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 CHASING LEO
BOSTON ZODIACS
BOOK 1

MICHELLE HERCULES

INFINITE SKY PUBLISHING

 CHASING LEO © 2024 by Michelle Hercules

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual
persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
 CONTENTS

1. ELLIE
2. LEO
3. LEO
4. LEO
5. LEO
6. ELLIE
7. LEO
8. ELLIE
9. ELLIE
10. ELLIE
11. LEO
12. ELLIE
13. ELLIE
14. LEO
15. ELLIE
16. ELLIE
17. LEO
18. LEO
19. ELLIE
20. LEO
21. ELLIE
22. ELLIE
23. ELLIE
24. LEO
25. LEO
26. ELLIE
27. ELLIE
28. LEO
29. ELLIE
30. LEO
31. ELLIE
32. LEO
33. ELLIE
34. ELLIE
35. LEO
36. ELLIE
37. LEO
38. ELLIE
39. ELLIE
40. ELLIE
41. ELLIE
42. ELLIE
43. ELLIE
About the Author
 CHAPTER 1
ELLIE

PRESENT DAY
IT ’ S ALMOST FIVE ON A THURSDAY, AND I CAN TELL EVERYONE IN THIS MEETING IS DYING TO HIT THE PUB— MYSELF INCLUDED .
It’s been a long week, and I could use a drink to unwind.
“I believe that’s all,” I say, looking up from my laptop. “I’ll be reachable via email in case there’s an emergency, but you
got this.”
“Are you excited to see your family?” Heath Adam, one of my senior managers, asks. He’s been on my team for over three
years and knows I haven’t visited my grandfather in a long time.
“I can’t wait,” I lie.
I am excited to see Grandpa, but this isn’t an ordinary trip. It’s his eightieth birthday party, and everyone who means
something to him will be there. I won’t be able to avoid seeing the man I can’t extricate from my heart.
“I can’t bloody wait to go on vacation.” Heath closes his laptop, then stretches his arms, showing off the bulging muscles
under his shirt.
Keira Baker, my other senior manager, stares at him with a wistful expression. “Where are you going this time?”
“Ibiza.” He smirks.
She twists her freckled nose. “Ugh. Pass. Ibiza was great in my early twenties, but I couldn’t do that to myself now.”
Andrew Miller, the company’s CFO and my best friend in London, knocks on my open office door, ending the convo. “Hey,
Ellie, you done with the meeting?”
“Yeah, we’re done here,” I reply.
Heath and Keira quickly leave my office. I usually keep my door open, so when Andrew closes it, I raise an eyebrow.
“What’s going on, Andy?”
“When are you flying to Boston?” He remains standing with his hands stuck in his pockets. Anyone else would see it as a
relaxed stance, but I know him. And the furrow between his brows is a tell. He’s worried about something.
“Tomorrow morning. Why?”
“You’d better cancel your plans. Paco Morales has made his move.”
I sit straighter in my chair. Paco is my office nemesis. Ever since I joined the company five years ago, as the director of
sales for EMEA, he’s made it clear I’m not welcome. He ate his heart out when I made VP before he did. And now we’re
competing for CEO, thanks to our current leader’s upcoming retirement.
“What did that weasel do now?”
“He’s changed the date of the executive summit. It’s this weekend.”
“That son of a bitch,” I grit out, hardly containing my rage.
As VP of marketing, he can do that. But to pull it off at short notice means he planned on doing it for a while. I should have
foreseen he’d pull something shady.
“He’s banking that you won’t cancel your trip, but if you don’t want to lose CEO to him, you can’t miss the summit.”
I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. “I know. Fuck! My grandfather will be so disappointed if I miss his party.
He’s been counting the days to see me.”
“He’s a businessman. He’ll understand. How many of your volleyball tournaments did he miss because of his hockey
team?”
I glare at him. He’s the only one who knows how my childhood truly was. Andrew has been my best friend since we met in
business school in London. One night after a pub crawl, I told him about my grandfather, and my ex, Leo Wiseman, now captain
of said hockey team. I don’t regret spilling the beans to him, but it annoys me when he uses my confession against me.
“It’s not the same thing,” I grit out.
“So what if you miss the party? Go see him after the summit and spend quality time with him, one on one. Besides, changing
the date of your trip has another perk.”
“What’s that?”
“You won’t have to see your ex.”
A sharp tug in my chest makes it hard to breathe. It’s been ten years since I last saw Leo, and my heart still bleeds for him. I
know first loves often leave a permanent mark, but pining for Leo after this long is ridiculous, especially when there’s no
chance of a happily ever after for us. He made that loud and clear.
“I hate that I told you about him.”
His eyes soften. “I know, darling. If you’d just let me set you up, maybe you’d have moved on by now.”
“Hell to the fucking no. I don’t want to mess up our friendship if your candidate turns out to be an asshole.”
“Like that would mess up our friendship. If we’re still friends after you ruined my favorite suit, nothing will tear us apart.”
I crack a smile, remembering the incident when I puked all over his Dolce and Gabbana maroon suit. “It was hideous. I did
you a favor.”
He presses a hand to his broad chest, gasping in an exaggerated manner. “How dare you?”
I laugh, but then remember that I have a tough decision to make and become gloomy again. I can’t let Paco win the race to
CEO. I’ve worked too hard for the position, and I deserve it. But I dread giving Grandpa the bad news.
“What are you going to do?” Andrew asks as if reading my mind.
I sigh heavily. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“I know it sucks, but imagine the look on Paco’s face when he sees you at the summit.”
I smirk. “Silver linings, huh? Now shoo. I need to call my grandfather.”
“Good luck.” Andrew veers for the door but stops and looks over his shoulder. “You know, I’ve never hooked up with a
pro hockey player. Maybe I’ll come with you.”
My brows arch. “What about Michiel?”
“What about him?” he asks, unfazed.
“I thought you guys were serious.”
Andrew smiles like a fiend. “I love how conventional you are, Ellie.”
“If by conventional you mean not a whore like you, then yes, I am.”
He laughs. “Maybe you should be more like me.”
My face goes up in flames as I watch him walk out of my office—not because of what he said, but because he had the last
word… and I hate that.
 CHAPTER 2
LEO

IN THE WEEK LEADING UP TO MR. O’BRIEN ’ S EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY PARTY, I WAS TENSE AS HELL. THE PROSPECT OF SEEING ELLIE
again after ten years of no contact did my head in. After high school graduation, she went to study in London, and I was drafted
to play for the Miami Lions. And even when Mr. O’Brien brought me back to Boston to play for the Zodiacs, when she came to
visit, our paths never crossed.
It’s no surprise that my body feels like a marble statue when I enter the crowded ballroom of his mansion. Memories
assault me, good and terrible, and my pulse speeds up. I take a deep breath, trying to get my emotions in check. If I can control
them on the ice, I can control them here too.
The first person I see is Viktor Andersen, one of my best friends, dressed in a perfectly fitted tuxedo. He looks like a
fucking model ready for the catwalk.
The Norwegian D-man smiles broadly and raises his whiskey glass. ”Wisey in the house!” He speaks loudly, and our
nearby teammates raise their glasses in response.
I crack a smile. “Were you waiting for me?”
“I sure was. I need a buffer. The ladies are more feral than ever tonight.” His blue eyes twinkle with mirth while he sips his
drink.
I roll my eyes. “Maybe if you looked less like a GQ model, they’d leave you alone.”
He runs a hand over his suit. “Are you crazy? I had to step up my game after that peacock Ryan Bertrand was voted best
dressed in the NHL.”
“Pot meet kettle.” I chuckle. “I need a drink.”
“Let’s head to the bar, then. The waiters are only serving champagne and wine.”
I let Viktor order our drinks and check the perimeter. I haven’t been here in many years, but the ballroom is as ostentatious
as I remember. Gold details everywhere contrast with the off-white walls. But it’s the high ceiling that’s most impressive. Oil
paintings of Zodiac hockey players in action adorn the ceiling, in a style similar to the frescos in the Sistine Chapel. The
paintings are gaudy, but they go with the rest of the room. Just like every other nook in Mr. O’Brien’s place, this room is filled
with memories. My chest hurts.
“She’s not here,” Viktor says.
I jerk slightly where I stand. “What?” I glance at him, trying to hide my reaction.
“Ellie didn’t come.” He hands me a glass of whiskey.
I clench my jaw. Viktor is the only person who knows what happened between Ellie and me ten years ago. Hell, he was
there.
“Why didn’t she come?” I take a large sip of my drink.
“Not sure. I think she had a work emergency.”
I let annoyance mask the disappointment swirling in my chest. As much as I want to forget Ellie and move on, the masochist
in me is looking forward to seeing her again.
“What work emergency could be more important than her grandfather’s eightieth birthday? She works for a soul-sucking
corporation, not the UN,” I retort.
“Beats me.” He clinks his glass with mine. “Now forget her and enjoy the party.”
Easier said than done. Instead of disappointed, I should be relieved Ellie isn’t here. It’d be so easy to fall under her spell
again. She’s my kryptonite.
“Have you seen Mr. O’Brien?” I change the subject.
“I didn’t make it far into the room. Let’s go find him.”
IT ’ S BEEN A COUPLE HOURS SINCE I ARRIVED AT THE PARTY. WE JUST FINISHED DINNER, AND I’ M DRUNKER THAN I PLANNED . A
band is setting up on the stage, and as soon as they kick off, I’m heading out.
Everyone at our table is toasted except for Viktor, even though he drank as much as I did. He has a high tolerance for
alcohol, which he takes full advantage of. I’m chatting with him and Deacon Price, our hotshot forward, when Mr. O’Brien
walks up to our table.
He taps me on the shoulder and remains standing behind my chair. “Are you enjoying the party, lads?”
From the seat next to me, Deacon replies, “Yes, sir.” A hiccup follows. “Oops.”
I cover my mouth to hide my amusement, but Viktor snorts. “Someone can’t hold their liquor.”
“I can,” Deacon protests.
“Don’t mind him, lad. It’s my eightieth birthday party. You all must drink as if you’re Irish.”
He squeezes my shoulder harder, and I look up. His face is twisted into a grimace. “Would you like to sit down, sir?” I ask.
“You can have my chair.”
He shakes his head. “Nah. I was on my way to the stage. It’s time for my speech.”
I watch him walk away, and he seems fine. I’m still worried though. He’s in top shape for someone his age, but he is eighty,
and I can’t say he has a stress-free life.
He steps onto the stage and walks behind the mic. Before he speaks, his gaze roams the ballroom as if he’s looking for
someone. He focuses on an empty chair at a table up front—his table—and frowns. That’s probably Ellie’s chair. I still can’t
believe she didn’t come.
He faces the crowd again and smiles. “I’d like to start by thanking you all for coming tonight. I know some have traveled
far, and that means so much to me.”
Suddenly, he grabs his left arm, showing visible signs of distress. Hell. I jump out of my chair as Mr. O’Brien stumbles to
the side, then collapses. Gasps ripple through the room.
I’m the first to reach Mr. O’Brien and roll him onto his back. “Sir, tell me what’s wrong.”
“My chest....”
“Move aside, Leo.” Tim Woods, the team’s head physician, joins us on stage.
I start to move, but Mr. O’Brien grabs my arm. “Ellie... tell her that I’m sorry.”
The guilt shining in his eyes feels like a punch to my chest. I can only guess what demons plague Mr. O’Brien’s conscience,
but I suspect some are the same as mine. He feels responsible for what happened ten years ago. I carry that burden too.
“You can tell her yourself.”
“No time. And please... forgive me, son.” He releases my arm, and his entire body goes slack.
“Mr. O’Brien!”
Tim pushes me out of the way and begins CPR. But I know it’s too late.
Mr. O’Brien is gone.
 CHAPTER 3
LEO

10 YEARS AGO
I USED TO BELIEVE NOTHING COULD PENETRATE MY BARRIERS . I LEARNED TO CONTROL MY EMOTIONS FROM AN EARLY AGE. BEING
the best goalie in the league isn’t only about quick reflexes. That’s maybe fifty percent of the makeup of a great goaltender.
Having a mind of steel is the other half.
But as I watch the two coffins descend into the ground, my eyes burn. It’s the beginning of August, and the temperature is in
the mideighties, but I feel ice cold. Jack is glued to my side, holding my hand tightly. He hasn’t stopped crying. It’s like he’s
crying for both of us.
Despite the tears, he’s much calmer now. When we received the news that our parents had died in a car accident, Jack had
one of his worst episodes to date. He’s fifteen, but he has the mind of a young child and is prone to fits of rage.
I clench my jaw, biting the inside of my cheek to keep the tears at bay. I can’t allow sadness to overwhelm me. I need to
keep a cool head for Jack’s sake.
Ten minutes later, the crowd begins to disperse. Jack and I remain by our parents’ fresh graves. Aunt Lorraine, my mother’s
much younger sister and now our legal guardian, says something, but my ears are buzzing, and I can’t discern her words.
“Leo? Did you hear me?”
I turn. “Sorry. No.”
There’s an old man in a dark tailored suit and wearing a hat standing next to her. When he removes his hat, my eyes widen.
That’s John O’Brien, the owner of the Boston Zodiacs. I swallow the lump in my throat. He’s not only the owner of one of the
best pro hockey teams in the country—he also owns the Cillian O’Brien Hockey Academy, a prestigious team development
program to which the most promising talent in hockey all over the world hopes to get a spot. Ninety-eight percent of players
who complete the program are drafted into the NHL. I was accepted last month, and I’m slated to start in a couple weeks, but
my future is uncertain now. Aunt Lorraine lives in a small town in Florida, and the program is here in Boston. Plus, there’s the
matter of paying for it. The tuition money my parents saved was used to cover their funeral expenses.
“Who’s that, Leo?” Jack squeezes my hand tighter. He always gets uneasy in the presence of strangers.
“I’m John O’Brien, son. I’m sorry for your loss.” He holds his hat in both hands and close to his chest. His eyes are sad,
but there’s no pity in them. I feel relieved. I’m already sick of the way everyone has stared at Jack and me since we became
orphans.
“Why are you here?” I ask, forgetting my manners. I’m too raw to concern myself with them. It’s stupid, I know. This man
holds my dreams in his hands.
My rude question doesn’t seem to bother him though.
“Mr. O’Brien contacted me yesterday and told me you applied for his hockey training program, Leo,” Aunt Lorraine
replies.
I nod. “That’s right.”
She clasps her hands together, wriggling her fingers. Her eyes shine with guilt, making my stomach churn. What the hell is
she going to tell me now?
“He wants you to go live with him.”
I blink fast, trying to process her words. “What?”
Mr. O’Brien clears his throat. “I offer room and board to kids who aren’t from the area and can’t afford lodging. That’s
what your aunt meant.”
My heart is thundering in my chest, filled with renewed hope, but I can’t let it spread. “I can’t pay the tuition.”
 “I’m aware of your financial situation. You’ll be sponsored by me.”
“What about my brother?” I glance at Aunt Lorraine, knowing full well she won’t be able to cope with Jack alone. “He
needs me.”
Mr. O’Brien aims his attention briefly toward Jack, then his steely eyes meet mine again. “Will you be able to handle the
intense training, school, and taking care of your brother?”
I lift my chin higher. “Yes, sir.”
He stares at me for a couple beats, then replies, “Very well. He can stay in your dorm room, but he’ll be your
responsibility.”
“Understood.”
“You know that if you let your grades slip, you won’t be eligible to finish the program.”
My already heavy chest seems to cave in. I’m not a good student. I’ve always struggled with schoolwork, especially with
math. But I have to push through because failing isn’t an option. It isn’t only my life that depends on my success. Jack’s life is
on the line too.
No fucking pressure, right?
“I’m aware, sir. I won’t let you down.”
Mr. O’Brien puts his hat back on. “It’s not me you’ll let down if you fail. It’s yourself. I’ll see you in a few days.”
My brows shoot up. “A few days? I thought the program didn’t start for another two weeks.”
“I’ve asked Mr. O’Brien to let you move into the dorm sooner,” Aunt Lorraine replies. “I have to get back home.”
My stomach coils so tightly that I might puke. This is it. The moment our aunt leaves, Jack and I will be truly alone.
“Gotcha.” I return my attention to Mr. O’Brien. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again, sir.”
He touches the tip of his hat and nods before walking away.
I watch him go and fail to see that Aunt Lorraine has moved closer to Jack and me. “I hope you’ll forgive me one day.”
I glance at her, my eyebrows furrowed. “Forgive you for what?”
“For abandoning you and Jack. I... if I had the means...”
“I’m not angry with you. I’m grateful. Joining Mr. O’Brien’s program has been my dream since I was old enough to hold a
stick.”
Relief washes over her face, reminding me she’s not much older than me. Whenever she came to visit us while we were
growing up, people assumed she was my older sister. Now we’re in the same boat. She became an orphan when she was
eighteen, losing both parents to illnesses within the span of a few months. I’m a week shy of turning eighteen.
“I know. That’s why I reached out to him.” She wipes the moisture from the corners of her eyes. “Do you think Jack will be
okay?”
“I-I’ll be okay,” he answers before I can. “I lo-love hockey.”
I glance at him briefly, and my heart squeezes tighter. I can’t fail him. Going pro means I can finally get Jack the care that he
needs. Even when our parents were alive, I’ve always known it was him and me against the world. That statement never felt
truer than it does now.
 CHAPTER 4
LEO

THE TWO DAYS AFTER THE FUNERAL WENT BY IN A BLUR. I BARELY HAD TIME TO FEEL THE PAIN . AUNT LORRAINE AND I SPENT
those days sorting through my parents’ stuff. We sold most of the furniture and donated what was left. It wasn’t like Jack and I
had a lot to begin with. In my trunk, I have only personal belongings and clothing.
The landlord agreed to return my parents’ deposit, even though there were still three months left on the lease. I always liked
him, and I’m grateful he didn’t prove to be an asshole. The money isn’t much, but it’s better than starting with nothing. Aunt
Lorraine said she’d send some money to help out, but she’s a recent college graduate, and her entry-level job at a marketing
firm doesn’t pay much.
She wanted to drop us off at the Cillian O’Brien Hockey Academy before she flew back to Florida, but the airline changed
the time of her flight to an ungodly early hour, and she couldn’t make it. After I dropped her off at the airport, I took Jack to
IHOP for breakfast, and now we’re on our way to what will be our home for the next year. I don’t know what will happen to
Jack and me after I graduate high school, but I can’t worry about that now.
The AC on my old 4Runner is busted, but it’s still early and the temperature is pleasant. We’re about five minutes from our
destination when Jack screams at the top of his lungs, scaring the crap out of me. I glance at him, my heartbeat jumping from
normal to holy crap in a split second.
“Bee! There’s a bee on me!” Jack’s tense and as white as a ghost. I need to park the car and get rid of the bug before he has
one of his episodes and ends up getting stung.
“Don’t move.”
I return my attention to the street just in time to avoid running over a girl with flaming red hair who was running across it. I
slam on the brakes, making the tires screech. The smell of burning rubber reaches my nose almost immediately. She jumps back
and stares at me with wide eyes.
Her shock lasts only a couple beats before she narrows her gaze. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
She has all the right in the world to yell at me, but I still need to deal with Jack’s situation. I get out of the car and run
around the front to get to Jack.
The girl doesn’t know that’s my intention and steps back. “Stay away from me.”
“You’re not my concern,” I retort.
Shit. I shouldn’t have snapped at her when I’m at fault, but my only focus is Jack. I open the passenger side door and try to
find the damn bee.
Jack is shaking, and his panicked expression breaks my heart. “Get it off me, Leo. Get it off me!”
“I will, but I need you to calm down, buddy.”
“It’s going to sting me. It’s gonna hurt,” he whimpers.
“It won’t sting you if you remain calm. Can you do that for me?”
“I-I don’t know.”
I look for the fucking bee and find it chilling on the seat close to Jack’s leg. I pull my wallet from my pocket and use my
debit card to get the bee out without causing it distress.
“Come on, little guy. You don’t want to die today, do you?” I mutter.
I get the bee on the plastic card and quickly take it out of the car. It flies away but remains in the vicinity.
“Close your window, Jack.”
Mercifully, he’s still able to follow instructions and do as I say. I turn around and look for the girl I almost hit, but she’s
gone.
Damn it. I wanted to apologize. I feel horrible now, but it’s pointless. I’ll probably never see her again.
ELLIE
My heart is racing, and not because of the run back to the house. That rude guy almost ran me over, and instead of apologizing,
he barked at me. I didn’t stick around to find out why he got out of the car. I was too spooked.
I close my bedroom door and lean against it, taking deep breaths. My body is shaking, and my chest is tight, filled with
anguish. I haven’t had a panic attack in months, and I’ve been careful to not put too much on my plate because stress triggers
them. Now, thanks to that asshole, I’m having one.
I can’t let Grandpa see me like this. He’ll worry and demand I drop out of one of my AP classes or, worse, volleyball. He
didn’t like it when I made team captain. If it were up to him, I’d stay locked in the house and do nothing. He thinks I’m a
porcelain doll, and breakable, all thanks to my panic attacks.
He wasn’t always like that. But losing my dad—his only son—and his daughter-in-law made him fearful. He’s afraid he’ll
lose me too. I almost died in the same helicopter crash that took Mom and Dad. I was five when it happened, and I don’t
remember much, save my parents using their bodies to shield me. Grandpa became my legal guardian after that. I was
homeschooled until the eighth grade. Then I begged to attend a real high school.
Besides his estranged younger brother, I’m the only family Grandpa has left. Grandma died before I was born. For that
reason, I push back against his over-the-top protectiveness only when it begins to smother me. I’m glad he has his hockey team
and the academy to keep his attention away from me enough to allow me to breathe.
Unless a panic attack hinders my ability to do that.
I hate this.
The breathing exercises my therapist taught me finally work. My pulse returns to normal, and the shakes racking my body
subside, though I’m not completely out of the woods yet. The latch keeping the anxiety at bay is cracked, and if I’m not careful,
it will overwhelm me again.
Before my brain begins to spin out of control once more, I head to the bathroom. A hot shower is exactly what I need.
Whenever I have an attack, I like to curl up in bed and watch one of my favorite shows. But I can’t today. Grandpa wants to see
me this morning. There’s someone he wants me to meet—a new hockey academy student who’s moving into the dorm a little
early.
I always meet the players who come to stay in the dorms. Since the academy is on the same grounds as our house, Grandpa
wants to be sure I don’t have a problem with anyone staying on the property.
It’s an extra precaution because I know the administration does a detailed background check on everyone applying for the
hockey program, whether they stay in the dorms or not. A good character is one of the qualities Grandpa looks for in all his
prospects.
I’m curious. It’s not like Grandpa to bend the rules. This player must have made an impression, or maybe his situation is
pretty serious. After the first meeting, I don’t pay attention to those boys, and I rarely cross paths with them. I only set foot in
the academy’s training facility if Grandpa asks me to.
Most players go to my high school, even though Grandpa’s hockey academy isn’t affiliated with it. But I don’t interact with
them there either. They give me a wide berth. I’m sure my grandfather warns them to stay away from me, or they’ll get the boot.
Works for me. I don’t have time for cocky hockey players.
 CHAPTER 5
LEO

I ALREADY KNEW THE ACADEMY WAS ON THE SAME PROPERTY AS MR. O’BRIEN ’ S MANSION , BUT I COULDN ’ T HAVE IMAGINED THE
size of the grounds behind the wrought iron gate. After I identify myself at the security checkpoint, the main driveway that leads
to the mega-mansion stretches before me, peppered with tall trees on each side. Even from this distance, I can see how
magnificent the mansion is. It looks like something straight out of Greek mythology, with tall columns framing the front white
double doors.
“Wow. Are we going to live in there?” Jack asks.
“No, buddy. That’s where Mr. O’Brien lives.”
“It looks like Zeus’s palace.”
I chuckle. I’m not surprised he said that. He’s read all the Percy Jackson books, and he’s obsessed with Greek mythology.
“Yeah, it does. I hope the dorm building is nice too.”
“I hope there are no bees.”
Poor guy. It’ll take a while for him to get over the bee ordeal. Unbidden, the image of the redhead jumps to the forefront of
my mind, and with that memory comes the guilt. I hate that I didn’t have the chance to apologize. Now that I’ve calmed down, I
can think straight. If she was jogging nearby, she must live in the neighborhood, which means I can probably track her down.
Most joggers are creatures of habit. The notion makes me feel better. As long as I don’t come across as a stalker, I bet I can get
her to forgive me.
A few yards from the house, there’s a roundabout, and a sign indicating that the academy is the first exit to my right. The
dorm building isn’t as grandiose as the mansion—no Greek columns here—but it looks welcoming. It’s smaller in comparison,
but in my world, I also consider it a mansion.
Not far from it, I see the training facility, which could easily be the same size as the main house or even bigger. I know it
houses a state-of-the-art gym, an ice rink, locker rooms, and an entertainment room—I saw the pictures online, and it looks
badass. I can’t wait to visit.
As soon as I park in front of the door, a short man with thinning blond hair walks out of the house. He’s wearing a tracksuit
and sneakers, making me guess he might be one of the coaches.
“Leo Wiseman?” he asks in a thick German accent after I get out of the car.
“Yes, sir.”
“Jurgen Schrammer. Head coach. You can call me Coach Jurgen, less of a mouthful.”
We shake hands. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
He looks over my shoulder. “And that must be your younger brother Jack.”
I turn around and confirm my brother is still inside the car, staring at Coach Jurgen with wide eyes.
“Yeah.”
“Mr. O’Brien filled me in on your situation. Don’t expect special treatment because you have a brother with special
needs.”
My spine goes taut. “I’m not expecting to be treated differently because of Jack. I’m committed to the program, sir. One
hundred percent.”
“There will be times where even one hundred percent won’t be enough. Are you prepared to make sacrifices, son?”
“Yes,” I reply without hesitation. “Playing in the NHL has been my dream since I could skate. I’ll give my all. You have my
word.”
He nods. “Good. Here’s your welcome pack. All the information you need is in it, plus your room keys. Usually, you’d
bunk with another player, but since your brother will be staying with you, he’ll be your roommate.”
“How many guys live in the dorms?”
 “Ten, including you. The other half have made other arrangements or are local.”
“How many goalies are in the program?”
“Three.” He smirks. “I’ve seen your tapes. You’re good, but so are the other two. You’ll have to step up if you want to play
more games.”
“I’m not afraid of a little competition. I’ll be the main goalie.”
“We shall see. Oh, before I forget. Mr. O’Brien is expecting you for lunch at his house. Be there at noon and don’t be late.”

J ACK AND I HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO UNLOAD THE CAR AND GET SETTLED IN OUR NEW ROOM. IT ’ S BIGGER THAN I THOUGHT IT ’ D
be. There are two double beds, one on each side, and two desks facing the window in the space between them.
The walls are off-white and recently painted, and the beige carpet is brand new. It makes me wonder if they replace it
every year, or if we got lucky.
Aunt Lorraine had the forethought to send our bedsheets and duvets, but we find brand-new sets on the beds and a note from
Mr. O’Brien.
A small gift to make you feel at home.
Jack rips the plastic bag open in his excitement, then squeaks in delight. “It’s peacock blue! My favorite color!”
“Mine is blue too.”
“We match!” His ear-to-ear smile makes my chest feel a bit lighter. I still miss our parents terribly, and I know the pain will
be worse once the numbness passes. But for now, I’ll cherish this moment of happiness with Jack.
“We must thank Mr. O’Brien when we see him.”
Jack nods enthusiastically. “Yeah.”
He’s agreeing with me now without making a fuss, but who knows if he’ll be able to do it once the time comes. It’ll take a
while for him to get used to Mr. O’Brien. That brings another problem to the surface. How is Jack going to react once the other
players arrive? I need a game plan. I can’t introduce him to the guys all at once. That’s a recipe for disaster.
While I’m lost in my head, Jack finishes making his bed. “I’m ready, Leo.”
I grimace at the mess he made of the new bedding. But I won’t fix it for him. He wouldn’t like that. I need to show him how
it’s done in a subtle way.
“Great job, buddy. Would you help me with mine?”
“Sure.”
It takes twice as long to make my bed with Jack’s help, and once it’s done, he stares at it with his brows furrowed. “Yours
don’t look like mine.”
“But it isn’t bad, right? I kind of like how mine turned out.”
“I like it too. Would you help mine look like yours?”
“Of course.”
Another ten minutes go by before his bed is made. We spend the next hour unpacking and organizing our stuff. Once we’re
done, the room looks pleasant enough. I won’t call it home, but I bet it’s nicer than most college dorm rooms.
“We have time before lunch. Do you wanna explore the rest of the house?” I ask.
“I wanna see the rink.”
I grin. “Me too. Let’s go.”
 CHAPTER 6
ELLIE

I COULDN ’ T STAY IN MY ROOM AFTER THE PANIC ATTACK, SO I DECIDED TO GO FOR A DRIVE. BUT I LOST TRACK OF TIME AND
ended up coming home later than I intended.
It’s fifteen past noon when I walk in the front door. Grandpa hates a lack of punctuality, and I’m not looking forward to
being chastised. He won’t do it in front of his guests though. Public humiliation is not how he rolls.
I check the dining room, but they aren’t there. I keep walking until I reach the sliding doors leading to the pool area. Thanks
to the double glass, I don’t hear voices until I walk out.
Grandpa’s private chef is working the grill, and Frank, the butler, is standing nearby, ready to be of service. There are two
guys sitting at the table with Grandpa, but their backs are to me.
Grandpa switches his attention to me, and the conversation at the table stops. His white brows furrow ever so slightly—
yep, I’m in trouble—but he changes his expression in the next moment, hinting at a smile, all for his guests’ benefit.
“Ah, Ellie. You’re finally home.”
“Sorry I’m late. I lost track of time.”
The tallest of the guy pushes his chair back and stands. When he faces me, my jaw drops. It’s the ass who almost hit me
with his car. This guy is the new recruit Grandpa is breaking the rules for? He must be extremely talented.
I try to guess what position he plays—I can usually tell by how they stand and behave. Forwards are usually the cockiest of
the bunch, D-men are either teddy bears or always tense, ready for a fight. Goalies are usually goofballs or nuts. But I can’t tell
with this guy. I do notice that he’s damn cute, and that makes me a little more aggravated. Jerkfaces have no right to be this
good-looking.
His tanned face turns pale, and his eyes are wide and shining with guilt. I bet you’re regretting your actions now, buddy.
“This is Leo Wiseman, and his younger brother Jack. Lads, this is my granddaughter, Ellie.”
Shit. Grandpa only calls his players lad if he really likes them. I could destroy Leo’s dream before it starts, but I’m not a
heartless monster. That doesn’t mean I won’t make him sweat though.
“Nice to meet you, Leo and Jack.” I smile broadly, not bothering to hide it’s a fake-as-hell smile.
Leo recovers from his surprise and schools his face into a friendly expression. He takes a step forward and offers me his
hand. “Nice to officially meet you, Ellie.”
Really? He went there. Okay then. If he wants to play…
I shake his hand, but when he steps back, I say, “You look so familiar. Have we met before?”
Blush creeps up his cheeks, and I can’t help grinning. I also can’t stop my pulse from accelerating. No. I refuse to let my
hormones take control. I survived them until now. Leo’s pretty face will not do away with my intelligence. Crushes in general
are bad, but crushes on rude hockey players who are completely off-limits are ten times worse.
“Yes, I’m afraid so.”
Wait. What? Is he going to confess?
“Really? From where?” I could spill the beans, but I want to know if he has the guts to tell the truth in front of my
grandfather.
“I almost hit you with my car this morning. I’m so sorry for that, and for the way I behaved.”
I stare at him, speechless, but my face is burning. Hell. I can’t believe I’m blushing because Leo had the guts to be honest. I
switch my attention to Grandpa and find him watching us with keen interest.
Suddenly, I know exactly what position Leo plays. “You’re a goalie.”
His brows shoot to the heavens. “Uh... yes. How did you know?”
“A hunch.”
“Good hunch.” He tilts his head. “Are we good?”
 I glance at Grandpa again, knowing he’ll decide if Leo stays or goes depending on my answer. I’m a little mad that I
couldn’t torture him a bit longer, but I’m also in awe that he didn’t hesitate to own up to his mistake. Maybe he isn’t an asshole
after all.
“Yeah, we’re good.”
I walk over to my seat next to Grandpa, across from Leo’s brother. He has the same shaggy haircut as Leo, but his hair is
blond instead of brown. Their eyes are the same shade of green though. You can definitely tell they’re related.
Jack doesn’t say a word, but I notice he’s tense and fidgety. One of my teammates has a brother with autism, and I’ve seen
him behave like Jack. Maybe that’s why Grandpa allowed Leo to move into the dorms early.
“Are you all right, buddy?” Leo asks his brother tenderly.
Jack nods. “Yeah.”
“So what’s for lunch?” I ask, noticing Leo and Jack’s plates are empty but not clean. They must have eaten already.
Jean-Pierre, the chef, sets a plate in front of me and says in disgust, “Hot dogs.”
I turn to Grandpa and shake my head. He smirks and takes a sip of his water. Jean-Pierre is a total diva, and it must be
killing him that Grandpa made him cook hot dogs.
“It was delicious. Best hot dog I’ve ever eaten in my entire life,” Leo pipes up.
“I should think so,” Jean-Pierre huffs.
I take a bite and moan out loud. Leo wasn’t kidding. It’s a damn good hot dog. I sense his stare and look at him. His eyes
are locked on my lips, and his gaze is soft and, dare I say, wistful. Crap on toast. He’d better knock that off before Grandpa
notices. I kick him under the table, making him jerk in his seat.
Now he’s glaring at me. Good. I’d rather he be annoyed with me than sweet. Neither of us can afford that.
 CHAPTER 7
LEO

I DON ’ T HAVE A CHANCE TO ASK ELLIE WHY SHE KICKED ME. S HE SAID WE WERE GOOD , BUT MAYBE THAT WAS A LIE. IT ’ D SUCK IF
she turns out to be a brat. The last thing I need is to worry about her complaining to her grandfather about me and making my
life hell.
After lunch, Jack and I return to the dorms. He wants to play games on his phone, so I leave him in the room and head to the
training facility. I need to be on the ice, the only place I can find peace.
But when I step out of the dorm, I find Ellie waiting for me. God, she’s stunning. The more time I spend with her, the more I
see how beautiful she is. From her curly bright-red hair to the freckles on her nose. Don’t get me started on her full lips, which
are begging to be kissed.
Before I start to drool, I ask, “What are you doing here?”
“I came to apologize. You must think I’m a lunatic for kicking you under the table.”
“The thought crossed my mind. Why did you kick me?”
“I didn’t know what else to do. You had a look on your face.”
Was I that obvious?
My brows furrow. “What look?”
“Are you really going to make me say it?”
I cross my arms. “Yes.”
She copies my stance. “You were staring at my lips as if you wanted to kiss me.”
Fuck. That answers my question. She did notice. But there’s no chance in hell I’ll confess I’m attracted to her. It’s one thing
to own up to almost hitting her with my car and quite another to let her know I’m into her. This could very well be a trap. I
doubt Mr. O’Brien will keep me in the program if he finds out I’m attracted to his granddaughter.
I laugh in derision. “Aren’t you full of yourself?”
She glares. “I’m not. I know when a guy is checking me out.”
“Sorry to break it to you, but kissing you was the furthest thing from my mind. I was staring because you had mustard on
your chin.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re so full of shit. And to think that, for a second, I thought you had integrity.”
Hell. That hurts. I’ve never had anyone question my character before. Sure, I’m lying through my teeth now, and badly, but
only to protect myself and Jack. I can’t get kicked out of the program because I had a moment of weakness.
“I do have integrity, hence, I’m not going to pretend I was checking you out to save your ego.”
Her blue eyes sparkle with anger. Nice going, Leo. She opens her mouth, then shuts it again without saying a word. She gets
into her car, and I don’t move from my spot, remorse eating at my insides as I watch her drive away.

ELLIE
My face is in flames. I’ve never been so humiliated in my life. I can’t believe I bothered coming to see Leo to explain my
actions. He tricked me into believing he was a good guy. I should have known better. All the boys in my grandfather’s hockey
program are cocky assholes.
I storm into the house and almost collide with Frank. “Sorry.”
 “Where’s the fire?” he asks, amused. He’s like a second grandfather to me, but funnier.
“Nowhere.” I look at everything but him. One of his superpowers is reading my mind.
“Right. You went to see the new boy, didn’t you?”
Ugh. It seems eye contact isn’t needed with him. He misses nothing.
I lift my chin so I can stare at his face. He’s freakishly tall, over six foot five. “What if I did?”
“I’d say you’re asking for trouble, but I can understand why you’d risk it. He’s a looker.” An annoying grin spreads across
his face.
“Well, he’s also a two-faced asshole.” I walk around him and toward the stairs, but Frank follows me.
“Is that so? Why do you say that?”
“Because he denied he was checking me out.”
My outburst makes him laugh. “Of course he did. He wouldn’t confess to that.”
I stop and spin around. “Why the hell not? It’s the truth. You saw it too, right?”
“I did, but... Leo is a smart kid. He knows you’re off-limits, and he has more to lose than most players that come into the
program.”
“How so? Do you know why Grandpa let him move in early?”
Frank nods. “He lost his parents in a car crash recently.”
Remorse fills my chest, giving me the sensation that I’m drowning. He’s an orphan, just like me. I barely remember my
parents. I was too young when I lost them, but the pain of that loss is still with me, buried deep inside my heart.
“That’s awful.”
“It is. Guardianship of him and his brother went to his aunt, but she’s only twenty-two and lives in Florida. Your
grandfather offered Leo a full ride to the program and is allowing his younger brother to live with him in the dorms.”
“Because he has special needs.”
Frank nods. “Correct.”
God, I feel like an ass. True, he acted like a jerk, but now I understand why he wouldn’t admit he was checking me out. I’ve
been told several times that my bluntness can be a problem. I wouldn’t be surprised if Leo believes I’m a brat who likes to
play games. By coming to see him, I complicated matters.
The best course of action is to give him a wide berth here and at school, even though it’ll pain me to let him believe I’m a
bad person.
 CHAPTER 8
ELLIE

PRESENT DAY
I’ M WAITING AT THE HOTEL BAR FOR ANDREW TO SHOW UP . IT ’ S THE END OF THE SECOND DAY OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMIT — A
very long day, I might add—and so far, everything has gone great. The best part of being here is pissing off Paco, naturally. But
despite the gorgeous location—I mean, who doesn’t love Marbella in the summer—and the successful networking day, I’m
gutted about missing Grandpa’s party. It’s already two in the morning here, but by Spanish standards, the evening barely started,
and Grandpa’s celebration must be in full swing by now. I called him earlier, between meetings, to wish him a happy birthday,
but the conversation was quick.
The bartender replaces my empty martini glass with a new one just as Andrew joins me. “I see you started without me.”
“You took too long.” I take a sip of the ice-cold drink.
“It takes time to look this good.” He flags the bartender and points at my drink to signal he wants the same.
No one can deny Andrew is too attractive for his own good. He looks like a male model, with a square jaw, blue eyes, and
golden skin. Plus, he oozes charm. He had a legion of girls in love with him at university. But I knew he wasn’t interested in
women the moment I met him, which I’m not ashamed to admit was the biggest appeal of becoming friends with him. I wasn’t
interested in dating anyone, and when Andrew and I became inseparable, most people assumed we were a couple. Back then,
he was more careful not to disclose his sexual preference.
“If you’re fishing for a compliment, you won’t get one from me.” I smirk.
“I don’t need compliments, darling. I have a mirror.” He winks at me.
I fight the urge to roll my eyes. “Is it big enough for your ego?”
My phone, which is on the counter, starts to vibrate.
“Yes, among other things.” He grins slyly.
I choke on my drink, not because of his innuendo but because of the name flashing on my screen.
Leo Wiseman. When I switched to my UK number, I imported all my contacts from my old phone.
“Oh my God,” I blurt out.
“What?” he asks, then glances at the phone. “Bloody hell. Why is he calling you?”
“I don’t know.”
“Aren’t you going to answer it?”
My entire body is frozen, save for my heart, which is beating at breakneck speed. I haven’t spoken to Leo since the last time
I saw him. He never texted me or sent me an email either, not that I expected him to after what happened. I’m shocked he’s
calling now and damn curious to find out why. But I’m also terrified.
“Ellie?”
“I... I can’t.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Andrew grabs my phone and answers before I can stop him. “Hello, this is Ellie’s phone.”
“Andrew!” I whisper-shout.
“Yes, she’s here. Hold on.” He hands me my phone. “Shocker, it’s for you, darling.”
I hate you, I mouth, then take a deep breath. “Hello?”
No matter how hard I try to prepare myself, I become a hot mess when he says, “Hello, Ellie.”
His deep baritone hasn’t changed a bit, nor has its effect on me lessened. I’m shaking from head to toe, and my insides are a
twisted mess.
I clear my throat. “Leo, how ar⁠—”
 “This isn’t a social call. I...” His voice becomes tight, making my heart do the same. “It’s about your grandfather. He had a
heart attack.”
And just like that, my world goes off-kilter. “What?”
“It happened at his part⁠—”
“How is he?” My pulse is thundering in my ears, and my heart feels like it’s made of lead.
“He... he didn’t survive. I’m so sorry.”
The entire room disappears, and I can’t feel anything—my face, my arms, my legs—they’re all numb.
“No...” I croak.
Leo keeps talking, but I’m not listening, and then his voice becomes fainter until I can’t hear him anymore.
“Ellie!” Andrew is suddenly shaking me. “Are you all right?”
I blink fast, focusing on his face. “What?”
He has my phone now. When did I lose it? And he’s talking with someone. In a split second, his face turns ashen, and his
blue eyes become brighter.
“We’ll be on the first flight to Boston. Thanks for calling.” He ends the call and sets my phone back on the counter. Then he
pulls me into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Ellie.”
My mind is whirling. Grandpa can’t be dead. He can’t. I push Andrew back and stand. “I need to book my flight to
Boston.”
With shaking hands, I shove my phone in my purse and head to the elevators.
“I’m coming with you.”
“There’s no need.”
He takes my hand, stopping me in my tracks. “I’m not letting you go through this alone. You’re my best friend.”
There’s a sharp tug in my chest, but I bite the inside of my cheek and ignore the pain. I can’t break down yet. I need to get
the fuck out of this place. There will be time for mourning, but not here, miles away from home. “Okay.”
I continue toward the elevators and begin to make a list of everything I need to do. Book our flights, send an email to the
CEO, my team, and HR. I’m in deep focus mode and don’t notice the elevator ride or the walk to my hotel room. Andrew
follows me in silence, and once we’re inside my suite, he volunteers to take care of booking the flights.
That leaves me free to send the emails. By the time I finish with those, he tells me we’re on the six a.m. flight.
“Tomorrow? I can’t wait until tomorrow. I have to leave now!”
“There are no flights to Boston tonight, darling.”
“Then we charter a plane.” I begin to pack like a maniac, grabbing my carefully folded clothes from the drawer and
shoving them in the suitcase.
“Ellie, that will cost a fortune.”
“I don’t care!”
“Okay, I can make some calls, but a few hours won’t...” He trails off, looking guilty as hell.
A few hours won’t make a difference. That’s what he was going to say.
It won’t make a difference because my grandfather is dead. He’s dead.
I drop the shirt in my hand and bend forward, hugging my middle. The emotions I am trying to keep at bay finally break the
dam. A loud sob escapes my lips, and my vision turns blurry from the tears filling my eyes.
Andrew pulls me into a bear hug, cupping the back of my head. His gesture shatters my last defense against the excruciating
pain lacerating my heart.
“He’s gone, Andrew,” I choke out through the lump in my throat. “He’s gone, and I wasn’t there to say goodbye.”
“You couldn’t have known.”
“It doesn’t matter. I chose my career over my grandfather, and now he’s dead.”
He pulls back and frames my face with his hands, forcing me to look into his eyes. “You didn’t kill him, Ellie.”
Fat tears keep rolling down my cheeks. I want to argue with Andrew, but I’m too brokenhearted to do so. He can say all the
right things, but his words won’t diminish the guilt swirling in my chest. I may not have killed my grandfather, but he died
disappointed in me, and I’ll never forgive myself for that.

LEO
I’ve been sitting in my chair in the ballroom and staring at my phone for the past ten minutes. The ambulance with Mr.
O’Brien’s body has already left. Paul O’Brien—Mr. O’Brien’s younger brother—has vanished, but I don’t know if he went
home or if he’s somewhere in the house. Most of the guests have gone, besides Viktor and a few other team members who’ve
been a part of the Zodiacs’ family longer.
Maybe I shouldn’t have called Ellie and given her the news. Frank, Mr. O’Brien’s butler, was probably the best person to
talk to her. He’s like a second grandfather to her, after all. But I was dialing her number before I could stop myself. Never mind
that I had no business having her number saved in my phone. She didn’t give it to me. Frank did, hoping I’d reach out to her
someday. That damn fool always liked to play Cupid.
Calling Ellie was hard. I’d steeled my heart, erected all the barriers in preparation for hearing her voice, but when a man
answered her phone, it had disarmed me completely. I never allowed myself to picture Ellie with someone else. I wasn’t crazy
enough to believe she never dated anyone after me, but if I didn’t think about it, I didn’t feel the pain.
I should be relieved that she wasn’t alone when I gave her the awful news. But the agony slicing my chest open tells a
different story. I’m jealous, and that only makes me feel more wretched. Her grandfather just died, and here I am, angry she’s
moved on.
What does that say about me?
Viktor walks over, bringing me back to the here and now. I look up.
“I’m driving Chris and Dylan home. Do you need a ride?”
I shake my head. “I’m fine. Stone-cold sober now.”
“How did the call to Ellie go?”
I’d ask him how he knows I called her—I stepped out of the ballroom to do so—but hell, he knows me too well.
“Awful.”
“I bet.” He looks toward the stage. “What’s going to happen to the team now?”
That’s been a source of much speculation within the organization and the NHL in general. Mr. O’Brien has two possible
heirs. Ellie, and Paul, whom he hadn’t spoken to in years until he offered the man a job within the Zodiacs organization eight
years ago. Paul O’Brien is the senior director of media relations now, but he’s made no secret of the fact that he wants to
replace Mr. O’Brien as president. With Mr. O’Brien’s death, he might get his wish after all.
That wouldn’t be good for anyone. I distrusted the man the first time I met him when I was traded from the Miami Lions to
the Zodiacs six years ago. But I doubt Ellie has any interest in returning to Boston and replacing her grandfather as president.
“I don’t know, man. I seriously don’t know.”
 CHAPTER 9
ELLIE

ANDREW MUST HAVE PUT SOMETHING IN MY DRINK BECAUSE I PASSED OUT AS SOON AS OUR PLANE TO BOSTON TOOK OFF . I’ M
groggy as hell when we land, and I’m confused as to why we left the executive summit in the first place. Then the reason comes
rushing into my brain, and I succumb to the weight of grief. I get choked up, and it takes an enormous effort on my part to keep
my shit together. If I bawl my eyes out during passport control, they might think Andrew is kidnapping me.
A driver is waiting for us at the arrival gate, holding a sign. Mercifully, Andrew booked him under his name. I wouldn’t
call my grandfather a celebrity, but there’s bound to be a hockey fan at the airport who could recognize his last name.
My sunglasses are firmly in place, and I don’t say a word to the driver, letting Andrew handle the small talk. But once
inside the car, I have to tell him I don’t want to go to my grandfather’s house, which is the address Andrew gave him.
“Please take me to the Starlight Arena,” I say.
“I don’t think it’s open, ma’am.”
“It’s Sunday afternoon. Of course it’s open,” I retort, annoyed he contradicted me.
“I heard on the radio that they closed the arena today because the Zodiacs’ owner died.”
I turn my hands into fists, digging my nails into my palms.
“Please take us to the arena,” Andrew chimes in.
“Yes, boss.”
I’m shaking with fury. I want to rip the driver’s head off for daring to speak about my grandfather’s death. It’s illogical, and
I know I’m not angry at him. I’m angry at myself.
I sense Andrew staring at me, burning a hole through my face. Without turning to him, I snap, “What?”
“Why do want to go to the arena?” he asks softly.
I stare out the window. “I want to feel close to my grandfather, and the arena is where he was most happy.”
That’s only part of the reason. I can’t handle being in that house now that Grandpa is gone. I still have nightmares about the
awful night that changed my life forever and ruined any chance of happiness for Leo and me. Frank won’t like it, but I need to
stay in a hotel for the next couple of days.
Andrew takes my hand and squeezes. “It’s going to be okay.”
He has the best intentions, but his words don’t bring me comfort. He’s wrong. It’s not going to be okay. If I had been there,
maybe I could have seen the signs Grandpa wasn’t well. Even when time makes the pain less acute, I’ll always have the thorn
of guilt embedded in my heart.
I get lost in my head, looking out the window but seeing nothing. I come back to earth only when the Starlight Arena looms
on the horizon. The sight brings tears to my eyes, and I’m glad the sunglasses hide them. A couple of fat tears roll down my
cheeks.
“How long do you think you’ll be at the arena?” Andrew asks when the driver parks the car in front of the main entrance,
which is covered with flowers, cards, and candles from fans. Grandpa was a unicorn among hockey team owners. He was very
active in the community.
“I don’t know. You should head to the hotel.”
“Are you sure you want to be alone in there?”
For some strange reason, his question amuses me, and I chuckle. “Yes. There aren’t any monsters inside.”
“Maybe I should wait in the car just in case.”
I shake my head. “No. You must be tired as hell. Go to the hotel and rest. I’ll call another car when I’m ready.”
He stares at me with his intense blue eyes for a couple beats before sighing, resigned. “Okay, Ellie. If you insist.”
I lean closer and kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you, Andrew. I’ll see you soon.”
I wait until the car is gone before heading to the front of the building. There’s a small crowd milling about. I give them a
wide berth, keeping my head down. In hindsight, I should have used the private entrance.
The arena isn’t open to the public, but everyone here knows me. The first security guard I come across doesn’t offer me his
condolences, but he nods as he lets me through the door.
I keep walking fast until I reach the escalators. The silence is deafening. It’s midafternoon, and even though it’s summer and
there aren’t any games, the arena is never this quiet or empty on a Sunday. There’s always something going on—skating
lessons, hockey camp, and other events.
It dawns on me that this is the first time the Starlight Arena has closed its doors on a weekend. I get angry all over again.
Grandpa would hate that. I wonder who gave the order. It must have been Great-Uncle Paul. I don’t know the man well.
Grandpa had a falling-out with him before I was born, and they patched things up only after I had already gone to study in
London.
I keep walking until I reach the private elevator that’ll take me to Grandpa’s office. It requires a security card to work. It’s
providential that I have one in my wallet, even though I haven’t lived in Boston for several years. As silly as it sounds, the card
was a link to Grandpa that I carried around everywhere I went.
Another shard of guilt pierces my chest and robs me of air. My hand is shaking when I scan the card, and for a moment, I
regret asking Andrew to go to the hotel. He always knows what to say to calm me down. I press the floor button and close my
eyes, trying to control my erratic breathing. I can’t have a panic attack now.
My heart is hammering inside my chest once I step out of the elevator. I haven’t been here in so long, but little has changed.
Retired jerseys trapped in glass displays still hang from the wall leading to my grandfather’s office, and a couple doors down,
there’s the lounge area where I used to spend most of my time when I came to visit as a child. The vintage pinball machine was
more interesting than hockey to me.
The noise my high heels make on the floor sounds like a doomsday soundtrack. It’s the only sound around me until I’m near
Grandpa’s office and hear someone inside. I’m not prepared for the person I find behind the executive assistant’s desk.
The young woman with multicolored hair turns and freezes. Her eyes are red and puffy, and she’s holding a crumpled
tissue. Her distraught appearance is another blow against the wall I created to protect myself. If I allow grief to take over, I
won’t be able to function.
“Who are you?” I ask.
“I’m Mi-mi... Mia Piovani, Mr. O’Brien’s assistant.”
I give her an overall look, taking note of her paint-smeared overalls and chipped nail polish. Her hair is pulled back into a
ponytail, and her sharp bangs are short, hitting the middle of her forehead. She looks like a battered unicorn.
“You’re my grandfather’s assistant?” I raise an eyebrow. “What happened to Luellen?”
“She retired last year.”
I’m having a hard time believing Grandpa would hire someone like Mia to be his executive assistant. He was serious and
narrow-minded to a fault, and he believed appearances mattered. Dress for the job you want was one of his mottos. I’m sure
Mia doesn’t wear paint-stained clothes during office hours, but I doubt that hair color washes out easily.
“I see. And what are you doing in the office?”
“Mr. Paul O’Brien asked me to box up some files for him.”
That gives me pause. Why would Great-Uncle Paul ask Grandpa’s assistant to go through his files a day after his death?
“What files?”
“Finance and HR files. Your grandfather kept hard copies of everything.”
That tracks, but I’m still suspicious of Great-Uncle Paul’s motive. I narrow my eyes.
“Should I stop?” Mia asks.
“No. But instead of you sending those files to my great-uncle, I’ll be taking them.”
Her turquoise-blue eyes turn rounder, and fear shines in them, so I add, “Don’t worry. You won’t get in trouble with him.
I’ll let him know you were following my orders if he asks.”
“Okay. I’m done with the files. Do you need anything else from me, Ms. O’Brien?”
“No. You can go home now.”
“Okay...” She bites her lower lip and seems uncertain.
“What is it, Mia?”
“I’m really sorry for your loss. Mr. O’Brien was a good man. He’ll be missed.”
Her eyes fill with tears and, damn it, now mine do as well. But I can’t bite this poor woman’s head off because she’s
making me cry.
“Thank you for saying that,” I reply through the lump in my throat. She reaches for her purse, and then veers for the door,
but something occurs to me. “Were you there?”
She becomes tense, and then replies, “Yes, Miss. It was heartbreaking.”
I’m not sure how to react to her reply. The anger at myself for not being there comes back to the surface with a vengeance,
mixing with unbearable grief. To hide my emotions from her, I glance at the stack of boxes already piled up on the dolly.
 “Thank you, Mia. That’ll be all.”
“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call my cell phone.” She hastily takes a business card from the stack on her
desk and gives it to me. “I’m available twenty-four seven.”
I frown. “Did my grandfather expect you to be at his beck and call at all hours?”
Blush spreads through her cheeks. “Sort of... but I didn’t mind. I don’t have much of a life outside of the arena.”
That makes me sad in a different way. “I hope that changes. Take care, Mia.”
I head for my grandfather’s office and close the door. I wasn’t expecting to bump into anyone here, and the short convo with
his assistant drained me. I stop in the middle of Grandpa’s office and stare at his desk. Everything is immaculate, and all items
are arranged perfectly. To my left, there’s a wall-to-wall window that grants me an unobstructed view of the training rink. I
begin to turn when noise from outside draws my attention.
I walk to the window and see a lonely figure on the ice, practicing shots at the goal. My heart leaps to my throat. I’d
recognize those brown curls anywhere in the world. Leo is down there, gliding over the ice like a god. So many emotions hit
me at once, I can’t tell them apart.
I flatten my palm against the window, wishing I could fly down there and seek comfort in his arms. But those arms will
never hold me again. A loud sob rips out of my throat. As if he heard me, Leo stops skating and looks up.
I jump backward, praying he didn’t see me spying on him. I can’t talk to him while I’m on the verge of breaking into a
million pieces. I need to get out of here. I rush out of Grandpa’s office and am about to sprint down the hallway, but the stack of
boxes in the corner catches my attention.
Shit.
I forgot about them. For a split second, I consider leaving them here. But then I remember why I asked Mia to give them to
me. I don’t know why Great-Uncle Paul asked for those files, but my sixth sense is telling me I need to go through them before
he does.
The boxes are already loaded onto a dolly. I grab the handle and tilt the whole thing at an angle so I can move it. It’s not
heavy, but the wheels are squeaky and don’t roll smoothly, which hinders the quick exit I was planning. Halfway down the
corridor, a wheel catches on something.
“Come on,” I mutter.
It doesn’t budge, so I yank. Instead of getting it unstuck, all I do is make the dolly lean sideways. In horror, I watch the
boxes tumble down, and one of them pops open, spilling sheets of paper everywhere.
“Son of a bitch.” I drop to my knees to collect the reports and the elevator pings.
I whip my face toward it, stomach already tied in knots. Then he walks out, looking as handsome as I remember, and I’m a
teenager again, yearning for the boy I can’t have.
 CHAPTER 10
ELLIE

10 YEARS AGO
I THOUGHT IT ’ D BE EASY TO FORGET ABOUT LEO . I NEVER SEE HIM AROUND THE PROPERTY, BUT I CAN ’ T AVOID HIM AT SCHOOL.
He and Viktor Andersen—another player in my grandfather’s program—are all every damn girl in school talks about, including
my teammates. Not surprising. Both are good-looking and together they make quite the pair. Viktor, blond with baby-blue eyes
and a James Dean vibe about him, and Leo with his boy-next-door charm and killer smile.
It’s been a month since our not-so-cute meet-cute, and we haven’t said a word to each other since, even though we share a
few classes together.
One of the classes is math, one of my favorite subjects. Mr. Rodriguez is currently handing back the graded pop quiz we
took on the previous lecture. He puts mine on the desk and says, “Good job, Ellie.”
“Thanks.”
Tracy Morrison, my teammate and best friend, leans closer to peek at the grade on the corner. “A-plus... shocker.”
“What did you get?”
“B.” She shrugs. “I’m happy with it.”
“You know I could tutor you.”
“No offense, but hard pass. I’d rather keep our friendship intact.” She looks over my shoulder, and I know exactly who has
her attention now. Like every other girl in this school, she has a major crush on Leo.
It’s an effort to not turn around and stare at him as well.
“You need to try harder, son,” Mr. Rodriguez tells someone.
Curiosity makes me lose the battle with myself and I glance over my shoulder. Leo is resting his head in his hand as he
stares at the quiz in front of him. I stretch my neck to see his grade, but he notices and flips the piece of paper, hiding it from my
prying eyes. Then he glowers at me.
I look away. His grade must have been low, or Mr. Rodriguez wouldn’t have said anything. Leo can’t stay in my
grandfather’s program if he lets his grades slip.
That’s not your concern, Ellie.
The bell rings, and Leo books out of the classroom as if being chased by hellhounds. I, on the other hand, grab my things
and head to the door at a normal pace.
“Ellie, may I have a word with you?” Mr. Rodriguez asks.
Tracy gives me a look and then a sly smile before walking out of the room. Mr. Rodriguez is one of the youngest teachers at
school, and super cute. He used to be the object of affection for many girls before Leo and Viktor came along.
“Sure.”
“Leo Wiseman... he’s in your grandfather’s hockey academy, right?”
Oh crap.
“Yeah…”
“I usually don’t discuss the grades of my students with their peers, but considering Leo’s special circumstances, I figured
it’d be okay to break the rules this once.”
“Is this about his grades?”
“Yes. He’s failing.”
Shit.
“He can’t fail. He won’t be eligible to stay in the program,” I say.
 “I know. He’s promised to try harder, but I’m afraid he needs more help.”
I press the books against my chest harder, swaying from side to side. “How about a tutor?”
“He’d have to stay at school after hours for that, and with his schedule…”
“Right. That’s why you’re telling me. You want me to tutor him at home.”
He nods. “Of course that’s up to you. I know you have a lot going on as well, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
“I could make it work, but it’s not up to me. If Leo doesn’t want my help, I can’t force him.”
Mr. Rodriguez tilts his head. “You aren’t friends?”
“Not really. I don’t get close to the players in my grandfather’s program.”
Mr. Rodriguez’s eyes widen a fraction. “I see. Well, maybe you can make an exception this time, that is, if Leo agrees to it.”
“Sure. But I can’t make any promises.”
My head is spinning as I leave Mr. Rodriguez’s classroom. Tracy is waiting for me outside.
“What did Professor McCute want?”
“He wants me to tutor Leo.”
Her eyes go round, cartoon style. “Shut up! You’re gonna do it, right?”
“Don’t get too excited. It’s not up to me. Leo needs to agree.”
“Oh, he’ll say yes,” Tracy replies confidently.
“How do you know that?”
“Because I’ve seen the way that boy looks at you. He’s totally crushing.”
My heart skips a beat. I’ve been so intent on pretending he doesn’t exist that I rarely look in his direction.
“You’re crazy. He’s not crushing—he’s loathing. He doesn’t like me.”
Tracy throws an arm over my shoulder. “Ellie, you might be a genius in math, but when it comes to matters of the heart, I’m
the fucking wizard. If I say he has a major crush on you, you better believe it. Besides, you’re both Leos. A perfect match!”

I PUSH TRACY’ S STATEMENT TO THE BACK OF MY MIND AND HEAD TO MY NEXT CLASS , BUT IT SEEMS FATE REALLY WANTS TO
shove Leo my way. I turn a corner and almost collide with him.
I jump back. “Sorry.”
“No worries.” He barely looks in my direction as he walks around me.
“Leo, wait.”
He sighs. “What do you want, Ellie?”
His green eyes finally meet mine, irritated. I should tell him to forget it, but my conscience won’t allow it.
“Mr. Rodriguez says you’re failing his class.”
His eyes bug out. “I can’t believe he told you that.”
“He did, and he wants me to tutor you.”
At first, I see surprise in his eyes, but then he narrows them. “Did he really ask, or did you volunteer?”
I put my hand on my hip. “Are you for real? Why would I volunteer to tutor you? I’m not into torture.”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s part of your game.”
I shake my head. “You’re unbelievable. In case you failed to notice, I don’t have time for games. And if you think for one
second that I’m part of your fan club, you’re mistaken.”
“Well, I don’t want your help,” he grumbles.
“Fine. Flunk math and get kicked out of the hockey program. I don’t care.” I spin around, ready to stride away.
“Wait.”
I don’t move, not even to turn around.
“I don’t want your help but…”
“You need it.”
“Yes,” he answers after a beat.
I look over my shoulder. “I’m not coming to the dorm. If you want my help, you come to me.”
Relief washes over his face. “Yeah, that works.”
“Are you free tonight?” I hold my breath waiting for his answer. It’s crazy how I’m acting as if I asked him out on a date.
“After practice. It ends at eight.”
“I’ll see you at eight thirty then. Don’t be late.”
 CHAPTER 11
LEO

IT ISN ’ T UNTIL I HEAD TO PRACTICE THAT I REMEMBER I PROMISED J ACK I’ D HANG OUT WITH HIM TONIGHT . HE’ S IN THE SAME
school, but he takes specialized classes, and I don’t see him there often. After school, most of my time is taken up by practice
and hockey games. No wonder I’m failing in math.
Jack is waiting for me in our room when I get back from practice. He’s reading a Percy Jackson novel but perks up when I
enter. “You’re back.”
“Yeah.”
“Do you want to play The Legend of Zelda?”
I sit at the edge of his bed. “I wish I could, buddy, but I got in trouble with my math teacher.”
His eyes widen. “Oh no. What happened?”
“He’s not happy that I’m failing his class.”
He tilts his head. “You need to study more.”
“I know. That’s why I can’t play Zelda tonight. I’m heading over to the big house to study with Ellie.”
Jack narrows his eyes. “But you don’t like her.”
I rub the back of my neck. “Well, it’s a little more complicated than that.”
He keeps staring at me with his brows furrowed until his eyes bug out. “Oh, you don’t like her, but you think she’s pretty
and that’s making you all confused.”
I chuckle. “That’s one way to put it. When did you get so insightful?”
He smirks. “I’m pretty smart.”
“Yeah, that’s true. Have you eaten dinner yet?”
He shakes his head. “I was waiting for you.”
That’s right. I was planning to order pizza. If I wait for it to arrive, I’ll be late. Unless….
“Do you wanna come? You can have dinner at the big house with Ellie and me and play Zelda on your Switch while I
study.”
He grabs the front of his shirt and twists the fabric. It’s his tell when he’s asked to do something he isn’t comfortable with.
“You don’t even have to talk to Ellie.”
“I don’t?”
“No.”
He frowns. “Wouldn’t that be rude?”
“A little. You could say hello and leave it at that.”
He doesn’t speak for a couple beats, then asks, “What’s for dinner?”
“Pizza.”
“I like pizza.”
“I know you do. We can order a cheese pizza all for you.”
On cue, his stomach grumbles. He releases his shirt and flattens his palm against his belly. “I guess I’m hungry.”
“Let’s go then. I’ll order the pizza on the way.”
If I had Ellie’s phone number, I’d text her to let her know Jack is coming and we’re ordering pizza. Since she didn’t offer
me her digits—and I didn’t ask—I have no choice but to surprise her.
ELLIE
After spending an hour getting ready for the tutoring session with Leo—and leaving half of my closet on the floor—I’m now
pacing at the foot of the stairs while constantly checking the time. He’s not late yet, but my anxiety doesn’t care. I’m not going
to bother analyzing my behavior now. I’m too busy focusing on not having a panic attack.
The sound of an approaching vehicle makes me stop and stare at the front door. Then a couple doors open and shut. Shit. I
hope he didn’t bring one of his teammates. It’s one thing to tutor Leo. I doubt he’ll blabber that I’m helping him. Another player
might open his big mouth and get me in trouble with Grandpa.
The doorbell rings, sending my pulse skyrocketing. Usually, Frank answers the door, but I asked him to make himself
scarce. He was more than happy to oblige. I don’t need to worry about Grandpa tonight. The Zodiacs are doing their ten-day
stretch of out-of-town games and Grandpa never misses those trips.
I open the door, and relief washes over me when I see that Jack came along, not another guy in the program.
“Hi,” I croak. Jesus, could I sound more nervous?
“Hey, I hope it’s okay that I brought Jack. I forgot I promised we’d hang out tonight.”
“It’s fine.” I step back, opening the door wider. “Come in.”
Jack is tense, clutching the front of his shirt. I don’t want him to feel edgy around me, but I’m at a loss on how to make him
relax.
“I ordered pizza,” Leo and I say at the same time.
He stares at me for a second, then laughs. “Great minds think alike.”
“I guess so.”
“I’d have checked first if it was okay, but…”
“I never gave you my number,” I finish for him.
“Yeah.”
“Well, you can bring the leftovers back to the dorm. I’m sure the guys will take care of it.”
“You have no idea.” He smiles. “A slice of pizza will disappear in zero point two seconds.”
Hell. I have to make him stop smiling like that fast. His smile is killer, and it’s doing things to me. My palms are clammy,
and my heart is fluttering away.
“Since we’re having dinner, I figured we could study in the dining room.”
He shrugs. “Sounds good.”
“I’m gonna play The Legend of Zelda,” Jack announces.
“Oh cool. I love Zelda.”
His eyes widen. “You do?”
I nod. “Yeah. I used to play all the time. Not so much anymore. My schedule is crazy these days.”
“Maybe you can come over and play with me?” He sounds so hopeful that I don’t have the heart to tell him I can’t. I could
make time to play with him, but not at the dorm.
“Or you can come here. I bet the dorm is super loud with all those boys.”
“Yeah, but I have headphones.”
My laptop and books are already on the table. Leo moves closer and lifts one of them.
“Advanced statistics?” He arches a brow.
I shrug. “Why not? It’s fun.”
He shakes his head. “You’re weird.”
Somehow, his insult sounds like a compliment. At least, that’s what the butterflies in my belly are telling me. Idiots.
“Says the guy who chooses to have pucks shot at him.”
His lips curl into a grin. “Touché.”
“Why did you decide to be a goalie, anyway?” I sit down, and he follows my example, taking the chair next to mine. Crap
on toast, I didn’t account for the proximity.
Deep breaths, Ellie. Take deep breaths.
“My first coach steered me in that direction. Like any young kid who’s into hockey, I wanted to be a forward, but he said
it’d be a waste of my talents.”
“But do you like being a goalie?”
He stares straight into my eyes, and a part of me wants to drown in the depths of his gaze. “I love it.”
His tone is rich and sexy, giving me goose bumps. Even though we’re talking about hockey, his reply feels like a caress. I’m
getting carried away, and I need to stop it, stat.
I break eye contact first and open the math book. “That’s good. Now we need to make you love math so you can pass.”
He snorts. “That’s a tall order. I’ll never love math. Let’s settle for tolerating it.”
 My spine goes taut. After the way we left things off on the day we met, I can’t help that my brain immediately thinks there’s
more to his statement. “I hope you’re only referring to math.”
“What else could I be talking about?”
“Ellie,” Jack replies from across the table.
“Jack! What the hell,” Leo blurts out
My face goes up in flames. This is so humiliating. I suspected he was talking about tolerating me, but then thought surely I
was being paranoid. I guess my first instinct was correct.
“What? You said you didn’t like her, but you thought she was pretty.”
Oh my God. The situation keeps getting worse and, naturally, my body decides to act against me. My heart is beating too
fast, and I can’t breathe right.
I push my chair back and stand. “You need to leave.”
“Ellie....”
I run out of the dining room, hoping I can make it to my room before my body shuts down. I can’t let Leo see me like this.
 CHAPTER 12
ELLIE

IT TOOK ME AN HOUR TO CALM DOWN . THE PANIC ATTACK WASN ’ T AS SEVERE AS I’ M USED TO , BUT THAT ’ S PROBABLY BECAUSE I
removed myself from the situation that triggered it in the first place.
I can’t fall asleep to save my life though. It’s not the first time I’ve learned someone doesn’t like me, and I’m not a queen
bee who needs to be adored by a crowd. But it hurts to know that’s how Leo feels about me.
My reaction is stupid. I barely spoke to the guy when we first met, and he didn’t leave a good impression. Why do I care if
he likes me or not? I certainly don’t like him.
I hear a noise at my window and stop tossing and turning. I wait. The plink comes again. It sounds like someone is tossing
pebbles at my window.
For fuck’s sake. If this is a prank from those hockey boys, there’ll be hell to pay. I get up in a huff and part the curtains. The
garden lights that surround the house are on, allowing me to see Leo below my window.
I slide the glass panel up and whisper-shout, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you. Can you please come down?”
“No. Go away. I have to sleep.”
“I’m not going anywhere until you talk to me.”
“I hope you like to sleep out in the open.” I begin to shut my window again.
“I’ll keep throwing rocks at the glass until you come down.”
“Suit yourself.”
I close the window and curtains. The annoying clinks continue, but I figure he’ll tire of it after a few minutes.
Ten minutes later, the noise has continued, and it’s frying my nerves. I don’t bother telling Leo to stop. I put on my robe and
slippers and head out.
I’m fuming by the time I get to the garden. Leo is so intent on his task that he doesn’t see me until I’m close enough to knock
those rocks out of his hand. “Cut it out!”
He jumps back, startled, but recovers fast. “Now that you’re here, I will.”
I cross my arms. “What do you want? And how did you even know which one was my window?”
“You had your volleyball team’s banner hanging from the window last week.”
My brows arch. “Oh.”
“I want to explain what happened earlier.”
“There’s no need to explain. It was pretty clear to me.”
“Jack doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
I scoff. “Oh, I’m pretty sure he does. Your brother seems to be the type of person who only speaks the truth.”
“I never told him I didn’t like you. He just interpreted things wrong and… I didn’t correct him.”
“I think he got things right. You’re attracted to me, and aggravated because you don’t want to be. Trust me, I know. It’s the
same with me.”
His brows shoot to the heavens. “You’re attracted to me?”
Shit. I’ve said too much. But backtracking would be pointless. “I have eyes, and you know how you look. But don’t let that
go to your head. I’m not interested in dating you.”
He clenches his jaw. “Good. I’m not interested in dating you either, or anyone for that matter. I can’t get distracted. I have
too much to lose.”
A twinge of guilt dispels my irritation. I forgot for a moment what Leo and Jack have gone through. It doesn’t take a genius
to guess he must have buried his grief deep so he could function. It was hard losing my parents at five, and children are usually
more resilient than teens or adults. I can only imagine what he’s going through.
 “Yeah, I know. That’s why I came to talk to you after lunch the day we met. I wasn’t playing games. I didn’t want you to
lose this opportunity because of some silly attraction. I kicked you under the table so Grandpa wouldn’t notice your interest in
me.”
He puts his hands on his hips then shakes his head and chuckles. “I was an idiot, wasn’t I?”
“A little.” I smirk. “Shall we start over?”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
We stare at each other for a moment, and I feel something change between us. There’s a magnetic field, pulling me toward
Leo. I dig my nails into my palms to snap out of it.
“Cool. We’ll keep our relationship strictly professional. That is if you still want me to tutor you.”
He rubs the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “I do.”
God, why does he have to be so adorable? My heart starts beating faster, and I feel warmer. I can’t let my hormones muddle
things now that we’re on the same page.
“Okay. Do you have your phone on you?”
“Yeah.” He fishes the device out of his pocket. “Are you giving me your number?”
“No, I want to take a picture with you. What do you think?”
He squints. “Are you going to be like this when you tutor me?”
“Of course not.” I smirk. “I’ll be worse.”
 CHAPTER 13
ELLIE

TRACY HAS BEEN BUGGING ME ABOUT LEO SINCE SHE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE TUTORING SESSIONS . I’ VE REMAINED TIGHT - LIPPED .
I told her there was nothing to tell. If she suspects I have a crush on him, she’ll make it her mission to turn us into a couple. Yes,
she had a crush on him too, but she’s already moved on. Like a true Gemini, she’s fickle as hell when it comes to love.
Our team just won another game, and to celebrate, we go to the ice rink. I’m looking forward to goofing around with my
teammates until Tracy grabs my arm and squeaks. “Oh my God, look who’s here too.”
I follow her line of vision and spot the boys from the hockey program across the rink. Including Leo. Hell. There goes the
easygoing evening I was hoping for. With Leo here, I’ll be tense the entire time. I’d make an excuse to bail, but I already have
my skates on and can’t make a quick exit.
“Please don’t make it a thing,” I tell her.
She gives me a droll look. “I don’t know whatchu talking about.”
Devin, another teammate, comes closer. “Oh, hockey boys. Leo and Viktor are so hot.”
I scowl, “Not you too.”
“What? I’m not blind.”
Irritated, I step onto the ice and skate away from my friends. The rink is busy, and I’m hoping the crowd will protect me
from Leo and his buddies. The cool air against my cheeks feels nice, and I love the feeling of gliding on the ice. I can pretend
I’m flying. I focus on that feeling of freedom instead of stressing about Leo’s presence.
There’s music in the background and paired with the chatter from everyone around me, I miss Leo’s approach until he grabs
me by the waist and spins me around. I yelp, making him laugh.
“What the hell. You scared me to death.” I push him off me quickly, before I can melt into him.
Still smiling, he replies. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. You looked so tense and focused.”
“I wasn’t tense. I was actually enjoying myself until you showed up.”
“Man, if that was you having a good time, I can’t imagine what you’re like when you’re not enjoying yourself.”
“Stick around and find out.” I skate away from him, hoping he’ll take the hint, but the pest follows me.
“Ellie. I’m sorry. You don’t need to get mad.”
“I’m not mad, but... I don’t like surprises.”
“Duly noted.”
He keeps skating next to me, so I ask. “I’m surprised to see you here. Don’t you have practice or a game?”
“Our game was earlier. We won, so Coach told us to enjoy ourselves.”
“And you choose to come to the ice rink.” I snort. “Don’t you need a break from skating?”
“Never. Besides, I don’t get to skate often. Goalies are pretty stationary.”
“Right. So coming to the rink was your idea?”
“No. Viktor’s. Your teammate Tracy told him to come. I think they’re hooking up.”
I turn to him with my mouth agape. “They aren’t.”
Leo raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”
“She would have told me.”
He skates closer and whispers in my ear. “Like you’ve told her you have a crush on me?”
I can’t breathe, let alone speak. Leo keeps staring at me with his intense green eyes. Finally, I manage to find my voice.
“Are you drunk?”
He frowns. “Hell no.”
“Then why is nonsense coming out of your mouth?”
“We both know it isn’t nonsense.”
 “I thought we agreed to keep our relationship strictly professional,” I grit out.
“Maybe I’ve changed my mind.” He smirks, and it dawns on me that he might be yanking my chain.
I try to push him away from me again, but he holds my hand and pulls me back. “You’re not escaping so fast.” Before I can
protest, he whispers, “Please follow along. The guys are giving me shit because I keep blowing off the girls at school.”
I like that he’s not hooking up with anyone, but at the same time, I’m pissed off that he’s using me now. “I didn’t peg you to
care what other people think of you.”
“I don’t, but Viktor threw me under the bus. He told everyone I’m not hooking up with any girl because I have a crush on
you. They didn’t believe him, because I’ve been so good at keeping my feelings locked inside. So now they think he and I are a
thing.”
I don’t know if I should laugh or be even more outraged. Leo just admitted he’s still crushing on me, just like I’m crushing
on him. “Would it be terrible if people thought you and Viktor were a couple?”
“Not because there’s anything wrong with that, but that isn’t a rumor we want spreading around, especially when it isn’t
true. You have no idea how prejudicial the pro hockey league is. It could seriously mess up our chances to play
professionally.”
“That’s terrible. I didn’t know.”
“Yeah. But anyway, I think I’ve convinced the guys now of the truth.” He glances at the sideline where a few players are
watching us.
I would have said something, but my brain is stuck on the truth. The truth that I’m the reason he isn’t hooking up with
anyone.
He catches me staring and smiles. “Thank you for not punching me in the throat.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I’m okay with this as long as your buddies know your feelings are unrequited.”
Leo’s face falls. “Yeah, no worries. I’d never lie and say we’re hooking up. Anyway, I’ll let you go now.”
He drops my hand, and when I keep skating next to him, he adds, “If you want them to believe you don’t like me, you’d
better skate away.”
“Right.”
I find my teammates again, and immediately, Tracy pulls me to her side. “What was that all about?”
“Nothing.” My chest is heavy when I look in Leo’s direction and see his teammates giving him shit.
I wish I didn’t have to pretend I don’t like him.
 CHAPTER 14
LEO

PRESENT DAY
I SLEPT LIKE SHIT LAST NIGHT . I KEPT REPLAYING THE MOMENT MR. O’BRIEN COLLAPSED ON STAGE, AND THE PHONE CALL TO
Ellie. Restless, I go for a drive. I don’t have a destination in mind, but I’m not surprised when I end up at Starlight Arena.
The front of the building is already covered with flowers, cards, candles, and pictures of Mr. O’Brien, including ones of
him with the team when we won the Cup a few years ago. I avoid looking at the display and keep driving toward the back
entrance designated for players and staff.
I make a quick stop in the dressing room to change clothes, then head to the training rink. Ever since I got my first pair of
skates, the inside of an ice rink has been my safe haven. After I lost my entire family and then Ellie, hockey became the only
constant in my life.
Before I step onto the ice, I take deep breaths, letting the cool air fill my lungs. The smell of chemicals mixed with the fuel
from the Zamboni is usually a familiar and comforting scent but, today, it doesn’t soothe my soul. My chest is too heavy. I skate
a few loops to warm up, then I practice shooting pucks into the empty net. As a goalie, I don’t do this often, and I forget how
satisfying it is.
Suddenly the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I have the sensation that someone is spying on me. I turn around and
look up toward Mr. O’Brien’s office. My heart stops beating for a second, then takes off in a mad race when I see Ellie there,
watching me. When did she arrive in Boston?
She disappears from view, but the damage is done. Seeing her brings to the surface all the feelings I tried to bury six feet
deep. I should stay where I am and leave her alone, but I’m not thinking straight. I never do when it comes to Ellie.
I’m out of the rink in a flash. I almost don’t bother taking my skates off before I head to Mr. O’Brien’s office, but I don’t
want to seem desperate. So I return to the dressing room to change and then do my best not to run.
In the elevator, I rehearse what I’m going to say to her. I know what she’s going through because I’ve been there too many
fucking times. There’s nothing anyone can say that’ll alleviate the pain. When I met Ellie, she was already an orphan like me.
She only had Mr. O’Brien. My loss was fresh, but it didn’t diminish our instant connection.
I still have no fucking clue what I’ll say to her but, when I find her on her knees, collecting scattered papers from the floor,
it’s déjà vu. I’m transported back to high school where a younger Ellie was on her knees, picking up flyers from the hallway
floor. She was my friend, but I had a major crush on her. I knew she felt the same way about me, but we’d agreed to never cross
that line.
Present Ellie holds my stare for a couple beats before she focuses her attention on the mess surrounding her. Those two
seconds are enough to make my heart pump faster as if injected with pure adrenaline. Now it’s thumping furiously inside my
chest, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.
Silently, I approach and drop into a crouch to help with the task. The tension between us is palpable and heavy, almost
suffocating. I try to ignore it.
I notice the papers she’s dropped are financial statements, and that reminds me why it could never work between us. Just
like me, she dove headfirst into her career and never looked back. The fact she’s already looking into the team’s affairs a day
after her grandfather died is proof of that.
When I hand over a stack of papers to Ellie, our gazes connect again. She looks pitiful, with puffy red eyes. In an instant, I
forget the awful way our story ended. It’s ridiculous to hang on to that painful memory when her grandfather, my mentor, just
died.
“Thank you,” she croaks.
 Now would be the time to offer my condolences, but I hated it when people did that to me after my parents died. It felt
shallow and disingenuous.
“When did you get back?” I ask instead.
“Not too long ago. I came straight here.”
I glance at the filing boxes. “Couldn’t stay away from work, huh?”
With a huff, she gets back on her feet. “I could say the same about you.”
Hell. She has me there. I was, after all, in the rink a moment ago.
“Right.” I unfurl from my crouch but don’t move. I haven’t been this close to Ellie since the worst day of my life. “Do you
need help with these boxes?”
“No, I got it.” She restacks them on the dolly, and I stand there, watching. I know better than to help when she claims she
doesn’t need assistance.
Maybe I should look at the walls instead because she hasn’t changed a bit, and that detail isn’t helping me at all. She still
fights with her curly hair when she’s nervous or frustrated and pinches her brows together. I used to love teasing Ellie about
her tics, getting her even more flustered. Those moments belong to the past with the fucking emotions they bring.
Stubbornly, she begins to drag the dolly toward the elevator, but it’s clear there’s something wrong with one of the wheels.
Now I know why it tumbled before.
“The boxes are going to fall again,” I say.
No sooner do I speak, than the dolly starts to lean sideways. I step forward, stopping the boxes from toppling down again.
“The wheel on this damn thing is broken,” she replies.
“I noticed. It’d be faster if I carried them.”
She arches an eyebrow. “You think you can carry four boxes at once?”
“Well, I can do three for sure, if you can carry one.”
“Fine. Let’s get this over with before Great-Uncle Paul shows up.”
Ugh. That guy. I never saw Ellie interact with him, because he joined the team after Ellie left to study in London. Now I’m
curious why she wants to avoid him.
“Why would your great-uncle come here today?”
“He’s the one who asked Mia to box up all these reports.”
“Ah. And you decided to look at them first.”
“Exactly.” She picks up one box and strides toward the elevator.
For a few seconds, I watch her walk away. She’s wearing tight jeans with high heels, and I can’t stop my gaze from
dropping to her fine ass.
She looks back and catches me ogling. Instead of calling me out on it, her cheeks turn bright pink. Shit. I’ve lost count of
how many times that exact reaction from her was my undoing. But we aren’t teenagers anymore, and I won’t fall into that trap
again.
Ellie’s expression becomes serious, even though she’s still blushing. “Are you coming or what?”
I pick up the remaining boxes, glad to occupy my hands. Now there’s no chance I can lose what little I have left of my
sanity and pull her into my arms. Coming to see her was the mistake I knew it would be.
 CHAPTER 15
ELLIE

MY HEART IS THUNDERING INSIDE MY CHEST . THE WORST HAS HAPPENED . I’ M TRAPPED IN THE ELEVATOR WITH LEO , AND I’ M
barely clinging to my armor of indifference. He can’t ever know how much I want to hug him and cry until I have no more tears
left. I don’t dare cross that line. It took me a long time to be in a place where the memories—good and bad—don’t rip my heart
open.
We don’t speak during the elevator ride, but once we exit, he’s the one who breaks the silence first. “Where did you park
your car?”
“Shit!” I blurt out. “I didn’t rent a car, and I forgot to call an Uber.”
“I’ll take you.”
My stomach twists painfully. If the less-than-a-minute elevator ride was bad, imagine what a thirty-minute trip to my hotel
would be like. Excruciating.
“There’s no ne⁠—”
“Ellie, come on. The least I can do is give you a ride home.”
I make the mistake of looking into his eyes. There’s no denying the yearning I see shining in his gaze. I hope my eyes aren’t
betraying me like that.
“Home? I’m staying at a hotel.”
I see my answer surprise him by the slight furrow of his brows. He recovers fast though.
“Nevertheless, I won’t let you call an Uber when I can drive you. It’s the least I can do.”
It’s the second time he’s said that. It makes me curious. It’s almost like he did something he regrets. Does that stem from
what he said ten years ago? I never begrudged him, because he had every right to feel the way he did. The only person guilty of
anything was me.
I decide to find out. “You keep saying it’s the least you can do. Why?”
“Why?” He laughs without humor, breaking eye contact. “Do you want a list?”
That’s Leo’s nervous laugh. He’s hiding something. But I don’t have enough emotional spoons to deal with his secrets.
“Okay, fine. You can give me a lift. I’m too tired to argue with you.”
As I expected, he parked in the garage reserved for members of the Zodiacs organization. It’s empty, making it easy to spot
his car—a brand-new navy 4Runner. My steps falter, and my breath catches. Our first kiss was in an older version of that car in
the exact same color. It’s been ten years, but the memory never faded.
“Some things never change,” I mutter.
He gives me a quizzical look. “What?”
“The SUV.”
His eyes widen. “Oh... yeah. On the other hand, some things change so much you can hardly recognize them.”
“Are you talking about me?”
He doesn’t answer or make eye contact. Of course he’s talking about me. He opens his trunk and puts the boxes inside. I
follow suit, then say, “I haven’t changed.”
He turns to me and holds my stare for a moment. “I wasn’t talking about you.”
I want to call him on his bullshit. If his comment wasn’t aimed at me, then who? But he gets inside the SUV. I don’t follow
him for a couple beats, trying to make sense of what he meant. Was he referring to himself?
The rumble of the engine snaps me out of my paralyzing moment. I hurry to get inside the vehicle. Not that I think he’d leave
me stranded, but the longer I remain rooted to the spot like a tree, the more obvious it becomes that he’s rattled me.
Leo’s jaw is clenched tight when I slide into my seat. He keeps his gaze locked ahead and puts the car in reverse. It’s
probably a bad idea to accept a ride from him, but he’s distracting me from my grief. Silver lining, as long as he doesn’t
mention my grandfather or Jack.
After five minutes of excruciating silence, he asks, “What was the emergency?”
I look at him. “Emergency?”
“Your work emergency. Viktor told me about it.”
Hell. Of all of the questions he could have asked, he had to pick that one.
“I don’t want to talk about my job,” I grit out.
I look out the window, crossing my arms.
“It happened quickly, Ellie. There was nothing you could have done.”
My nose burns as my eyes fill with tears. Goddammit, Leo.
“You don’t know that.”
“He lived a long and fulfilling life.” His voice is tense, making me look at him again. He’s holding the steering wheel so
tight that his knuckles are white.
A lump forms in my throat. Unlike my parents or his parents who died young and... I can’t even think his name now. My
eyes are burning once more. I’m sure Leo is thinking about him too. The guilt comes back with a vengeance.
“Can we not talk about him, please?” I croak, fighting back my own tears.
“All right, Ellie.”
The way he says my name so softly is almost my undoing. Almost like a caress. That’s how he used to say it when we were
together. I don’t know how long I’ll be needed in Boston, but I can’t wait to return to London. I know I’m a coward for wanting
to run once again. But if I spend too much time in Leo’s company, I’ll probably shatter beyond repair.
“Where are you staying?” he asks.
“At the Four Diamonds downtown.”
He turns the radio on, which keeps us from suffocating in the uncomfortable silence. The volume’s not loud, just enough to
create a buffer.
I pull my phone out to text Andrew and let him know I’m on my way to the hotel. He doesn’t reply, which I hope means he’s
taking a nap. I bet he didn’t sleep much on the plane. He never does.
I glance at Leo and see a muscle move in his jaw. I bite the inside of my cheek to change the focus of my pain. I knew
coming to Boston and seeing him after all this time would do my head in. I shouldn’t have accepted the ride. It seems he’s still
my only weakness. If he stopped the car and kissed me like he used to, I wouldn’t stop him.
Hell, now all I can think about is our first kiss.
 CHAPTER 16
ELLIE

TEN YEARS AGO

MY VOLLEYBALL TEAM WON THE GAME, BUT IT ’ S NOT THE VICTORY THAT ’ S GIVING ME AN EXTRA DOSE OF ENDORPHINS . I
spotted Leo in the crowd. It’s been two months since I started tutoring him. Despite that incident at the ice rink, where he flirted
with me so his teammates would stop spreading rumors about him and Viktor, he’s kept our relationship planted firmly in the
friend zone. But keeping things platonic has become harder and harder. And when that boy smiles, it’s my undoing.
When I walk out of the locker room with Tracy, Leo’s waiting for me in the hallway. She bumps my arm with her elbow and
whispers, “I guess you won’t be needing a ride home after all.”
“Don’t you dare leave me alone with him,” I grit out.
“Oh, come on. I’ll be doing you a favor. It’s high time you two stop pretending you aren’t into each other.”
Hell. I’ve been deluding myself into thinking Tracy hasn’t noticed I have a major crush on Leo.
“Hey, congrats.” He walks over and gives me a hug, sending my body temperature through the roof. “That was an awesome
game.”
Try not to melt, Ellie.
“Thanks.” I step back quickly, but it’s too late. The way my face is burning, I know I’m blushing.
“Where’s my hug?” Tracy smirks.
Leo’s brows furrow but he opens his arms wide for her as well. “Yeah, sure. Congrats, Tracy.”
She makes a point of hugging him tighter and longer than normal while staring at me with a shit-eating grin. I give her the
death glare.
“Anyway, since you’re here, Leo, you don’t mind giving Ellie a ride home, right?”
He looks at me and smiles. “No, not at all.”
Unbidden, my lips twitch upward to return his grin, but I catch myself in time. I can’t encourage him.
“Oh shit. I forgot something in the locker room. You don’t need to wait for me.”
When Leo isn’t looking, I mouth to her, I hate you.
She blows me a kiss, then disappears inside the locker room.
“Shall we?” He stuffs his hands in his pocket.
My heart is beating so fast, I’m afraid he can hear it. “Yeah. Why didn’t you bring Jack?”
“I tried. He’d rather stay at the dorm and play video games with Viktor.”
“Gotcha. The Legend of Zelda?”
“Probably. But it’s fine, I wanted to come alone anyway.”
The butterflies in my stomach become radioactive. “Why?”
“I want to take you out to dinner.”
My heart does a backflip, then a cartwheel. I’m giddy, and it’s damn impossible to stomp on the feeling. “Leo… I thought
we had ag⁠—”
“Not as a date. I want to thank you for helping me with math. I’m no longer at risk of getting kicked out of the program,
thanks to you.”
Disappointment floods through me, which is stupid. We agreed we wouldn’t. “Well, you worked hard for it.”
“Only because you pushed me. Come on. I’m starving, and I bet by now all the food at the dorm is gone.”
“Fine. Where do you want to go?”
“There’s a new burger place not far from here that I’ve been dying to try.”
 “Oh yeah. Tracy told me about it. She said it has the best burgers she’s ever eaten in her entire life.”
“Awesome. Let’s go.”

A MINUTE OR SO BEFORE WE ARRIVE AT OUR DESTINATION , THE SKY DECIDES TO BREAK OPEN IN A DOWNPOUR. WE CAN BARELY
see beyond the windshield.
“I hope you have an umbrella in here,” I say.
He chuckles. “Of course I don’t. But there’s no need for both of us to get drenched. I’ll drop you off at the restaurant first.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.” He stops the car by the curb. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
I get out but decide to wait for him under the restaurant’s awning, hoping the cold temperature will help control my
hormones. The drive with Leo made me overheat. If I don’t get a check on myself, I might make a colossal mistake. Staying
cold is the best I can do now.
I hear the ping of a text and pull my phone from my jacket. It’s from Tracy. I barely have a chance to read it when someone
bumps into me and yanks my phone from my hand, then takes off with it. What the hell! I should yell or run after the thief, but I
freeze.
“Hey! Get back here, asshole!” Leo shouts from the distance. He runs toward me and asks, “Are you okay?”
I nod, but I can’t speak. My throat is closing.
“I’m going after him.”
“No!” I grab his arm.
“Ellie? Did he hurt you?” His eyes are frantic when they connect with mine, then he looks at my body, searching for
injuries.
“He didn’t hurt me, but... please don’t leave me,” I beg pitifully.
“You’re shaking. Let’s get you inside.” I don’t move when he tries to steer me to the restaurant’s entrance. “Ellie?”
The scare of getting my phone stolen has put my body in lockdown. My panic attacks usually start gradually, and often I can
control myself before I get to this state.
“I... please take me home,” I manage to croak.
“Okay.” He pulls my jacket hood up and throws an arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to his body.
I’d melt into him if I wasn’t so tense. I hate that this is happening in front of Leo, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
“Ready to run?” he asks.
“I’m not sure I can.”
“It’s okay. I got you.”
He bends over and picks me up as if I’m a damsel in distress. I struggle with hating my weakness but loving the feel of his
strong arms around me. He runs across the street, and even though I’m pressing my cheek to his chest, I can’t avoid part of my
face getting wet.
Inside, Leo’s SUV is now ice cold. He runs to get behind the steering wheel and turns on the ignition. I’m shaking from
head to toe, not only because of the cold.
He covers my hand with his and squeezes. “Ellie... talk to me.”
“I need a minute.”
“It’s going to be okay.” Using his thumb, he makes slow circles on my hand, and the gesture is not only soothing but
electrifying.
My heart is still beating a staccato rhythm when I turn to him. He holds my stare but doesn’t move. Oh, how I wish he’d
lean closer.
“Should we go home?” he asks.
“Yeah. You probably need your hand back to drive.”
“True.” He releases my hand and reaches for the radio. “Music?”
“Sure.”
“Anything in particular?”
“Whatever you like.” I look out the window so he won’t see the tears in my eyes. The worst of the panic attack is
subsiding, so why the hell am I crying now?
 CHAPTER 17
LEO

I DON ’ T KNOW WHAT TO DO . ELLIE IS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK. I’ VE HELPED J ACK THROUGH MANY OF THOSE, BUT IT ’ S DIFFERENT
with Ellie. I don’t want her to think I’m taking advantage of the situation. Plus, she’s as proud as I am. If the situation were
reversed, I’d hate showing weakness in front of her.
My mind is spiraling the entire ride back home. Ellie remains quiet, staring out the window. I want to take her hand again,
but her body language is giving me a solid vibe to stay away.
She doesn’t move when I stop the car in front of her house, nor does she acknowledge we’ve arrived.
“Ellie, we’re home.”
She takes a couple beats to answer. “You must think I’m a coward.”
“What? Of course I don’t!” When she turns to me, I notice the tear tracks. Unable to stop myself, I reach for her face and
wipe one cheek with my thumb. “You were in shock. A completely normal reaction from being mugged.”
“I didn’t even try to scream or go after him.”
“And I’m glad you didn’t. He could have had a gun or a knife.”
“You didn’t hesitate.”
“No.” I shake my head. “He could have hurt you, and that clouded my judgment.”
Her eyes widen a fraction. “Are you saying you’d risk your life to protect me?”
“Yes,” I reply without hesitation.
The air between us seems to crackle with electricity as we stare into each other’s eyes. I should add You’re my friend but
instead, I say, “You have no idea how hard I’m fighting to stay on my side of the car.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t.”
I drop my gaze to her lips. “Maybe I won’t.”
My hand is already unbuckling the seat belt when my eyes connect with hers again. Ellie is doing the same. Free of our
restraints, we meet in the middle. I frame her face between my hands and kiss her as if she’s the air I need. A shiver runs down
my spine. I’ve been dying to kiss her for so long that my body and mind go haywire. My heart pounds in my chest loud and fast,
and I can’t think straight.
Ellie sighs, parting her soft lips. When our tongues touch, the last shred of my self-control snaps. I release her face so I can
wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer. Her fingers are now in my hair, pulling a little. We’re so close that I don’t
know whose air I’m breathing.
My thoughts are completely muddled by desire and, for that reason alone, I don’t stop Ellie when she moves to my side and
then climbs astride me.
“You drive me crazy, Ellie,” I whisper against her lips.
“Not as much as you drive me crazy.” She kisses my jaw, then continues, leaving a trail of hot kisses on my cheek, then
down my neck.
I grab her hips, digging my fingers into her skin. “What are you doing to me?”
“Kissing you until you tell me to stop.”
I chuckle. “Fat chance of that happening.”
She pulls back and looks into my eyes. “I’m done lying to myself.”
My heart skips a beat, and in that moment, I know without a shred of doubt that there’s no going back. Even if Ellie is only
looking for a distraction tonight, I’m a total goner for her. “Lying about what?”
“That I don’t have feelings for you.”
I cup her cheek. “Good, because I’m done keeping my feelings bottled inside too.”
“I don’t want to get you in trouble or make you unfocused.”
 “Trust me, beautiful. Finally being with you will help me focus.”
“My grandfather won’t like it. You know how protective he is.”
“Then we won’t tell him. We can be like Romeo and Juliet, dating in secret.” I smile, but she doesn’t reciprocate.
“They died in the end.”
“We won’t die. The only risk of death right now is if I don’t kiss you again.”
She snorts. “That was so corny.”
“Shut up, woman.” I reach for the back of her head and pull her to me, silencing the protest I know she has on the tip of her
tongue.
She kisses me with the same feistiness and passion I’ve seen her display countless times at school, or at her games. With
every stroke of her tongue and every sigh that escapes her lips, I become more certain that I’m in love with Ellie O’Brien and
always will be.
 CHAPTER 18
LEO

PRESENT DAY
BEING IN ELLIE’ S PRESENCE FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES IS ENOUGH TO MAKE MY HEAD SPIN , AND IT ’ S A TEST OF MY SELF -
control. I wish I could hold her and say everything will be okay. But I don’t have that right any longer. I have to get used to
seeing her as nothing more than the daughter of my former boss.
My hands hurt from holding the steering wheel too tight during the thirty-minute drive, and my neck and shoulders are stiff.
We’re a minute away from the hotel when her phone pings. She reads the text message, then replies quickly.
Who’s texting you is on the tip of my tongue, but I catch myself in time. She doesn’t owe me an explanation.
I park in front of the hotel, and like a dumbass, I ask, “Do you need help bringing the boxes to your room?”
Leo, what are you doing offering to come up to her room? Stop being a glutton for punishment.
She looks at me, but thanks to her sunglasses, I can’t guess what she’s thinking. “There’s no need. Andrew is coming
down.”
My stomach twists so savagely that it makes me sick. “Andrew?” I almost growl. “The guy who answered your phone?”
She nods, then looks out the window. “There he is.”
I turn into stone and watch Ellie get out of the car and be engulfed in a bear hug by a tall and handsome man. Jealousy
shakes my entire body. Seeing them together is ten times worse than speaking to him.
They ease out of their embrace and turn to the vehicle, probably waiting for me to get out too. I’m acting like an idiot by
staying inside instead of helping get the boxes out of my trunk and meeting her new boyfriend.
All right, Leo. You can do this. Don’t kill him.
Ellie is no longer standing next to Andrew, and that helps a little. But before I have a chance to do anything, he steps closer
and offers me his hand.
“Leo Wiseman, I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Andrew Miller.” Goddammit, he has a British accent. As if he wasn’t
already perfect enough. He isn’t smiling for obvious reasons, but he seems friendly and not threatened in the least to be meeting
me.
We shake hands. “I’m at a disadvantage then. I know nothing about you.”
His eyebrows arch, and the corners of his lips seem to curl upward. Shit. Did I sound jealous?
“Andrew works with me,” Ellie chimes in.
“Yes, but we go all the way back.” He turns to her. “I’ve known you for what? Seven years?”
The ache in my stomach increases, but it doesn’t compare to the speed with which my heart is shriveling inside my chest.
Andrew has been in Ellie’s life longer than I have.
She pushes her sunglasses onto her head, but instead of looking at him, she stares at me with those beautiful blue eyes.
“Yes, something like that.”
“I was about to take Ellie to grab a bite to eat at the hotel restaurant. I’d love to have you join us.”
Uh. What?
Ellie looks at Andrew so fast I’m afraid she might have pulled a muscle. “I’ve taken up a lot of Leo’s time. He probably
has things to do.”
It’s obvious Ellie doesn’t want me to stay, but I’m too curious about Andrew Miller to pass up the opportunity. It’s a
terrible idea, but I’ve never claimed to make good decisions when it comes to Ellie.
“I could eat. And to be honest, I’d rather not be alone right now.”
Ellie’s eyes soften. “What about your girlfriend?”
 Her question is so unexpected that it gives me whiplash. I jerk back a little. “What girlfriend?”
Her face turns bright red. “Uh... I just assumed... never mind.”
Despite the horrible situation responsible for our reunion, I can’t help the smug satisfaction that spreads through my chest.
Ellie being curious about my love life means I’m not the only one acting like a fool. I glance at Andrew, wondering if he’s
bothered by Ellie’s reaction. His lips are turned upward as if he’s trying to contain a grin. What’s up with this guy?
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” I reply.
Her brows arch. “Oh.”
“Why don’t you and Leo head to the restaurant while I get these boxes up to the suite?” Andrew chimes in.
The confidence in this dude is astonishing. Why would he go out of his way to make Ellie and me spend time alone
together?
“I need to change,” Ellie replies.
“Let me get some assistance.” He walks away to get the attention of one of the bellboys.
“If you want me to leave, I will. Just say the word,” I tell her.
Sadness shines in her eyes. “I don’t. I know how hard this day is for you as well.”
The tightness in my chest returns with a vengeance. “I can’t believe your grandfather is gone.”
She stares into the distance. “Me neither.”
Fuck. I shouldn’t have brought him up. Ellie is keeping herself together by pure willpower. I know how close she was with
Mr. O’Brien, despite their differences.
“How long have you and Andrew been together?” I ask to change the subject.
Her eyes widen. “You think we’re a couple?”
Hope flares in my chest. “Aren’t you?”
“Oh my God, no. He’s my best friend.”
And the flare gets snuffed out. Once upon a time, that title belonged to me.
“Right.” I look over her shoulder and sigh in relief upon Andrew’s return with a bellboy. Another second alone with her,
and I might say or ask something really stupid.
My phone pings with a message from Deacon.
Need assist. Viktor is at my place.

Is he drunk?

Yup.

Shit. Viktor has a high tolerance for alcohol, but when he reaches his limit, it’s not pretty. I can’t let the youngest guy on the
team deal with him by himself.
Once the boxes are loaded onto the luggage cart and the trunk is shut, I say, “Can I get a rain check on lunch?”
“Everything okay?” Ellie asks.
“Yeah. But something came up. I’ll see you at the fu⁠—”
Hell. What am I doing?
Ellie turns serious, making me feel like an ass.
“Right. I’ll see you later.”
“Nice to meet you, Leo.” Andrew shakes my hand again, but I’m too stunned by my own stupidity to pay attention to him.
I don’t move from my spot until Ellie and Andrew disappear into the hotel together. I shouldn’t be jealous of the man now
that I know they aren’t romantically involved, but the ugly feeling swirling in my chest says otherwise. They have the closeness
that I once had with Ellie, and I want that back. I want her back.

ELLIE
As soon as we’re inside the hotel, I hit Andrew’s arm. I need a distraction from the pain lacerating my chest. “What the hell
were you doing?”
“What?” He massages the spot and pretends he doesn’t know what I’m talking about.
“Don’t play dumb with me. Why did you ask Leo to join us for lunch?”
“Because it’s obvious to me the spark between you two is still there. I’d be a terrible best friend if I didn’t help fan that
into flames.”
My stomach flutters as if I were back in high school, crushing hard on Leo, and my heavy heart beats a little lighter. “You’re
wrong.”
“Am I? When have I ever been wrong about relationships? I saw the way he looked at you, darling. He isn’t over you, not
by a long shot.”
I give him a droll look. “Your experience in that department consists of guessing who’s getting the rose in The Bachelor. It
doesn’t make you an expert.”
He throws an arm around my shoulder, and together we follow the bellboy to the elevator. “Trust me, Ellie. Leo was
bloody jealous when he saw me.”
He did ask if Andrew was my boyfriend at the first opportunity. But even if he was jealous, it doesn’t mean there could be
more. My grandfather’s death doesn’t change the past, or the fact my life is now across the ocean. The reasons we’d never
work as a couple are still the same.
Then why does my heart pump faster at just the mere notion Leo might still have feelings for me?
 CHAPTER 19
ELLIE

ONE WEEK LATER

GRANDPA’ S FUNERAL WAS A BEAUTIFUL EVENT . HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE CAME TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS , AND MANY SHARED
wonderful stories about him. I knew giving the eulogy would be hard, but I held my emotions in check… until my eyes met
Leo’s in the audience. Then I couldn’t keep a few rogue tears from escaping.
I spoke to him only briefly during the day, but he’s been on my mind a lot this past week.
Andrew is using his vacation days to stay with me until the details pertaining to Grandpa’s estate are taken care of. The
reading of Grandpa’s will is being held now, at his lawyer’s office. I’ve known Grandpa’s lawyer, Mr. Armstrong, all my life.
Besides me, Grandpa’s younger brother—Great-Uncle Paul—and his wife Felicia are in attendance. I don’t know much about
Paul. Grandpa never talked about the man when I was growing up. But I’m suspicious of him since he asked Mia to give him
those files. I haven’t had a chance to look at them yet.
Great-Uncle Paul greets me with a hug, making me stiffen. I hate being touched by people I don’t trust.
“How have you been holding up, dear?” he asks, trying to sound caring, but it rings false.
“I’m okay.” I step away from his unwanted embrace as soon as I can.
He turns to Andrew, and his smile wilts a little. “I see you’re still around.”
“Of course, sir. Ellie’s my best friend. I’ll be here for as long as she needs me.” Andrew’s face is friendly, but his tone has
an edge.
Great-Uncle Paul must have noticed, because he tenses visibly. Does he wish I’d come alone? Maybe he thinks I’m a
scared little girl who hasn’t recovered from her trauma. He couldn’t be more wrong. What happened to me that night ten years
ago changed me. It made me stronger. I survived the pain and the heartache that followed; I can face anything.
The lawyer’s assistant says he’s ready for us. Andrew doesn’t come in with me. I’m sure that if I asked, he would, but I
want to show Great-Uncle Paul I don’t need a shield.
Mr. Armstrong was my grandfather’s lawyer for fifty years. He should retire, but like Grandpa, he loves what he does too
much. I’m glad he’s still around. He has a calming presence, with his white hair, round face, and kind smile.
We exchange pleasantries, and Mr. Armstrong doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to read the will. Great-Uncle Paul and his wife
seem edgy and eager. It makes my stomach churn. They remind me of vultures, ready to feed off the carcass. I want to speed
things up too, if only to be rid of the duo.
“Should we get to the contents of the will?” I ask before Mr. Armstrong goes off again talking about something trivial.
“Of course.” He puts on his glasses and begins reading the document.
It’s no surprise Grandpa leaves me his house and his other properties, including a four-bedroom house in Beacon Hill that
he used anytime he had an event downtown.
“Why does she get the Beacon Hill house?” Felicia mutters to her husband.
I glower at her. Is she for real?
Great-Uncle Paul doesn’t say anything to his wife, but remains stoic, facing Mr. Armstrong. I’m not greedy, but I’m
beginning to think they don’t deserve a penny. But Grandpa does leave them the farmhouse outside the city and some cash.
“That was all of Mr. O’Brien’s personal assets. Now comes the next item, the Boston Zodiacs.”
Great-Uncle Paul leans forward. I shouldn’t be surprised he’s interested in the team. He’s been working for the
organization for a few years. It’s possible that Grandpa left it to him. But my stomach twists into knots just thinking about the
possibility that he’ll inherit Grandpa’s most valued possession. He gave his soul to that team, and I could be wrong, but I don’t
have the impression Grandpa’s brother cares about it as much.
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
"None of that, now," said the man who had spoken before. He
caught her by the wrists, and she twisted, shrieking, in his arms,
biting and struggling to get free.
"Think, think," said the man with the treacly voice. "It's getting on to
morning. It'll be light in an hour or two. The police may be here any
minute."
"The police!" She seemed to control herself by a violent effort. "Yes,
yes, you are right. We must not imperil the safety of all for the sake
of one man. He himself would not wish it. That is so. We will put this
carrion in the cellar where it cannot harm us, and depart, every one
to his own place, while there is time."
"And the other prisoner?"
"He? Poor fool—he can do no harm. He knows nothing. Let him go,"
she answered contemptuously.
In a few minutes' time Wimsey found himself bundled
unceremoniously into the depths of the cellar. He was a little
puzzled. That they should refuse to let him go, even at the price of
Number One's life, he could understand. He had taken the risk with
his eyes open. But that they should leave him as a witness against
them seemed incredible.
The men who had taken him down strapped his ankles together and
departed, switching the lights out as they went.
"Hi! Kamerad!" said Wimsey. "It's a bit lonely sitting here. You might
leave the light on."
"It's all right, my friend," was the reply. "You will not be in the dark
long. They have set the time-fuse."
The other man laughed with rich enjoyment, and they went out
together. So that was it. He was to be blown up with the house. In
that case the President would certainly be dead before he was
extricated. This worried Wimsey; he would rather have been able to
bring the big crook to justice. After all, Scotland Yard had been
waiting six years to break up this gang.
He waited, straining his ears. It seemed to him that he heard
footsteps over his head. The gang had all crept out by this time....
There was certainly a creak. The trap-door had opened; he felt,
rather than heard, somebody creeping into the cellar.
"Hush!" said a voice in his ear. Soft hands passed over his face, and
went fumbling about his body. There came the cold touch of steel on
his wrists. The ropes slackened and dropped off. A key clicked in the
handcuffs. The strap about his ankles was unbuckled.
"Quick! quick! they have set the time-switch. The house is mined.
Follow me as fast as you can. I stole back—I said I had left my
jewellery. It was true. I left it on purpose. He must be saved—only
you can do it. Make haste!"
Wimsey, staggering with pain, as the blood rushed back into his
bound and numbed arms, crawled after her into the room above. A
moment, and she had flung back the shutters and thrown the window
open.
"Now go! Release him! You promise?"
"I promise. And I warn you, madame, that this house is surrounded.
When my safe-door closed it gave a signal which sent my servant to
Scotland Yard. Your friends are all taken——"
"Ah! But you go—never mind me—quick! The time is almost up."
"Come away from this!"
He caught her by the arm, and they went running and stumbling
across the little garden. An electric torch shone suddenly in the
bushes.
"That you, Parker?" cried Wimsey. "Get your fellows away. Quick!
the house is going up in a minute."
The garden seemed suddenly full of shouting, hurrying men.
Wimsey, floundering in the darkness, was brought up violently
against the wall. He made a leap at the coping, caught it, and
hoisted himself up. His hands groped for the woman; he swung her
up beside him. They jumped; everyone was jumping; the woman
caught her foot and fell with a gasping cry. Wimsey tried to stop
himself, tripped over a stone, and came down headlong. Then, with
a flash and a roar, the night went up in fire.

Wimsey picked himself painfully out from among the débris of the
garden wall. A faint moaning near him proclaimed that his
companion was still alive. A lantern was turned suddenly upon them.
"Here you are!" said a cheerful voice. "Are you all right, old thing?
Good lord! what a hairy monster!"
"All right," said Wimsey. "Only a bit winded. Is the lady safe? H'm—
arm broken, apparently—otherwise sound. What's happened?"
"About half a dozen of 'em got blown up; the rest we've bagged."
Wimsey became aware of a circle of dark forms in the wintry dawn.
"Good Lord, what a day! What a come-back for a public character!
You old stinker—to let us go on for two years thinking you were
dead! I bought a bit of black for an arm-band. I did, really. Did
anybody know, besides Bunter?"
"Only my mother and sister. I put it in a secret trust—you know, the
thing you send to executors and people. We shall have an awful time
with the lawyers, I'm afraid, proving I'm me. Hullo! Is that friend
Sugg?"
"Yes, my lord," said Inspector Sugg, grinning and nearly weeping
with excitement. "Damned glad to see your lordship again. Fine
piece of work, your lordship. They're all wanting to shake hands with
you, sir."
"Oh, Lord! I wish I could get washed and shaved first. Awfully glad to
see you all again, after two years' exile in Lambeth. Been a good
little show, hasn't it?"
"Is he safe?"
Wimsey started at the agonised cry.
"Good Lord!" he cried. "I forgot the gentleman in the safe. Here, fetch
a car, quickly. I've got the great big top Moriarty of the whole bunch
quietly asphyxiating at home. Here—hop in, and put the lady in too. I
promised we'd get back and save him—though" (he finished the
sentence in Parker's ear) "there may be murder charges too, and I
wouldn't give much for his chance at the Old Bailey. Whack her up.
He can't last much longer shut up there. He's the bloke you've been
wanting, the man at the back of the Morrison case and the Hope-
Wilmington case, and hundreds of others."

The cold morning had turned the streets grey when they drew up
before the door of the house in Lambeth. Wimsey took the woman
by the arm and helped her out. The mask was off now, and showed
her face, haggard and desperate, and white with fear and pain.
"Russian, eh?" whispered Parker in Wimsey's ear.
"Something of the sort. Damn! the front door's blown shut, and the
blighter's got the key with him in the safe. Hop through the window,
will you?"
Parker bundled obligingly in, and in a few seconds threw open the
door to them. The house seemed very still. Wimsey led the way to
the back room, where the strong-room stood. The outer door and the
second door stood propped open with chairs. The inner door faced
them like a blank green wall.
"Only hope he hasn't upset the adjustment with thumping at it,"
muttered Wimsey. The anxious hand on his arm clutched feverishly.
He pulled himself together, forcing his tone to one of cheerful
commonplace.
"Come on, old thing," he said, addressing himself conversationally to
the door. "Show us your paces. Open Sesame, confound you. Open
Sesame!"
The green door slid suddenly away into the wall. The woman sprang
forward and caught in her arms the humped and senseless thing that
rolled out from the safe. Its clothes were torn to ribbons, and its
battered hands dripped blood.
"It's all right," said Wimsey, "it's all right! He'll live—to stand his trial."
 NOTES TO THE SOLUTION
I.1. VIRGO: The sign of the zodiac between LEO
(strength) and LIBRA (justice). Allusion to parable of
The Ten Virgins.
I.3. R.S.: Royal Society, whose "fellows" are addicted
to studies usually considered dry-as-dust.
IV.3. TESTAMENT (or will); search is to be directed to
the Old Testament. Ref. to parable of New Cloth and
Old Garment.
XIV.3. HI:

"He would answer to Hi!

Or to any loud cry."

The Hunting of the Snark.

I.5. TRANS.: Abbreviation of Translation; ref. to

building of Babel.
XI.5. SCENT:

"Even the scent of roses

Is not what they supposes,
But more than mind discloses
And more then men believe."

G. K. Chesterton: The Song of Quoodle.

VI.7. ICTUS: Blow; add V (five) and you get VICTUS

(vanquished); the ictus is the stress in a foot of verse; if
the stress be misplaced the line goes lamely.
I.8. SPINOZA: He wrote on the properties of optical
glasses; also on metaphysics.
IV.13. THIRTY-ONE: Seven (months) out of the twelve
of the sun's course through the heavens have thirty-
one days.
XIV.13. ET: Conjunction. In astrology an aspect of the
heavenly bodies. That Cicero was the master of this
word indicates that it is a Latin one.
X.14. BEZOAR: The bezoar stone was supposed to be
a prophylactic against poison.

11.I. PLAUD: If you would laud, then plaud (var. of

applaud); Plaud-it also means "cheer."
10.II. ALIENA: As You Like It. II. 1. 130.
1.III. R.D.: "Refer to Drawer."
4.III. CANTICLES: The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis
are known as the Canticles, but the Book of Canticles
(the Vulgate name for the Song of Songs, in which the
solution is found) occurs earlier in the Bible.
2.VI. EST: [Greek: 'on kai mê 'on] = est and non est—
the problem of being and not-being. Ref. Marlowe:
Doctor Faustus I. 1.
12.X. TOB.: Add IT to get Tobit; the tale of Tobit and
the Fish is in the Apocrypha (the book of hidden
things).
1.XI. MANES: "Un lion est une mâchoire et non pas
une crinière": Emile Faguet: Lit. du XVIIe siècle.
Manes: benevolent spirits of the dead.
1.XV. SAINT: Evidence of miraculous power is required
for canonisation.
THE SOLUTION OF THE CROSS-
WORD PUZZLE IN "UNCLE
MELEAGER'S WILL."
BOOKS BY DOROTHY L. SAYERS:
THE NINE TAILORS
HANGMAN'S HOLIDAY

WHOSE BODY?
HAVE HIS CARCASE

THE FIVE RED HERRINGS

STRONG POISON
LORD PETER VIEWS THE BODY

THE UNPLEASANTNESS AT THE BELLONA CLUB

THE DOCUMENTS IN THE CASE (In collaboration with Robert
Eustace)

UNNATURAL DEATH

CLOUDS OF WITNESS
GAUDY NIGHT

BUSMAN'S HONEYMOON
IN THE TEETH OF THE EVIDENCE
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LORD PETER
VIEWS THE BODY ***

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