The Hockey Star’s Remorse

TIMOTHY POV

Timothy had never been much of a chef. He could whip up something decent, much like he had when he’d cooked for Evie, but that was a loving gesture fueled by his own need to impress her. He had to impress Evie in other ways now, which included getting on Stella’s good side and getting her to sign those authorization

papers.

With a newfound determination, Timothy stood in Stella’s apartment, a mismatched apron hanging awkwardly from his tall frame, and a mixing bowl in one hand. He had brought the ingredients for pancakes, imagining that a homemade breakfast would impress her. Pancakes seemed like a safe choice simple, delicious, and universally beloved.

–

Stella watched him with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, her arms folded across her chest. He had let himself in, attempting to surprise her, but he hadn’t known she was an early riser. “What are you doing?” she asked.

Timothy tried to keep his enthusiasm from waning as he held up the mixing bowl. “I’m making you breakfast,” he declared with a smile.

Stella raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “Really? You’re cooking for me?”

He nodded. “Yep. Thought I’d surprise you.”

Stella’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she sauntered over, her gaze fixed on the contents of the bowl. “Well, I’m intrigued. What’s on the menu?”

“Pancakes,” Timothy replied hesitantly, watching her response closesly.

Her expression quickly shifted from joy to annoyance as she saw Timothy

preparing the pancake batter. She put her hands on her hips, her annoyance clear. “Pancakes? Seriously?”

Timothy blinked, his heart sinking at the abrupt change in her demeanor. “Uh, yeah. Is that a problem?”

Stella sighed, her irritation becoming more pronounced. “I don’t eat carbs, Timothy. I’ve told you that before.”

1/5

111

Chapter 166

He felt his frustration bubbling beneath the surface but forced a tight smile. He didn’t recall hearing that at all. “Right. But I thought maybe just this once…”

She interrupted him with a sharp gesture. “No, Timothy. I don’t make exceptions when it comes to my diet.”

her, and her dismissive attitude stung. “Okay, fine,” he said, his tone terse. “What do

with a haughty

He set the mixing bowl aside and reached for the eggs in the refrigerator, his

with a look that bordered on smug satisfaction. “You

patience fraying. “I’m trying, Stella. But I can’t read your

her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m

in the room hung heavy as Timothy finished cooking the eggs and plated them with a side of sliced avocado. He placed the dish in front

she savored the food. “Mmm, not bad,”

had paid off, albeit grudgingly. “I’m glad you like

tension. Timothy couldn’t help but wonder if his attempts to please Stella were worth the frustration and anger that seemed to be

happy Stella meant less trouble for Evie, it seemed. Besides,

O

Timothy. It wasn’t the win that Stella thought it

was presenting. She had made it clear that Timothy had to cater to her preferences, and

in the room was palpable as Timothy tried to find the right words. He hated the idea of starting the day with an argument, especially

finger against her lips. “You can make it up to me by letting me throw a wedding

he had expected, but if that’s what it would take, he

her words carried an edge of determination. “Good. I’m going to start planning it right now. It’s going

Timothy couldn’t help but feel a mixture of relief and resignation. He had agreed to

it usually the maid of honor who throws the shower?”

need to be in control of

with Stella about this wouldn’t

lighthearted, a stark contrast to her earlier anger. “Don’t worry.

breakfast of scrambled

|||

Chapter 166

overall. As she took the last bite,

brow furrowing in puzzlement at the caller ID. She quickly silenced the ringer and shot a nervous glance in Timothy’s direction. He met her gaze

that?” Timothy asked, his voice tinged

moment, her fingers absently tapping the edge of her phone. “Just a business call,” she

an eyebrow. “Business call?

avoiding Timothy’s penetrating stare. “It’s nothing, really. Just a work–related

couldn’t hide his skepticism. “You look pretty nervous