Page 38 of Power Play Pursuit

“Ah, now it all makes sense,” I joke.

She smirks. “Yep. You’ve uncovered all my secrets.”

“I take it your parents don’t have a restaurant anymore? You used past tense.”

“They closed it down when I finished college. Actually, it was my idea. The hours were crazy, and it was getting more and more difficult to make a good living between the rent, supplies, energy costs, and staff wages. Instead, we opened a catering business together.”

I do a double take. “Wow, really? How did I not know that about you?”

“It was before Marissa moved to New York and suggested we start a business together. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, just like my parents. That’s why I majored in business.”

“That’s amazing. So, they’re running the catering biz alone now?”

“Yeah. I transitioned little by little as Marissa and I were getting the coffee shop up and running, and then I transitioned to full-time. Although If they have a big event, I still help out.”

“So, I take it you’re an excellent cook as well?”

She chuckles, her cheeks flushingpink. “Maybe.”

“Looks like I really won the lottery with my new roommate,” I tease, bumping my shoulder with hers.

“What about you? Was it always going to be hockey?”

“Pretty much,” I say with a grin. “I grew up just outside Chicago, so it’s practically in my blood. There was a small lake—well, more like a pond—in our backyard, and I’d skate there for hours and hours. We also had hockey in PE, and the rest is history.”

“How amazing that your work is your passion.”

“It is amazing. We’re both lucky in that department, I guess,” I say as we turn onto Warlington Lane. With the weather being so nice, the small pedestrian street is bustling today. Mrs. Edibam has a display of flowers outside, the door of the barber shop is propped open, and Mr. Darcy, the bookstore cat, is lounging in the sun.

“Well, this is me,” she says, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks for walking with me.”

“My pleasure. That was pretty much my exercise for the day, so I should be thanking you.” I give her a curt bow.

She chuckles, and I don’t think I’ll ever get over that sound.

“What time do you finish?” I ask, swaying on my feet. “I could go crazy and walk you home—double my steps for the day.”

Her smile widens. “I’m goingto close, so six—well, six-thirty because I have to clean up.”

“Great. I’ll pick you up then.”

A light breeze frees her hair from her face, and I’m suddenly reminded how beautiful she is.

“Listen, James.” She clears her throat. “I just want to say, I’m beyond grateful for you giving me a place to stay, but I meant what I said the other night.” She swallows hard, avoiding my gaze. “I’m not ready to jump back into a relationship, and I’m not sure I ever will be. I really don’t want to lead you on or give you any false—”

“Whoa, whoa.” My eyes widen at the realization of what she’s trying to say. “What is this about? No, you’re not leading me on,” I say, giving her an earnest look. “I’m just glad I can help you, and frankly, it’ll be nice to have the company, especially now that hockey is out of the picture.” I take a deep breath, leaning against the wall. “I don’t know what kind of movies you’re into, Elizabeth. But this is not that type of arrangement.”

She swats me on the chest. “Shut up.”

“Seriously, though. I’m just glad I can help out. We’re friends, right?”

She gives me a firm nod, her gray eyes softening. “Yes, we are.”

“As for the rest,” I say, tilting my head with a smile, “I’m a patient man.”

A shadow falls over her eyes as she says, “And what if I never get there?”

I shrug, smiling. “Then, friends.”

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