The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 63

The aroma of simmering sauce and fresh cheese wafted through the air, filling the space with a tantalizing scent. As Timothy moved about the kitchen with at practiced ease, I sat awkwardly on the edge of the couch.

Timothy glanced my way, a playful glint in his eyes. “Oh, your friend is coming to greet you.”

I smiled, slightly curious about who he was referring to. Right then, I saw Duke leave one of the back rooms and eye me curiously from afar. After the recognition set in, he barked and came bounding toward me, his tail wagging.

“Hi, boy! How are you?” I greeted, scratching behind his ear. He suddenly flopped onto his back, revealing his belly for a good rub. As my fingers ruffled his fur, I started to feel more relaxed.

Timothy’s voice broke through my thoughts, his question drawing my attention. “So, Evie, how’s business been since my case closed?”

I turned toward the kitchen, my lips curling into a smile. “Actually, business has been picking up. It seems like

It seems like my success with your case has made me more noticeable.”

Timothy emerged from the kitchen, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Noticeable? In what way?”

“Well,” I started, my eyes daring around, “Let’s just say I’ve been getting a bit more attention than I’m used to. Your fans seem to have taken an interest in the lawyer who helped clear your name.”

Timothy’s lips twitched into a knowing smile. “Ah, so you’re becoming a bit celebrity yourself.”

I shrugged, a mixture of amusement and hesitation coursing through me. “I guess you could say that, though I’m not sure I’m entirely comfortable with it.”

Duke bounded back over, dropping a tennis ball at my feet with an expectant look. I obliged, sending the ball skidding across the floor as Duke chased after it with gusto.

Timothy’s gaze lingered on us, his expression thoughtful. “Do you enjoy the

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I leaned down to ruffle Duke’s fur, my mind turning over his question. “Not really,” I admitted. “It’s nice to be recognized for my work, but it also attracts some…. interesting characters.”

Timothy raised an eyebrow. “Interesting characters?”

I sighed, my thoughts lingering back on Linda. “Obsessed fans, to be more precise. I’ve had a few encounters with paparazzi, and with the whole Linda situation, it’s honestly a little unsettling.”

A knowing glint appeared in Timothy’s eyes, as if he understood the weight of my words. “Sounds like you’ve had your fair share of Linda types.”

I nodded, my gaze briefly flickering toward the dog that had returned to my side.

Not exactly, but I had some paparazzi camping out on my doorstep.”.

Timothy offers a sympathetic smile. “Ah, yes, the paparazzi. Fame has its downsides.”

I giggled. “I suppose so. But enough about me and my newfound fame. How’s the lasagna coming along?”

as he checked on the dish. “Still perfecting the

easy flow of our conversation. It was as if the initial awkwardness

seems to be quite the

a handful, but I wouldn’t have

my head snapping toward the source of the noise. Without a second thought, I hurried into the

furrowed. Blood welled up from a fresh cut on his

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Chapter 63

my voice edged

“Timothy, are you okay?”

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lips as he watched the blood ooze. “Yeah, I just… managed to cut myself. You would think I’d know how to use a

to rinse his finger. The proximity between us was impossible to ignore, but I forced my thoughts on the

my attention to the tomatoes. “I can take over cutting the

smiled. “Ah, but I

just dicing tomatoes,” I said, waving him off.

ever so slightly. I had always considered myself more of a takeout enthusiast than a home cook, and the realization that I

against the cutting board was oddly soothing. However, as I glanced at the

waver.

expression one of amusement. “You’re doing great, Evie. Just take

smiled sheepishly. “Yeah…I think?”

like a warm embrace. “Let me show you

firm. My heart skipped a beat as he guided my movements, his fingers interlacing with mine. Together, we moved in sync, the blade of the knife gliding through

breath, our gazes locked as if time itself had slowed. In that moment, it

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withdrew his hands, a soft smile gracing his lips.

that had once filled the room now replaced with a

table, the air alive with a newfound ease. The lasagna was every bit as delicious

make lasagna like this?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me as I took another

in his eyes. “Well, my grandmother was Italian, and she passed down some

the rich flavors. “It’s absolutely delicious. Your

into various topics like a gentle stream. From favorite books to memorable

back in his chair, his expression one of contentment. “That was a delightful dinner,” he said with a satisfied

“The pleasure was all mine. I must admit, I was a little apprehensive at first, but

I came.”

softness in his eyes that sent a

evening sun cast a warm glow over the room, I realized that time had slipped away faster than I had anticipated. Reluctantly, I pushed

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