Page 8 of Love in Overtime

As soon as I’m inside, I fall onto the bed and throw my arm over my eyes.Okay, Cooper, focus.

I consider calling Estelle to tell her about my dilemma, but she’s not required to be my pseudo-therapist anymore. She’s off the clock, and I need to let her focus on her retirement. After a few minutes I sit up and look around my room. It looks like it’s newly renovated, spacious, and clean. It’s not five-star luxury, but it’s comfortable.

I could take a nap, but I’m too wired. My phone buzzes with a text message. I look at the screen to see a message from Blair.

How’s your room? Mine is perfect. Do you need anything?

Different thoughts fill my mind. Whoa, maybe a nap isn’twhat I need. There’s one thing I always do when I’m stressed—I need to get on the ice.

It’s fine. I think I’m going to go over and check out the arena before practices start. I’m curious to see what the facilities are like in this town.

I’m not lying. I’m just leaving out the part about being attracted to her and needing to get away from our neighboring rooms. Everyone knows some things are better left unsaid.

Good idea. I’ll let the coaches know you’re heading over there. Have fun!

Fun, sure.

I have no idea where the arena is located, but this town is so small I could probably walk in any direction and find it.

I leap to my feet and head to the bathroom to change out of my travel clothes. I came to this town to play hockey and that’s the only thing I need to focus on.

I was hoping I’d have the rink to myself—no such luck.

Almost immediately I spot Dan Roberts from the Chicago Blizzard, who I’ve played against many times. Ah, now I remember that he’s the real celebrity here. They probably have a statue of him in the town square with a fancy plaque that saysDan “The Man” Roberts, beloved hockey star, hometown hero, and all-around swell guy. I’m sure Ms. Hale over at the lodge is a super fan.

“Cooper,” Troy Hart calls. “You made it.”

I haven’t seen Troy in years, but he’s the genius behind this all-star team, so we all wouldn’t behere without him. He’s standing with one of the coaches, Scotty MacFarland, who I remember from my days in the minors. Scotty has been through a lot. He had a very promising career and then suddenly dropped off the face of the earth. I heard his wife got sick and passed away, but I try to stay out of the rumor mills. He’s wearing two different socks … I wonder if he knows.

“Happy to be here,” I reply, not sounding the least bit convincing.

“Hey,” Dan says, patting me on the shoulder. “I’m glad we’re finally playing on the same team. It’ll be a nice change from beating you on the ice.” He grins confidently. Dan the Man is also the captain of the Ice Breakers, so he’s running this show here in his hometown and he knows it.

“Yeah, something like that,” I say with a scowl.

“Hey, Cooper. You ready to get out there and stretch your legs?” Scotty asks.

I hold up my bag. “Definitely.”

“Okay, guys. I’ll meet you in the rink,” Scotty says.

I sigh—there goes all hope of me having some quiet time to skate through my thoughts. I had no idea this would turn into a team bonding experience, but we’re all here to play, so where else would these guys be? I’m assuming Pine Falls isn’t known for its exhilarating night life.

As I follow the others toward the locker room, I hear my phone buzzing from my bag.

When I find it, I’m met with a text from Estelle.

How’s it going?

I let out a puff of air as I consider letting her know how enamored I am with her replacement, but I’m not ready to open that can of worms, so I put my phone away without responding.

After a quick change into my gear, I head out to the floor.The arena is a good size considering the size of the town—it has a main concourse, concessions area, and all the usual features. I’m not sure what I was expecting it to be like, but it’s a nice facility. I should’ve known Troy Hart wouldn’t invest in an inadequate space. The Harts are all hockey royalty.

As soon as I get on the ice, I’ll feel better. Hockey has always been my go-to when I needed an escape. I guess you could say it’s my happy place, but I’d never use those words out loud to anyone. If my teammates or opponents heard me call hockey my happy place, I’d never hear the end of it. I’m known for being serious, centered, and focused on my sport, which is all that matters. As I glide around, getting my muscles warmed up, something occurs to me. I know very little about Blair—I know she lives in Dallas and she’s career-driven. For all I know, she might be in a relationship, which is none of my business. Unlike her, I haven’t done any research on her life. I begin to increase my speed, all thoughts of Blair flying out of my mind. Hopefully they stay that way, although it’s not looking good.

As I go around the curve, Scotty waves me over.

“Hey. You good?” he asks.

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