Page 96 of In It to Win It

“He gives a lot of money to this program,” Blond Mom says. “He sponsors all the equipment for the kids.”

My eyes pop open wide. JP never said anything about the money he gives the program. He made it sound like he just shows up once in a while.

“I’m sure hehasa lot of money,” a dad puts in.

Mmm. That is probably true. I shift from one foot to the other and pretend I’m not listening.

“Well, sure he does, but not only does he give money, look, he’s actually here giving his time. And the kids love him.”

They do indeed seem to love him, trailing behind him like he’s the Pied Piper on skates.

I watch, admiration growing in me as he helps the kids. Apparently they’re learning how to fall, as they all skate forward and then sprawl and slide across the ice. JP demonstrates. Who knew falling down was a valuable skill?

“Is your son going to join up the next phase?” Blond Mom asks the other woman.

“Yes, he is.”

“Mine too. They get to keep the equipment if they do that. Such a great incentive.”

“For sure. It’d be tough to afford all that hockey gear, especially when you don’t even know if your kid will like playing.”

I watch the kids. Maybe there are future superstars out there . . . thanks to JP.

My heart expands against my ribs and I take a quick sip of my coffee.

I see a couple of the kids have long ponytails. Hey, they’re girls! For some reason I assumed this was all boys, but nope. That’s pretty cool too.

It’s so motivational. Inspiring. I love helping kids and this makes me want to do even more. And it makes me like JP Wynn . . . even more.

After JP’s done,we head back to his place.

“You can take me home if you want,” I tell him. “I don’t want to interfere with your game-day routine.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty superstitious.”

“Are you?”

“No.”

I laugh. “You must have some things you like to have the same all the time.”

“I do like to have a nap. There are studies being done that show it’s not really needed, but I love my game-day naps.”

“Ah. Okay. Well, I don’t want to interfere with that.”

“Pretty sure I’ll sleep better if you’re with me.”

I slant him a look. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I’d love to have a nap with you.”

“I’m not really into sleeping in the middle of the day. Then again . . . I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“I know.”

His wicked grin makes me smile. “Okay, I’ll nap with you, but if there’s something I’m getting in the way of, just tell me.”

Napping with him sounds . . . lovely. Decadent.

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