The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 30

Timothy’s jaw tightened, his disappointment evident. “I understand. I just… I care about you, and seeing you in so much stress, it’s hard not to want to help. But I’ll back off.”

As I looked into his eyes, I saw a warmth and affection that made my heart ache. “I’m sorry, Timothy,” I said, my voice trembling with sincerity. “I should have been more open about that with you. I appreciate your care, though. Really.”

Timothy’s shoulders relaxed, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “It’s no problem at all.”

The tension slowly began to ebb away, and we found ourselves sharing a genuine, if somewhat bittersweet, moment. But I knew that it was time to go. The encounter had left me emotionally drained, and I needed some space to gather my thoughts.

“I should head home,” I finally said, rising from my seat. “It’s been a long day.”

Timothy nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. “Of course, Evie. But at least let me walk you home. It’s getting late, and I want to make sure you get there safely.”

I hesitated for a moment, torn between my desire for some time alone and my awareness of the concern in Timothy’s eyes. In the end, I agreed, not wanting to hurt him any further.

“All right,” I said, “but you don’t have to. I can manage on my own.”

He rose from his seat and picked up the basket of supplies, his gaze never leaving mine. “I know you can, but I want to. It’s the least I can do after all this.”

My head was spinning by the time I got home. I spent most of the walk with. Timothy trying to imagine all the different scenarios that could have come out of it had I said “yes“. My body was still hot from his touch.

By the time I reached my apartment entryway, it didn’t take long for me to spot. the reporters at my doorstep. They were still camped out, tents and all. I took a deep breath, recalling all the cameras and microphones that had been shoved in my face on the way out

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A

Chapter 30

My phone chimed and buzzed in my pocket. The screen lit up as I pulled it out and I squinted at the bright screen.

There’s no hiding now, it

phone in my haste to look around. There was nothing but small trees and tall buildings surrounding me. I shifted my focus to the paparazzi, wondering for

However, they had certainly noticed

the camera was rushing over, waving his

alone!” I shielded my head from them as I ducked through the crowd, not caring who I bumped into. I stepped on a few toes and elbowed a few accidentally, but I eventually

Another blinding flash. More scribbling. “Have you two made

finally found my keys and shoved them into the lock. There were hands patting my back, begging for attention, but I shimmied away. Before they could pester me some more, I slammed the door in their

me, and I

comfortably with a computer between them. The sight of them made my worries slip away, almost miraculously. I rushed over and wrapped Lucas

you

me back. “Good to see you again, Evie! I see you’ve already gotten

any news on Timothy and me,” I told them. Aria patted the space between them for me to sit and I obliged. She removed the laptop

said Aria, and she gave my shoulder

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Chapter 30

some of the lemonade from the fridge. The

drearily. “Bad press will surely tarnish my reputation. It’s not like I’m some pop star that can get a few deals in with

he scooted closer and started smoothing the hair away from my eyes. “Fair enough. How is Timothy

I said. “This type of press could hurt his reputation in the long run if we don’t act quickly. If only I wasn’t distracted with competing with my

turned her laptop around and placed it on my lap. There was a large, L–shaped sofa on the screen that came in

this for?” I asked, scrolling down to see the

“We figured it wouldn’t

I shot Aria a look and she simply

the living room, and I didn’t want to risk losing the comfort

to something,” I said evenly, maximizing the image. They gave me some expectant glances and I heaved a sigh.

through the catalog, discussing various furniture options, I thought of the paparazzi that seemed