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?”

he checked on the

task, I found myself appreciating the easy flow of our conversation. It was

the companion,” I remarked, flapping Duke’s

a handful, but

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 finger,

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Chapter 63

voice edged with

“Timothy, are you okay?”

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

him toward the sink to rinse his finger. The proximity between us was

rest on the counter, I turned my attention to the tomatoes. “I can take over cutting the

but I can’t make my

dicing tomatoes,” I said, waving him

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

a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The rhythmic motion of the knife against the cutting board was oddly

waver.

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

sheepishly.

presence enveloping me like a warm embrace. “Let me show you a trick,” he

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

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

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was diced, Timothy withdrew his hands, a soft smile gracing his lips. “See?

help but laugh, the tension that had once filled the room now replaced

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

this?” I asked, my curiosity getting the

Italian, and

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

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

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

sensation of genuine happiness bubbling up within me. “The pleasure was all mine. I must admit, I was a little apprehensive at

I came.”

gaze met mine, a softness in his eyes that sent a flutter through my

had slipped away faster than I had anticipated. Reluctantly, I pushed my chair back, my fingers tracing patterns on the

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