Pucked Over by Cupid (Maine Maulers Hockey #8)

Preface

PREFACE

My name is Kenzie Holmes. I'm twenty-five years old and I share a two-bedroom apartment with my BFF, Bo.

We met in middle school and she's my ride and die. She understands me. She knows my life is filled with anxiety. She was with me when I smashed the cake before I exited the chemo floor. Punching the cake is a tradition for those of us who complete our chemo and are pronounced cancer-free. I wish all the kids had this moment.

I love to bake and I'm a pastry chef. My cupcakes and pastries deliver smiles to many and this makes me happy.

I recently finished another round of counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder. I don't want to be on meds, and I believe I can overcome this without medication if I put my mind to it.

My therapist thought a dog would be good for me. I was afraid to get one should something happen to me, so I was ecstatic.

I went to the local shelter where I found him. He was a white lab, and he stood in his cage shaking. He was nervous for sure, but it was something more. I was informed that he spent the first nine weeks of his life in a crate and was never walked.

It was love at first sight.

We were both damaged.

He walked to me, and I wrapped my arms around him and that’s when I discovered there was a birthmark on his left ear—a black heart. At first, I thought it was from a Sharpie pen. But it wasn't.

But the symbolism of the heart wasn't lost on me. We were meant for one another. I named him Sherlock.

This was a point in my life when I was disheartened. I’ve never had a serious boyfriend and I want to know what being loved feels like. I’m looking for my soulmate. And so far, I’ve come up empty.

And this started my war with Cupid. Because let’s face it, Cupid has deserted me. I have one failed date after another.

However, I believe in love and miracles. I believe children and our beloved pets can heal our hearts, and sometimes, they open doors for us.

We only have to walk through them.

And this is how Sherlock saved my life...and opened the door to what I desired most!