The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 196

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The drive took us away from the suburban streets and into the sprawling countryside. The road stretched endlessly before us, and my eyes kept flickering to Timothy to see his expression. Every time I’d ask where he was taking us, my questions would be met with evasive answers and a growing sense of anticipation.

“It’s about an hour–long drive,” Timothy said finally, though the mystery remained. “You’ll see when we get

there, Evie.”

I sighed, glancing out of the car window at the passing scenery. Any anxiety that I’d been feeling previously had given way to an intense curiosity. “Can’t you at least give me a hint, Timothy?”

He smiled, a faint, enigmatic curve of his lips. “Not yet, Evie. You’ll know when we arrive.”

The anticipation gnawed at me, but I decided to enjoy the ride and let Timothy maintain the shroud of secrecy. I spent the peaceful silence taking note of the rolling hills, dotted with patches of wildflowers.

When the car finally came to a halt, I looked around, trying to decipher our location. My heart skipped a beat when I realized we were parked near a pristine beach. The golden sand stretched out as far as the eye could see, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the air.

My surprise was evident in my voice. “Timothy, we’re at a beach?”

He nodded, his eyes glistening with nostalgia. “This is where my mother and I were supposed to go on a trip. She had so many memories of this place, and we always talked about visiting together.”

The realization hit me like a tidal wave. Timothy had brought me here to honor his mother’s memory.

As we stepped onto the beach, a sense of serenity washed over us. The sand was cool beneath our feet, and the salty breeze carried the scent of the sea. I followed Timothy, each step taking us closer to the water’s edge, where the waves crashed with a relentless, rhythmic fury.

He gazed out at the horizon. “This was my favorite beach. Still is, actually,” he said. “She’d take me to it whenever I asked, and we’d just talk about anything.”

I glanced over at him. “She sounds like she was a lovely woman, Timothy.”

He turned to me, a warm smile on his face. “She was, Evie. She was my anchor, the one who always believed in

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here with Timothy, sharing in his memories and his love for his mother. “I’m honored that you brought me here, Timothy. Thank you for sharing this

been there for me, Evie. It felt right to have you

the soft, golden hues of the setting sun as Timothy and I strolled along the shoreline. The

at my dress and sandals. The idea of

a mischievous glint in his eyes, he turned to me and said, “Who said you had to be dressed for the

watched in amazement as Timothy emerged from the waves, water dripping from his soaked clothes. His laughter echoed through the salt–kissed

called, beckoning for me to join him. “The

and the cool breeze on my skin. The sight of Timothy splashing around in the waves, his sadness a distant memory, was irresistibly inviting. With a tentative smile, I kicked off my shoes and, taking a deep breath, I ran

I felt an exhilarating rush of both cold and warmth. The salty water enveloped me, and for the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to let go. We raced each other, our limbs

slower, and unable to escape my grasp, I pounced

you could escape me, huh?” I

slip around my thighs for support, and suddenly I was every

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I captured you instead,” he said in a whisper, his breath fanning across my

The feel of his skin against mine only heightened the intensity as his muscles flexed

voice raspy with unquenched desire. I had to peel myself away, and his hands. were reluctant as they

briefly glanced, almost bitterly, at the sign that was

was deserted when we finally

and his stomach growled soon after. “How

it was almost unfamiliar. “That sounds

filled with the tantalizing scent of grilled fish and spices, and the sound of clinking glasses

the moonlight. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, as

he said. “I needed you there, especially with everything

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