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?”

the kitchen, his movements fluid as he checked on

myself appreciating the easy flow of our conversation. It was as if the initial awkwardness between us had dissipated, replaced by a

the companion,” I remarked, flapping

grin was infectious as he nodded. “Yeah, he’s a handful, but I wouldn’t have

to laugh again, but the tranquility was short–lived. A sudden clatter echoed from the kitchen, my head snapping toward the source of the noise. Without a second thought, I hurried into the kitchen, my heart quickening

at the counter, his brows furrowed. Blood welled up from a fresh cut on his finger, staining the edge of a

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Chapter 63

voice edged

“Timothy, are you okay?”

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“Yeah, I just… managed to cut myself. You would think I’d know how to use a knife by

us

counter, I turned my attention to the tomatoes. “I can take over cutting the tomatoes if you need

I can’t make

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

his cut, I gingerly picked up the knife, my fingers trembling ever so slightly. I had always considered myself more of a takeout enthusiast than a home cook, and the realization that I was

trepidation. The rhythmic motion of the knife against the

waver.

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

sheepishly. “Yeah…I

his presence enveloping me like a warm embrace. “Let me show you

beat as he guided my movements, his fingers interlacing with mine. Together, we moved in sync, the

the steady rhythm of his breath, our gazes locked as if time itself had slowed. In that moment, it wasn’t just about

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withdrew his hands, a soft

filled the room now replaced with a sense of camaraderie.

sat down at the table, the air alive with a newfound ease. The lasagna was every

asked, my curiosity getting the best

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

absolutely delicious. Your grandmother

said with a grin. “Trust me when I say I was a chubby kid as a result.” As we ate, our conversation flowed effortlessly, dipping into various topics like a gentle stream. From favorite books to memorable travel destinations, it felt as if we were discovering new facets of each other’s lives with every exchanged word. The initial awkwardness that had characterized our interactions seemed like a distant

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

of genuine happiness bubbling up within me. “The pleasure was all mine. I must

I came.”

his eyes that sent a

cast a warm glow over the room, I realized that time had slipped away faster than I had anticipated. Reluctantly, I pushed my chair back, my fingers tracing patterns on

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