Page 50 of SlapShot Sweetheart

“I wish she’d tape Coeur’s mouth shut…”

“Awww, is ‘Mr. Clairol’ a widdle sensitive about his poochy-woochy in front of his widdle tootsie-wootsie?” Coeur mocked, and Theo saw that Thierry was about two seconds from putting the man in a body cast – a guy he adored, because if not, he’d probably kill Coeur for all the ribbing and teasing.

“That’s enough, Coeur.”

“She cruel. I don’t need a physical therapist, and besides - I hate the woman. I’m not scared of her either because I’d have to care about what she thinks… and I don’t,” Thierry snarled, leaning over Coeur as if his brute size could further strengthen his words. “I don’t need a PT – especially one that looks like a Barbie doll spawned from the pits of Hell.”

“Um, Thierry…” Coeur said quietly, pointing over his shoulder, and Theo craned his neck to see what was going on right before he heard Thierry’s panicked whisper.

“Oh gawwwsh, she’s not standing there–is she?”

“Dude, you have it so bad for her… and it’s obvious!” Coeur laughed openly – before bolting down the hallway as Thierry’s mouth dropped open. Within a moment, Thierry took off after the man racing away with his man bun bouncing on his head… and Theo laughed. He couldn’t help it, but it was funny to see the big lummox running after the other man for getting caught crushing on the new physical therapist.

“I’m gonna kill you, Coeur!”

“Gotta catch me first,FatClairol…” The two men took off down the hallway, yelling at each other and running around like a pair of crazy men. Coeur darted to the left, then the right, as Thierry did the same thing. The only reason Coeur got away was because an office door opened and closed nearby, making the larger blond turn around and look to make sure it wasn’t the new physical therapist.

“Thierry has a thing for the new PT girl?” Giroux asked, surprised.

“I don’t think so,” Lafreniere added, joining into the conversation.

“Oh?”

“Yep – and he probably does think she’s mean.”

“Why?”

“I guess the coach wants him to be a little lighter on his feet. The new PT has got Thierry doing more strength training and core exercises than most of us, plus she talked to the nutritionist about his portion sizes. Thierry was pissed about his spinach salad.”

“Whoa boy…”

“Yup. No more doughnuts in the locker room.”

“Says who…?”

“Wait– did you say, ‘no more doughnuts’?”

“In thelocker room,” Lafreniére stressed, chuckling. “You think I’m taking money from my sister? No way… we’re just moving the doughnuts to theloungeinstead.”

“But we don’t go in the…ohhh,” Theo chuckled, realizing that they would have to make it a point to sneak a doughnut and keep them out of sight, but the treats would still be there regardless. Lafreniere tapped his forehead, grinning.

“Scary smart – eh?”

“Oui,”Theo replied easily and then glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to get moving, or I will be late. Don’t worry about Boucher, I’ll remember my part. I’m more worried about Coeur if Thierry catches him.”

“The man is a slippery twerp with an attitude. He’ll be just fine.”

Nodding, Theo hefted his duffel bag onto his shoulder, heading toward his Jeep as the plans began to unfurl in his mind. No, this weekend was going to be all about his sweet Aimee and winning her heart.

CHAPTER 14

AIMEE

This had to be a mistake,right?

If he’s late again or the restaurant is closed, then I’m going to have a true hissy fit that will be shameful,Aimee thought silently as she stared in disbelief at the darkened interior of the building. The light was off and there was a sign on the door that had her alarmed. Had the place closed?

Are you here?

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