The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 85

That morning, Aria and I bustled around the apartment, making final preparations for the dog wash fundraiser. After a week of planning, the number of likes on Aria’s posts hinted at there being a massive turn out.

“Okay, Aria, do we have enough shampoo and towels?” I called out from the kitchen.

Aria emerged from the bathroom, her hands full of bags of dog shampoo. “Check and check! The shampoo’s all lined up, and the towels are piled high in the car. We’re good to go, Evie.”

I let out a relieved sigh. “Great. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”

Aria grinned, her eyes sparkling. “It’s going to be amazing, Evie. Just imagine all those happy doggies getting pampered.”

As we exchanged a high–five, I felt a surge of gratitude for all the effort the others. had put in. Aside from being a media stunt, a dog wash seemed like a genuine way to get the community together. With everything in place, we grabbed our coats and headed out the door, ready to meet up with Timothy and Lucas at the park.

As we reached the park, the scene was nothing short of heartwarming. Pet owners had lined up early with their dogs, and volunteers were buzzing around, setting up washing stations and getting

ready for the day ahead. I couldn’t help but smile as I took in the colorful banners and the joyful atmosphere.

“Evie! Aria!” Timothy’s voice called out, and we turned to see him and Lucas waving us over. “Hey, guys!” Aria shouted back.

We joined the guys, and Lucas gave us a thumbs–up. “After they get those banners up, we’ll be ready to roll!”

Aria’s social media campaign had done wonders. The park was packed with people, pet–owners, curious wanderers, and local news stations alike. A reporter stood just a few feet away, microphone raised to her lips as she read her script live to the

camera.

After everything was set up, we split up into teams, each taking charge of a

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Chapter 85

different dog washing station. Timothy and I took the tub at the very end.

51%

As the first pet owner and their dog approached, I grabbed a hose and winked at Timothy. “Ready to get a little wet and wild?”

Timothy laughed, picking up a bucket of shampoo. “Let’s do this!”

The day quickly turned into a whirlwind of soap suds, wagging tails, and cheerful chatter, As dogs of all sizes and breeds lined up for their spa treatment, we got completely soaked and covered in suds.

At one point, I turned to Timothy, both of us soaked from head to toe. “I thought we were washing the dogs, not each other!”

extra rinse, right?” I nodded

the thin material. His muscles rippled and flexed as he gave the Terrier a good towel rub. I could see the dark trail of hair that traveled down the expanse of his navel and disappeared behind his button–up

and caught me staring. He didn’t seem bothered by it at all, instead giving me a playful wink before passing the dog

in particular. As he brought Duke into

dogs,” he told them, giving the retriever a playful scratch under his ear. This was probably the first time he

figured if he had fun with his Sunday baths, others would enjoy it just as

as Duke leaped out of the tub. “Certainly seems like it! You’re pretty

all this!”

head firmly. His gaze

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Chapter 85

the weight. I was just the pretty

of this.”

expected him to credit us for

had begun drawing to a close. I was drying off a very relaxed bulldog when I spotted Penny making her way over to Timothy. She wore her signature

of determination in her

the fading buzz of the crowd. “Mind if I have a moment?” Timothy turned toward her, his expression more receptive and relaxed this time around. “Sure thing, Penny.

off the bulldog, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Penny was a seasoned reporter, but I was

ask.

as she leaned in slightly, notepad in hand. “I wanted to talk to you about the fundraiser, Timothy. The turnout has been incredible, and

turned contemplative. “Absolutely. It’s been humbling community come

to see the

nodded, her pen poised over a notepad. “Can you put into words how it makes you feel? To see so many

my heart. This

notes, her eyes never leaving Timothy. “And what about the experience of washing the dogs, getting right in there with the

need a few more towels, that’s for

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Chapter 85

fun, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Sometimes, it’s as simple as getting your hands dirty for a good

and gave him a light pat on the back. Glancing over at Timothy and Penny, I couldn’t help

notice.

to where Aria

catch Timothy’s interview with

knows how to speak from the heart.” Aria’s eyes twinkled. “He’s got

blinked in surprise. “What do you

doing, Evie. You rallied everyone together,

felt my cheeks flush. “Thanks, Aria, but this was a team effort. We all

nudged me playfully. “Oh, definitely. But