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

in my haste to look around. There was nothing but small trees and tall

familiar. However, they had

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

into. I stepped on a few toes and elbowed a few accidentally,

flash. More scribbling. “Have you two made up? Did you forgive

hands patting my back, begging for attention, but I shimmied away. Before they could pester me some more, I slammed the door in

behind me, 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 over and

didn’t think I’d see you

to see you again, Evie! I see you’ve already

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

good press, my dear,” said Aria, and she gave my shoulder

2/4

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Chapter 30

some of the lemonade from the fridge. The smile on his face told me that he

my reputation. It’s not like I’m some pop star that can get a few deals in with the extra drama.

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.

the long run if we don’t act quickly. If only I wasn’t distracted with competing with

around and placed it on my lap. There was

asked, scrolling down

“We figured it wouldn’t hurt to look

I shot Aria a look and she

we’d barely have room to walk around the living room, and I didn’t want to

something,” I said evenly, maximizing the image. They gave me

the catalog, discussing various furniture options, I thought