Page 42 of Breakaway to You

Piper

Who says I haven’t been?

I chanced a glance over at Zeke to see his response to reading my text. Seeing one side of his mouth lift in a crooked grin made me grateful for being so bold. It probably wasn’t a good sign that I liked flirting with him so much. I knew it was trouble to get involved with a hockey player again, especially one I was working with, and especially one who didn’t do relationships.

But after seeing that look on his face—a lookIhad put there—I couldn’t find it in me to care.

Chapter16

Zeke

It was a rare day off when I didn’t have practice or training. Although could you really call it a day off when your coach required you to spend the day making sure we had tuxedos rented and fitted for the upcoming team gala? Not exactly how I wanted to spend a day off, but the team’s annual charity gala was important and for a good cause. The money raised supported children’s health and wellness, as well as the growth of hockey in Minnesota.

As a kid who’d grown up in Minnesota and played youth hockey, I had a great appreciation for the Wolves’ foundation. I shuddered to think of where I would be today if I hadn’t had hockey to rely on during my childhood. Being at the ice rink had been far better than being at home.

Before I could endure the tuxedo shop, a coffee was in order.

I stepped into a local coffee shop near my apartment where warm air greeted me, helping to stave off the cold. It may have only been the middle of November, but it looked like we were heading into our coldest months a little early.

I usually stuck to chain coffee shops but on a whim had decided to stop here before going to the formalwear shop. The soft amber lighting, cozy seating nooks, and rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with hints of vanilla and cinnamon had a calming effect. Maybe I would stay to drink my coffee and take a minute to relax before heading out.

The woman in front of me had medium length golden-brown hair that reminded me of Piper’s hair, although I’d only ever seen Piper’s hair down once, so I couldn’t be sure.

The woman also seemed to be about the same height as Piper, which I personally thought was the perfect height, standing a little taller than my shoulder so her head could fit perfectly under my chin.

I rubbed a hand down my face. Gosh, I was so pathetic. I couldn’t even go out and get coffee without thinking of Piper. Just the mere sight of golden-brown hair made me think of her. She was my weakness. I’d thought I had my feelings in check after our late-night text conversation, especially after her remark about our kiss being fake. But then when I’d seen Jordan, the punk, trying to intimidate his way back into her life, all thoughts of forgetting how she made me feel and that kiss had gone out the window.

That and not being able to keep my eyes from wandering over to look at her every five seconds on the bus ride home. It was like my hands had a mind of their own when they’d started texting her. We hadn’t talked much since, but that hadn’t stopped me from thinking about her or itching to text her. Thankfully, I had been strong enough to not reach out to her for an entire week.

The woman got to the counter, and as soon as she spoke her order, I froze.

This woman didn’t just remind me of Piper—shewasPiper.

“Piper?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t wrong even though I knew I wasn’t. I knew her voice. Yeah, yeah, I was pathetic.

She turned around, and sure enough, Piper’s beautiful green eyes looked up at me in surprise. “Zeke?”

I smiled at her in both greeting and excitement at getting to see her, especially outside of work or anything to do with the team. Which…we’d never actually spent any time together that didn’t revolve around hockey.

“Here.” I stepped forward. “Let me get your drink.”

“What?” she asked, still looking surprised at my appearance before quickly adding, “No, I can get it. But thank you.”

“I know you can. But I want to.” I gave her my most charming smile.

She paused but didn’t fight me as she gave me a small smile and a nod in acceptance.

The barista stared at me, a sly smile on her face. “You’re Zeke Lawson.”

“Uh, yeah.” I gave her the smile I used with fans. “Nice to meet you.”

“Piper, you could have told me he was meeting you here,” she accused, but her voice was too happy to be truly upset about it.

Wait. What? How did she know Piper?

I looked between the two.

“He’s not meeting me,” Piper said. “I had no idea he was going to be here.”

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