7. Cooper
CHAPTER 7
COOPER
I can’t remember the last time I was so attracted to someone. Things like this happen every day, but not to me. What am I supposed to do now? The practical thing would be to push away all the feelings I’m having and continue on a path of a professional relationship with Blair. Or I could give into my feelings and hope she feels the same. But if we go that route and things don’t work out, I’ll lose another great publicist. I know there isn’t anyone better than Estelle or Blair.
I didn’t want to do this, but I have no other choice. I scroll through my phone until I find Chase’s number. Chase is a former teammate of mine from the Wolves and probably the person I’m the closest too apart from Estelle.
“Cooper Montgomery, I was just telling Lucy that I hadn’t heard from you. How’s life in the small town?”
“It’s a blast.”
He laughs. “At least you’re there for a good reason. I’ve been following the story, and Zach Hart has really stepped in to help the charity in his brother’s town.”
“Yeah. If only we could pull it together on the ice. The practices haven’t been going well so far. And I’m dealing with those young guys like Nate Simpson who thinks he’s the star of the show. I had to put him in his place when he was giving Scotty MacFarland a hard time.”
“Good for you. How is Scotty doing?”
“He says he’s okay. And he’s really putting in a lot of effort to help Strickland get us all on the same page.”
“You guys will pull it together.”
“Maybe. Although I have an even bigger issue now.”
Am I really doing this? I don’t call friends to talk about my feelings. I keep them inside and let them eat away at me—at least I used to.
“Oh, no. What? Are you being nice to everyone?”
Has he been talking to Estelle?
“I’m always nice.”
Chase laughs. “Sure, man. Seriously though, what’s going on?”
I clear my throat. “Here’s the thing, I told you Estelle retired, right?”
“Yes. Wait, did the new publicist already quit? That didn’t take long.”
“No,” I snap. “She hasn’t quit and …”
Maybe this was a mistake. I can make it through these charity games, and then Blair and I will continue to work together via Zoom and occasional in person events.
“And?” Chase asks impatiently.
Suddenly the image of catching Blair in my arms replays in my mind. I need to tell someone.
“And I didn’t think anyone would be able to take Estelle’s place, but Blair …”
“Hold on,” Chase interrupts. “Cooper, do you have a thing for your new publicist? ”
I don’t answer him. Chase will know what my silence means.
“I don’t believe it,” he continues. “I didn’t think you’d make it even one day in that town. And now you’re interested in your publicist?”
He’s right. And I’m going to a farmers market today. I don’t know who I am anymore.
“What should I do? I really need some advice.”
“Wow,” Chase says. “We’ve known each other a long time, and I’ve never heard you like this.”
I exhale a puff of air. “I’ve never met anyone like her, Chase. She’s smart and funny and gorgeous. She’s a dynamite publicist, and she makes me smile.”
“So why do you need my help?” he asks. “It sounds like you have your answer. Although you and her working together might be an issue ...”
Exactly.
“But if I can offer you any advice, it would be that when you find someone who makes you feel like you do right now, you don’t let them go. I found that with Lucy, and I’ve never been happier in my life.”
Chase ended up falling for his best friend’s sister. They’ve known each other most of their lives, and when he retired, he reconnected with Lucy in his hometown.
“Does she feel the same way about you?” Chase asks.
Ha. Good question.
“I’m not sure,” I say. “We’ve had a few moments when?—”
I’m interrupted by a knock on my door.
“Hold on, Chase.”
When I open the door, I find Blair waiting for me. She’s wearing a white shirt with a flannel tied around her waist and a pair of fitted jeans and sneakers. This woman looks amazing in everything she wears.
“Hi,” she says cheerfully.
“Is that her?” Chase asks. I almost forgot he was still on the phone. “Let me say hi.”
Um, I don’t think so.
“Chase, I need to call you back. I have a meeting.”
Blair raises her eyebrows.
“A meeting? Sure. Make sure it’s productive .”
“I’ll do that.”
“Sorry,” Blair says. “You didn’t have to end your call.”
“Yes, I did.”
“Are you ready to go?” she asks.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
I’m going to a farmers market with the woman I’m falling for. There are worse things I could be doing.
This might be the nicest farmers market I’ve ever been to. There are rows of stalls with impressive items. I admit I’m here for the food. Waffles, sandwiches, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls from the Maple Grounds Bakery. I’ll take it all.
And it seems like everyone knows each other. I guess that’s typical when you live in such a small area.
I could stroll the rows all day, especially with Blair. She’s been chatting away about the flowers and the food and the autumn breeze. I just nod along as I try not to stare at her gorgeous face.
“Isn’t that one of your teammates?” she asks .
I drag my attention away from her to see Ted “The Bear” walking with a petite woman. That must be the best friend he’s always talked about. Whoever she is, he likes her.
“Yep. That’s Ted ‘The Bear’ Powell,” I tell her.
“As in Teddy Bear ?” she asks with a giggle. “That’s cute.”
“I’ll tell him you think so.”
“Let’s say hi to Keira,” Blair suggests. “I’m sure she’s busy, so we won’t stay long.”
I follow her through the rows because at this point, I’ll follow her anywhere.
“Kiki,” Blair shouts, rushing to hug a pretty blonde woman. Kiki? Also known as Keira, Dan Roberts’ ex-girlfriend.
“Hey, B,” she says.
B? Does everyone have a nickname here?
I stand back and let the friends chat. It’s a good day to be outside, the sun is shining, and the temperature is comfortable. Although I should be spending all my free time at the rink trying to get out of my slump.
I’ll never admit it out loud, but this is a nice town. Next weekend’s annual Maple Fest is the hot topic everyone seems to be currently discussing. There are flyers posted everywhere, including the men’s room at the arena. Apparently, people travel from all over to attend the fall-themed event. Of course the Ice Breakers are going to be a major addition this year, and we are supposed to be front and center in the crowd. It’s no surprise I’m feeling less than thrilled.
Blair has insured I will be at the signing table with my teammates throughout the day but told me I’ll still have time to enjoy the activities like the corn maze and the haunted house. Whew. I was so worried.
Again I’m just going for the food … and because I’m co ntractually obligated as a member of the Ice Breakers. All these fun-filled social gatherings are a part of the deal I agreed to when I signed on.
“Hey,” Blair says, pulling me out of my daydream.
“Hey, B ,” I tease.
Blair scowls. “Keira is the only person who calls me that.”
“Mm-hmm. How’s your friend?”
“She’s good,” she says. “Totally in her element here. I’m so glad she’s doing something she loves.”
“I get it. That’s why I play hockey,” I tell her.
“You really love it, don’t you?” she asks, as we start to walk down the row.
I shove my hands in my pockets. “The happiest memories in my life have been on the ice. I’m more comfortable when I’m out there than anywhere else. It’s always been the place I felt safe.”
“That’s why you’re so good,” she says. “Your love of the sport really shines through. It’s inspiring.”
I snort. “I doubt many people find me inspiring.”
She grins. “I think you’d be surprised.”
It’s taking every ounce of my strength and composure not to pull this woman into my arms and kiss her. Thank goodness we’re standing in front of the Maple Falls Meats stall. It’s not exactly the setting where you want to kiss the most incredible woman you’ve ever met.
“You’re right, I would be surprised,” I say.
As we wander through the market, I feel more and more relaxed. Blair has so much energy and fire, yet she has a strange calming effect on me.
The sun is beginning to set when we finally make it back to the lodge. There’s a nice breeze, and as the sun dips, it casts a golden path across the landscape .
“Did you have fun today?” Blair asks. “I know you probably would’ve preferred practice at the rink, but everyone needs a day off once in a while.”
That would be true most days, but not today. Spending time with her has changed that for me.
“You didn’t take the day off,” I remind her. “You were stuck with your moody client all day.”
She chews on her lower lip and gives a thoughtful look. “You know I’m beginning to wonder if you’re as grumpy as people think you are. I’ve caught you smiling a few times.”
If only she knew those smiles were because of her.
“I do smile—sometimes.”
She turns around to face me, walking backwards. “Maybe this town is having a good effect on you? Things are about to get wild. We have the Maple Fest next week, and before you know it, it’ll be game time.”
“Hopefully we can start playing together as a team,” I mumble. “It’s not looking good so far.”
She stops walking and steps directly in my path. “It will happen. Don’t worry. I have complete faith in you.”
“Thank you,” I say. “It’s nice to have someone in my corner.”
Her eyes lock on mine. “That’s what I’m here for.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Blair.”
My heart pounds against my ribs. There are so many thoughts swirling through my mind in this moment, including Chase’s advice.
“So am I,” she says softly.
I move a step closer to her, and we’re now standing a few inches apart. The breeze picks up, the rustling of leaves the only sound. I’m seconds from taking her in my arms when she speaks up .
“We should probably call it a night.” She steps back quickly, widening the distance between us.
I clear my throat. “Yes. I need to get in an early morning workout before our drills.”
“Good idea,” she says, giving me a double thumbs-up.
We’re both quiet as we make our way to our floor.
It’s probably a good thing Blair spoke up. There’s no telling what might have happened, and it would only complicate our situation.