Page 54 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
“Come on, I’ll give you a ride,” I offer, casually throwing it out there.
She stops in her tracks, her expression shifting instantly. “No, thanks. I will call an Uber.”
I frown, not understanding her hesitation. “Why? We live in the same place. It is no big deal.”
Her jaw tightens, and she shakes her head. “It’s a big deal for me.”
I pause, her words hanging between us like frost in the air. There is something heavy in her tone, something I cannot quite put my finger on.
“Hazel,” I say, lowering my voice, “it is just a ride. You do not have to make it complicated.”
“It’s not complicated,” she snaps, her voice sharper than I expected, then, softer, “I just…, I can’t.”
I stare at her for a moment. “Why are you being so…,?” I stop myself, exhaling sharply. “It is late. I am just trying to help.”
“Well thanks,” She shakes her head, her jaw tightening. “I do not need your help, Liam. I have not for a long time.” That one stings more than I want to admit. I force a laugh, though it comes out hollow. “Right.”
“Just because we played a game doesn’t change anything.”
“Of course, it doesn’t.” I grab my bag and sling it over my shoulder. “Alright, have it your way.”
“Thanks,” she says flatly, brushing past me toward the exit.
I watch her go, my grip tightening on the strap of my bag. The sound of her skates clicking against the floor fades, leaving me standing in the hollow silence of the rink.
I should be so used to this by now - Hazel walking away. But damn, it never gets easier.
With a sigh, I grab my things and head for the door. If there is one thing I have learned, it’s that some distances can’t be closed, no matter how many steps you take.
Chapter fifteen
Hazel
The air outside Avalanche Training Center is electric, filled with the chatter of teammates, clicking cameras, and the steady hum of anticipation.
Two days have passed since Liam and I ended up on the same ice rink - the same rink where we clashed, bantered, and played that ridiculous hockey game that left me frustrated, a little too amused, and a little too happy for my liking.
I can still feel the rush, adrenaline, and fun of it all. Just like I can still picture the way he skated circles around me, our banter, his smirk when he won, and the way my heart betrayed me by skipping a beat when our hands shook afterward.
We laughed. For the first time in ages, we actually laughed together. For a moment, it almost felt like old times - before everything fell apart. But that was only a fleeting moment of warmth and reminiscing because the weight of the past never stays gone for long.
I shake my head, pushing the memories aside as I focus on the present. Today is a whole different level of chaos.
“Alright, everyone!” Katie shouts, clapping her hands together for attention. “Gather round and listen up!” Everyone falls into a loose semicircle around her. She is holding a clipboard and looks far too excited for this early in the morning.
“We’re doing something a little different today,” she says, “instead of regular photoshoots, we are heading out to Autumn Cove for a unique project. Each of you will pick your favorite spot in town. You will have photos taken there, plus a quick interview about why you chose the location. Think of it as showcasing the heart of Autumn Cove through your eyes and giving fans a glimpse into who you are off the ice. We will just have one spot each today due to time, so choose wisely.”
The team murmurs with excitement, and I cannot help but smile a little. It is a good idea - getting them out of their usual environment and showing their personalities.
I glance at Landon, Brooke, and Lydia, and I can feel Lydia and Brooke practically bubbling with excitement beside me. Landon is trying to play the cool, calm, and collected “in-all-situation” guy but failing because I can see the excitement he is trying to hide in his eyes.
This is going to be different and maybe even fun.
“To make things smoother,” the coordinator continues, “you will be split into four groups. Each photographer will take five players. And since we know our dear photographers are not videographers, we have got someone to handle that part for each team.” She looks at us with a reassuring smile.
“Thank God,” Landon mutters under his breath, and I stifle a laugh. “Videography is not my thing.”
“All right,” she continues, her tone clipped. “Group assignments. Landon, you are with…,” she rattles off names I barely catch because I’m too busy trying not to fidget.
