8. Blair
CHAPTER 8
BLAIR
I t’s finally here, Maple Fest. Watching the town get ready for this event has been fun. I love how everyone really gets into the spirit and participates in some way. Keira is very involved in organizing it since she runs the farmers market. I have no doubt it will be a huge success.
The Ice Breakers team is also an important part of the day since the games will be starting soon. They will be out and about talking to residents and guests. Cooper will be at the signing table with his teammates most of the day, and I’ll be making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s been a busy week with practices, extra workouts, and team meetings, so Cooper and I haven’t spent much time alone together. This is probably a good thing after the close encounter we had following the farmers market.
Did I want Cooper to kiss me? Most definitely. However, I need to keep reminding myself that I can’t let my attraction cloud my judgment. I’ve tried to rationalize it in my mind. It was a beautiful setting with the most perfect sunset after a fun day out in the town. And Cooper was able to relax. I think we both got caught up in the moment .
I’m excited for Maple Fest. It has every traditional fun fall activity you can think of—hayrides, a corn maze, a haunted house, lots of pumpkins, plus all the traditional fall treats. It’s going to be a great day.
I put on a pair of dark denim jeans, a long-sleeve black shirt, and sneakers. And I pull my hair up into a high ponytail, so I’m comfortable for the all-day festivities.
I’m in awe how the town has transformed in such a short amount of time. I totally understand why people travel long distances to come to the festival.
I spot Cooper almost immediately as I approach the Ice Breakers’ signing table. He’s sitting next to Dan Roberts, not looking the least bit thrilled to be here. I need to remind him to smile and be friendly today.
“There’s our hometown hero,” Mrs. McCluskey swoons, handing Dan a shirt with his number on it.
“Hey, Mrs. McClusky. Nice to see you,” Dan says warmly.
“Put some kisses on it,” she demands. She is staring at Dan with stars in her eyes. Hmm … Keira might have some competition for Dan Roberts’ affections.
I notice Cooper give an eye roll, and I giggle to myself.
“Remember to smile,” I say under my breath. Cooper’s expression changes almost immediately as soon as he sees me.
He excuses himself, leaving Dan and Dawson Hayes at the table.
“I can’t promise anything,” Cooper says as we step away from the table. “Especially when every woman in this town is practically throwing themselves at Dan Roberts. It’s gross.”
I grin. “Ohhh, do I sense a bit of jealousy?”
“Not at all,” he says flatly .
I notice the line for autographs is getting longer. “You should get back.”
“Do I have to?” he begs.
“Yes, but don’t worry, you’ll have some free time later to enjoy the festival.”
“Oh, yay,” he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He lingers for a few seconds and then returns to his seat.
Judging by his expression, you’d think he’d been sent into a pool of sharks. Which is pretty accurate, considering the women that are descending on the table. I hear the guys mention Puck Bunnies, and Cooper doesn’t look the slightest bit amused. A grateful feeling pours over me.
I’d rather not watch the Puck Bunnies throw themselves at the guys, so I turn away and notice Keira also eyeing the table.
“Don’t let them bother you,” I say, walking up beside her.
She frowns. “Could they make it any more obvious?”
“Sure they could, but this is a family friendly event.”
“Ew.”
I laugh.
“Your client looks like he’s having a great time.”
I gaze over at Cooper. “Yeah. I just reminded him to try to act like he’s happy to be here. Obviously, we’re still working on him following my advice.”
She giggles. “Are you enjoying your job?”
“Yes. It’s been a dream come true so far,” I exclaim. “And I really like Maple Falls.”
She smiles. “I told you it’s a great place.”
“You were right.”
She gives me a satisfied smile. “I don’t think your client agrees with you.”
My gaze settles on Cooper who is signing an Ice Breakers shirt. “Honestly, I think he’s having more fun than he wants to admit. I’m pretty sure there’s another side to Cooper Montgomery.”
“Really? Tell me more,” Keira demands.
Crap. I may have said too much.
Suddenly I notice Dan walking toward us. Saved by the bell.
“I think someone wants to talk to you,” I whisper. I give her a quick hug and make my escape to give them some time alone.
The line to greet the players continues to grow longer. It’s awesome to see the town embracing these guys, especially because they’re here to help the children of Happy Horizons Ranch.
As I move closer to the table, I overhear Cooper say he’s having a great time in Pine Falls. Ugh.
“Cooper, we’re in Maple Falls,” I remind him.
I glance over and immediately notice a familiar face.
“Willa Blackwell!” I shout, rushing over to hug her. “It’s been ages. I thought I saw you at the media event at the Regent’s Hotel and didn’t have a chance to say hi. How are you?”
Willa is a super talented photographer. We’ve crossed paths a few times throughout our careers, and she’s a doll.
“Good.” She holds up her camera bag. “Working, but it looks like you are too?”
“Yep. New client. This one’s a wild card,” I say, pointing to the table where Cooper is talking to a little boy and his dad. The boy beams as Cooper signs his shirt. My heart swells watching this scene. Cooper may not love this part of his career, but he makes a sincere effort when it comes to children .
“Oh, fun,” Willa says, gritting her teeth. “Been there. He’s a breath of fresh air.”
It’s amusing to see the reactions to Cooper. Willa worked on an athletics magazine that featured players, so she knows how challenging he can be.
Our conversation is interrupted by Noah. He flashes a brilliant smile at Willa, and I sneak away so she can do her job.
I decide to wander a bit while Cooper is busy at the table. He doesn’t need me to hover over him all day to make sure he’s putting on a happy face. Hopefully he doesn’t have any more slip ups with the town name.
I stop to get a bag of Maple Falls’ famous caramel corn. It’s made by Shirley May, the woman who runs the diner, and everyone says it’s the best.
I wave to Angel Davis, who’s at the pumpkin carving station with Scotty MacFarland. They look like they’re having a blast, and … am I seeing some romance sparking there? I could swear they just rubbed shoulders …
As I munch on my popcorn, I spot Zach Hart. Right now, he doesn’t look like a billionaire—if I didn’t know it, I’d think he was just another resident of Maple Falls. He’s with Kiki’s friend Ellie, who teaches ice skating at the arena, and they look very cozy. I’m guessing someone else has made a connection in Maple Falls. Good for them.
Seeing them together makes me think of Cooper and how I feel when I’m around him.
Our situation is different because we work together. There are so many complications that can arise when you get mixed up in a workplace romance. This might be a risk I can’t afford to take.
I haven’t told a soul about my feelings for him yet, but I’m in desperate need of some advice .
I find a bench away from the crowds and scroll through my phone until I reach Sophie’s number.
She answers on the second ring.
“Do you have some good news for me?” she asks. “Did you find the yummy small-town firefighter, and does he have a brother?”
I giggle. She’s really hooked on the firefighter idea. “Nope. Sorry to disappoint you.”
“What? How can there be no eligible men in that town?”
I’m quiet for a few seconds. “Well, I didn’t say that.”
“Blair Elizabeth Radcliffe, I demand you tell me what’s going on.”
“Whoa. You’re using my full name, so you must mean business.”
“Heck yeah. Spill it.”
I exhale slowly. “I did meet someone.”
“I knew it,” she shouts excitedly. You’d think she just won the lottery.
“There’s a problem. He’s kind of off-limits.”
“What? Oh no, does he have a girlfriend or a wife? Blair?—”
“It’s my client,” I blurt out.
I hold my breath while I wait for a lecture.
“The hockey star? Are you telling me you’re interested in Cooper Montgomery?”
“Yes.”
“Whoa. I didn’t expect that.”
“Neither did I,” I tell her. “I don’t know what to do because it could ruin everything. I just started working with him. I don’t want to put us in an awkward situation.”
“Do you think he feels the same?” she asks. “Has he even shown any emotion? Cooper is hot, but he always looks so stone-cold serious. ”
The image of Cooper smiling at me flashes through my mind.
“Underneath the tough exterior is a whole other side of him. I’ve seen glimpses of it since we’ve been here.”
“Ohhh, this isn’t just a little crush, is it? You have fallen for your client,” she exclaims. “That’s such an un-Blair thing to do.”
She’s right. Normally I’m so laser-focused on my career that I wouldn’t let something like this happen. Which reminds me, I should probably check in at the signing table.
“Anyway, I need to figure out how to handle this,” I tell her. “If I give in, I could destroy everything. But I’m not sure how I can continue to work so closely with him. We almost had a moment a few days ago. I think he was going to kiss me, and I panicked.”
“It sounds like Cooper might have some feelings for you also. Maybe you two need to have a talk?”
“Maybe … anyway, I need to get back to work. I just needed to tell someone.
“Girl, you know I’m always here.”
“I appreciate that. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Please do. And if you really want my advice, I say go for it. Maybe you guys will be one of those couples who work and play well together. It can happen.”
I bite my lower lip nervously as I start to head back to the Ice Breakers’ table. “Thanks, Sophie.”
I weave through the crowds of people indulging in all the delicious festival food. The smells of cinnamon and pumpkin spice have filled the air.
When I return to the table, Cooper is still in the same spot and the line has yet to dissipate. At least the Puck Bunnies are nowhere in sight. He’s sitting next to Noah Beaumont and Dawson Hayes. Keira and Emmy are also nearby talking.
“How’s it going?” I ask, walking up behind him. Without thinking I put my hands on his shoulders. He puts his hand on mine which causes a shiver from my head to my toes.
“Living the dream,” Cooper replies, looking up at me.
“Don’t worry, Cooper’s been on his best behavior,” Noah assures me.
“I’m glad to hear it,” I reply.
Ted Powell and his friend Harlow are standing next to the table talking to Ellie. I don’t know if Ted and Harlow are together, but they might be the cutest couple I’ve ever seen. He looks like a big teddy bear, and she’s petite and adorable.
“So how long have you two known each other?” I ask her.
“Since grade school,” Harlow answers.
“But we became better friends in high school,” Ted adds.
“Ooh, high school sweethearts?” Ellie chimes in.
“No, we’re best friends,” Harlow says.
“Just friends, huh?” Noah chuckles. This doesn’t surprise me coming from him. He’s the reformed bad boy on the team, and the stories about him would make my grandma clutch her pearls.
“Yes, guys and girls can just be friends. Why is that so hard for people to believe?” Harlow asks.
“Yep, just friends,” Ted adds. He doesn’t sound the least bit convincing.
I agree with Harlow though. Guys and girls can be friends, but sometimes fate has other plans and things happen that we don’t expect.
As the day goes on, the fans continue to stop and meet the players. I must give Cooper credit, he more than does his time at the table. When his shift is up, he practically jumps out of his chair.
“I can’t remember the last time I talked to so many people,” he tells me. “My social battery is dead. When can I leave?”
“You haven’t been to the corn maze or the haunted house yet,” I say.
He groans. “I’ll do the corn maze, but I’m skipping the haunted house.”
I lean my head to the side. “Are you scared?”
He nods. “Yes.”
I giggle. “At least you’re honest.”
As we walk, people stop to tell Cooper good luck. He does his part by nodding and waving at everyone. He doesn’t smile but he’s out here mingling, so I consider this a win.
“Hmm … look out, Dan Roberts-- there might be a new hero in Maple Falls,” I whisper.
He cracks a hint of a grin.
“Ah, I got you to smile again. I need to start using that tactic—a little healthy competition.”
He shakes his head. “I’m smiling because of you, Blair.”
My heart begins to beat rapidly, but I’m at a loss for words. “Um, thanks.”
Thanks? Really, Blair? Ugh. I want to run and hide in the corn maze.
“You’re welcome.”
We continue walking until we’re in a quieter area away from the chaos.
“I wanted you to know I really appreciate you sticking with me,” he says. “I know I’m not an easy person to deal with.”
“You’re not as bad as you think. ”
He exhales sharply. “Blair?—”
The sound of my phone interrupts him.
“I’m sorry.” I glance at the screen and see my dad’s number. Talk about bad timing.
“You should answer it,” he says.
“It’s my dad again. I already know he doesn’t want to talk to me.”
Cooper holds out his hand. “I’ll talk to him.” My eyes grow wide as the phone continues to buzz. I hand it to him and suck in a breath.
“Hello. Blair Radcliffe’s phone,” Cooper answers smoothly.
I watch intently as he listens.
“This is Cooper Montgomery.”
I nervously chew on my bottom lip while Cooper talks to my father. How is this my life?
“Yes. Hi, Mr. Radcliffe. I apologize it’s taken us so long to chat. It’s been busy here in Pine Falls.”
“ Maple Falls,” I whisper.
Cooper waves his hand nonchalantly. “Well, I appreciate that. It was a challenging season.”
If I weren’t falling for Cooper before, I am now. First seeing him with the kids at the signing table and now watching him chat about hockey with my dad on the phone.
“I’ll definitely send some stuff with Blair,” he continues. “Sure. Okay. Did you want to speak to Blair? Alright, have a good night.”
He ends the call and hands me the phone. “Your father says he’ll talk to you later.”
I scowl. “Sure. Why would he want to talk to his own flesh and blood when he can talk to a famous hockey player?”
He shrugs. “I have no idea. ”
“Thanks for doing that. I’m sure you made his year,” I say. “And now he won’t be harassing me for these last few weeks.”
Cooper’s expression changes. “Wow. I can’t believe we only have a few weeks left here.”
“I know. All this time and you still can’t remember the name of the town,” I tease.
He shakes his head. “I still think Pine Falls is a better name.”
“Well, hey there,” a familiar voice calls. Cooper and I look over and see Ms. Hale from the lodge. She’s proudly wearing an Ice Breakers shirt with signatures all over it, and her earrings are mini hockey pucks. I’m beginning to wonder if she’s really a Puck Bunny. She’d probably wear that badge proudly.
“Hi, Ms. Hale,” I say cheerfully. “Are you having fun?”
“You bet I am. It’s the Maple Fest and I got my shirt signed by the whole team.” She does a little spin to show off her autographs.
“That’s awesome,” I gush.
I nudge Cooper with my elbow.
“Thanks for supporting our team,” he says awkwardly. In his defense, he’s been socializing for hours.
“You’re most welcome. Now make sure you get a good spot for the lantern release,” she tells us. “It’s the big finale of the festival.”
Oh, I almost forgot about the paper lanterns. They really did think of everything when they put this event together.
“Thanks for the suggestion.”
Ms. Hale wanders off leaving Cooper and me alone again.
“It sounds like we should skip the corn maze and find a seat,” Cooper suggests. “I still haven’t tried the caramel popcorn, or the pumpkin scones.”
“The popcorn is amazing,” I gush. “I haven’t had the apple cider yet.”
“How about we find a seat and I’ll get us some snacks.” He pauses. “Unless you have your heart set on getting lost in the maze.”
I smile. “I like your idea better.”
We find an open bench under some trees. It’s a little off to the side, but we should still have a decent view of the lanterns.
Different thoughts are swirling through my mind while I wait for Cooper to return with the snacks. The last time we were alone under the evening sky, the attraction was almost too intense. Maybe I should take my friend’s advice and talk to him. It might be awkward, but it needs to happen.
I spot Cooper a few minutes later, and he’s carrying a tray of goodies.
“Did you get one of everything?” I ask.
“Basically. I couldn’t decide.”
We’re both quiet while we eat. Meanwhile the sky has turned vibrant purple, orange, and gold hues as the sun begins to set. Maple Falls is really showing off with its sunsets.
“So you’re probably ready for the games to start,” I say after a few seconds.
“Definitely.”
“And then get back to your life in Tennessee,” I add.
He nods. “That will be nice.”
I sigh. Cooper is back to his short and sweet answers.
The breeze picks up giving me a chill. Just as I run my hands over my arms, I feel Cooper slide toward me. “Are you cold? ”
My pulse picks up now that Cooper is so close. “A little.”
Without saying a word, he stretches his arm on the bench behind me and runs his hand over my arm to warm me. I don’t resist as I move closer to him, the heat from his body already warming me. Neither of us are looking at the other while we get used to our proximity.
“Better?” he asks in my ear. His warm breath tickles my neck.
“A lot better.”
Why does this feel so natural? Cooper Montgomery is grumpy, difficult, and my client. Us being this close could get messy. But in this moment, I don’t care. I lean my head against his shoulder, and he rests his chin on my head. At least everyone in the town is preoccupied with sending their paper lanterns into the sky.
When I shift my face to look at Cooper, his lips are inches from mine. Before I have a chance to overthink this moment, he slowly lifts my chin with his finger and brushes his lips against mine. It doesn’t take long for us to get into a rhythm while everyone else enjoys the sky full of lanterns. This is happening. Cooper Montgomery is kissing me, and I’m kissing him back.