Page 6 of Peach Blossom Hollow

When Daisy-Mae landed the job as her handler a few days ago, Violet had insisted they live it up asa Dragon babe duo. They were ready to meet hunky men, and what better way than through their jobs, and being in the big city on their work nights?

But Violet had a sneaking suspicion that despite her best plans and wishes for a great season out on the town, her best friend would soon be up to her eyeballs in dates, and their duo idea would fade away. That suspicion had grown into full-blown worry this afternoon as they’d worked on her mascot moves in the stands during the team’s practice. Daisy-Mae, as usual, was done up like a Texas babe, and it had practically brought the entire rink of men to a standstill. Tall, blonde, and with a traffic-stopping smile, she was a deadly package in a tight short shirt and shorts.

“I can’t see much through these eyeholes—” Violet patted her costume head “—but it’s clear you’re going to remain single for approximately zero seconds once the Dragons find a way to meet you off the ice.”

Which meant her Dragon Babes plan better come with a Single and Lonely Violet backup plan. And it should probably involve therapy.

“Hey, are you okay?” Daisy-Mae crouched in front of her. They’d had fun out in the stands, and Violet had been silly in the costume, feeling freer than if she’d been hanging out with family or friends. But now reality returned, nipping at her heels, reminding her that she wasn’t outgoing or desirable.

“Yeah, fine.” She stood and turned her back to her friend. “Unzip me?”

“This guy asked if you’re single.”

Unable to stop herself, Violet spun around again. “Really? Who?”

Despite the vibe she’d gotten from Leo, that he was just looking for a friend, she couldn’t help but hope that Daisy-Mae was going to say his name.

Her friend shrugged. “He’s the unassuming type of cute.”

“Trouble?”

She laughed. “Aren’t they all?”

“Double date?”

“You’re on.” Daisy-Mae headed for the door. “I’ll see if I can catch him.” She winked and was gone.

Violet’s heart hammered. She knew Daisy-Mae was going to find love this season. And for the first time, even though she knew she was acting like an ever-hopeful preteen about to get her world crushed again, she felt there might be a chance for her, too.

The first week of October, Leo scanned the conference room, looking for a familiar face as he smoothed his name tag over his shirt’s pocket. He spotted a few guys from the team, several strangers in suits, and a woman he hadn’t stopped thinking about since she’d literally crashed into the Dragons’ locker room a week ago. Violet.

He weaved his way among the tables, nodding or tipping his cowboy hat to people he passed. He liked that the new-employee orientation included everyone in the organization, from players to office types to ticket sales agents. It made him feel he was part of something bigger than just the team ofathletes. And it reminded him that his performance impacted a lot of careers besides his own.

He paused at a table for three near the front of the conference room. “Fancy meeting you here,” he said to Violet. She was seated beside the woman he recognized as her new handler. “Anyone sitting here?”

Violet immediately turned red, while the blonde gave him an enormous smile and gestured to the vacant spot.

“Be our guest.” She reached across Violet to shake his hand after he sat and removed his hat. “I’m—”

“Daisy-Mae, right? You’re Violet’s helper and handler?”

“Smart cookie.”

“Not really.” He pointed to her name tag, noting that she’d chosen a Daffy Duck sticker for her name tag. Violet had chosen a Yosemite Sam for her black-and-white sweater, same as him. “But I do think you’ll have your hands full keeping this one from falling down the steps of the stands.” He winked at Violet, and the shade of red deepened.

“Tell me about it!” Daisy-Mae said with a laugh.

“Hi,” Leo said to Violet. He’d managed to get a complete sentence out of her when they’d met, and now it looked like he was back at square one. And not because of the teasing. He got the feeling she didn’t mind.

Realizing he’d become distracted by Violet’s shyness and had forgotten to introduce himself to Daisy-Mae, he said, “I’m sorry, I’m—”

“Leo Pattra.” Daisy-Mae shot him a triumphant smile. “And I didn’t have to read your name tag.”

She’d heard of him? He glanced at Violet, who was still blushing. He liked the implications that she may have mentioned him to her friend.

Although, as he had learned during his bull riding days, people often knew of him and his career before they actually met him in person. But despite Violet being obviously far from his type, he liked the idea of her talking about him.

“Your parents have a sense of humor?” Violet asked quietly.

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