Page 78 of Heart Taker

“Nine.”

“I’ll take you before I go to work.”

I plucked my phone out of my pocket and added the appointment to my calendar with a reminder. Then I texted Hen to make sure she was okay if I came in to work an hour late. I promised to make up the time next week.

“Thanks.” Jo yawned and ran a hand through his curls. “So, what did you do last night?”

Man, where would I even start?

“I was, you know, out.”

“Hot date?” he quipped.

“You know I don’t do that.”

“Maybe you will someday.”

I thought about Damien. God, I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

“Maybe.”

“Are we going to stop by and see Dad on Sunday?”

“Of course.”

My phone pinged with a reminder.

“You better get going. You don’t want to be late for camp. Again.”

“No, I don’t.” I chuckled. “Damien made it very clear that I was to be on time or else.”

“You seem different,” Jo commented and gave me a curious look. “Happier.”

“I’m playing hockey today, of course I’m happy.”

“That’s not it,” Jo replied.

I rolled my eyes, and he waved me off.

“Don’t worry about it. You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

“There’s nothing to tell, Jo.”

I couldn’t. Even if I wanted to tell him, I couldn’t. Damien and I had too much at stake.

“Don’t work too hard,” I added as I walked towards the front door. “I’ll be back around five, so I’ll cook dinner.”

“See ya.”

I left the house and hopped in my truck. It was another sunny, hot day. Taking full advantage, I lowered all the windows and enjoyed the warm breeze washing over my skin. It was a nice change from six months of ice and snow. Not that I’d be basking in the warmth or the sunshine for long since I was heading for a cold, badly lit rink.

Summer? Beaches? That was for everyonebuthockey players.

Besides, I’d take an icy rink any day, every day, over anything else.

The drive took a bit longer than usual since there was a decent amount of traffic in town. Tourists flocked to Vermont for the summer camping season and every other vehicle had kayaks and bikes on their racks.

Fifteen minutes later, I parked, unloaded, and walked into the rink. It was after seven, which was perfect. I wanted to be the first one there so I could get dressed, get on the ice, and get my head in the right space. More than anything, I needed to feign indifference when faced with Damien again.

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