked about starting over with a new publicist. I know it sounds crazy to not take more interest in that side of my career, but I’d rather focus on playing hockey. All the other stuff isn’t my thing.

“Really? I assumed you weren’t listening,” she teases.

I turn to face her and pretend to be offended. “Why would you say that? Of course I was listening.”

She raises her eyebrows. “Mm-hmm, sure.”

And here I go again, staring at her full lips.Man, she’s gorgeous.

I quickly look away and shift uncomfortably in my seat. Why am I having these thoughts? I barely know this woman, and we’ll be working together for the foreseeable future. Any other feelings, thoughts, or fantasies should be abandoned immediately.

“We’re here,” Blair squeals.

I glance ahead and see a massive sign that readsWelcome to Maple Falls. You’ll never want to leave.And they’ve added paintedleaves.

Ha, clever. And I’m positive I’ll want to leave.

“It’s just like I imagined,” Blair gushes, leaning forward to look out the front window. When her long hair falls over her shoulder and brushes my leg, I think I lose consciousness for half a second. She continues talking and pointing things out as we pass them.

“Aww, everything is decorated for fall, and look at the gorgeous buildings. Oh, I’m in love already.”

I feel a jolt shoot through my body as soon as she says those words. I need to get out of this car as soon as possible. I don’t say a word and concentrate on scrolling through my phone to distract myself from the dizzying smell of her shiny golden-brown hair.

Thankfully we pull into the Hawk River Lodge entrance at the perfect time. It's a rustic looking property, nothing like the usual places I stay while traveling. It has a large main building, and I see some smaller cabins in the distance.

“This lodge is amazing,” Blair announces. “It looks so cozy and inviting. Troy and Kelly Hart own both it and the arena. The reviews are great, and you’ll be here with the other players, so that’ll give you a chance to interact with the team and form important connections.”

“Great,” I mumble.

She sighs. “I know mingling isn’t your thing, so try not to think about that. Just focus on the good you’re doing—and the children you’ll be helping.” She pauses and leans closer to me. “Iknowhow important that is to you.”

Oh, she’s smooth. And she’s right.

“It’s important to me …” I pause. “I didn’t have the easiest childhood, so I try to give back as much as I can.”

She nods. “I know. I’ve done my research.”

“About me?” I ask. I’m not sure whether to be worried or happy about her findings. She must not have been too concerned since she’s my publicist now—she could’ve passed on this job if she didn’t want to take me on. There’s no way she didn’t come across something less than favorable.

“Of course. It’s an important part of my job to know as much as possible about my clients. You need to feel secure with the knowledge I’m representing you in all the best ways. I know you worked with Estelle for years and this has been a difficult transition for you. I’m sure it will take some time, but I’m up for the challenge.” She flashes me a gentle smile, and my eyes dart to her mouth again just as the driver pulls in front of a large building. He barely has time to put it in park before I throw the door open and leap out. I just need to get to my room and clear my head. I’m sure Blair has a to-do list for me, so some alone time should do me some good before all the other stuff. She hasn’t mentioned a specific list, but Isuspectshe has one. And at this point I’ll probably agree to anything she says. That could be dangerous in more ways than one.

In a matter of seconds, the bell service agents are unloading our bags onto a cart while Blair chats with a woman holding a tablet. I walk over and join them.

“Ms. Hale, this is my client Cooper Montgomery and one of the Maple Falls Ice Breakers. Go, Otters.”

Otters?The mascot for our team is an otter. Wow, did I sleep through all those conversations? And I just told Blair I was listening on those calls. Maybe I remember some brief mention about the animals, but I didn’t take it seriously.

“Ohhh, hello, Cooper Montgomery, we’re so thrilled you’ll be staying with us here at the Lodge,” Ms. Hale says, giving an obvious wink. “We appreciate everything you’re doing for our community—the Ice Breakers are already local celebrities.”

“I’m just a hockey player,” I say modestly. “But I’m happy to help the people of Pi—MapleFalls,” I say quickly when I see Blair mouth the correct name of the town. There I go again looking at her mouth. And why can’t I remember the name of this place?

“Your rooms are ready and waiting for you,” Ms. Hale says, scrolling on her tablet. I have you two in neighboring rooms, near the other players.”

That’s just perfect.I’m already more attracted to this woman than I should be, and now I know she’ll be sleeping in the room next to me. Ugh. There goes my plan of escaping to my room for some peace.

Ms. Hale hands Blair two white envelopes as she continues telling us about amenities on the property. Blair peeks in both envelopes and hands me mine.

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