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.

can see you, Coco. There’s no hiding

to look around. There was nothing but small trees and tall buildings surrounding me. I shifted my focus to

looked familiar. However, they

with the camera was rushing over, waving his notebook. “Where

I ducked through the crowd, not caring who I bumped into. I stepped

More scribbling.

begging for attention, but I shimmied away. Before they could

and I turned wearily to see who it

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

didn’t think I’d see you so soon!” I said,

you again, Evie! I see

the paparazzi clawing for any news on Timothy and me,” I told them. Aria patted the space between them

my dear,” said Aria, and she

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Chapter 30

reached over to the coffee table and picked up his cup of what looked like some of the lemonade from the fridge. The smile on his face told me that he

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 the extra drama. I’m supposed to be a professional, no–nonsense

from his cup, then placed it back on the table. When he saw me hunch over, he scooted closer and started smoothing the hair away from my eyes. “Fair enough. How

really do,” I said. “This type of press could hurt his reputation in the long run

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

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

flicked his wrist. “We

Aria a look

we needed a new couch. Any bigger and we’d barely have room to walk around the living room, and I didn’t want to risk losing the comfort of the one we had. It was a modular style

maximizing the image. They gave me some expectant glances and I heaved a sigh. “I like this

them browsing through the catalog, discussing various furniture options, I thought of the paparazzi that seemed to be constantly lurking outside my windows, as well as from the