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I know I can’t hide from him, but at least I’ll have time to adjust to him being around before I have to see him again. He’s got to be busy with his schedule anyway. Plus, NHL players travel all the time, so it’s not like he’ll have much free time.
All too soon I hear Dan’s voice in the lobby, but that’s not all I hear.
My heart freezes when I hear a familiar laughter.
No, it couldn’t be. I’m just imagining—
But then I hear it again, and I know it’s him because it cuts right through to my core. Andrew’s familiar laugh brings back so many memories, like when Dan first brought him home, and he couldn’t stop laughing at dad’s corny jokes.
I see mom raising her arms to welcome Dan over. “Baby!” she calls. I’m the youngest but she insists on calling Dan that. “I see you brought a souvenir from your day off.”
I can’t breathe. I don’t even look up and just stare at my hands resting on the table.
When I finally glance up, it’s like everything is happening on a screen and I’m just watching to the soundtrack of my pounding heart. I see Andrew standing next to the table with Dan.
He’s still incredibly handsome. His locks of dark hair cover his eyes and make me want to sweep them aside like I used to.
I hate that I want to kiss him. But it’s an odd feeling, because I want to slap him at the same time.
He’s focusing on mom first and greets her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and she almost disappears into his big, strong arms.
“How are you doing, Mrs. Mitchell?” Andrew asks tenderly. I suck in a sharp breath as his voice brings me back to reality.
Mom is glowing. “I’m better now, sweetheart. It’s so good to see you. It’s been so long.”
They sit, my brother across from mom, and Andrew right across from me. His gaze carries the usual air of arrogance, a demeanor earned from reigning over the high school hierarchy and now holding the status of an NHL heartthrob.
It still doesn’t feel real.
Is he really here now?
When his hand reaches out and touches mine, I know that he is indeed right here in front of me.
Immediately, my mind flashes back to when we were teenagers and went to the movies together. Everyone was a couple except for me and Andrew. We were just there as friends, but when our hands would brush together over the popcorn, it would give me a mini heart attack every time.
“Hello, Emily Mitchell.” His deep voice sends a wave of heat through my body.
Calling each other by our full names had been an inside joke between us, and I can’t help but crack a small smile when I hear him say it.
“Hello, Andrew Connoly. I can’t believe you are here.”
I promised myself I would be tough on him, but I can’t help it.
Why do I torture myself? He hurt me and here I am, falling for his charms.
My mom turns to face Andrew. “How’s your father? Still into golf?”
“Oh, he started collecting golf clubs.” He’s still holding my hand, but I pull it away. I see a slight frown on Andrew’s face when I do, but he continues, “But he’s yet to actually set foot on a golf course.”
Mom shakes her head with a resigned smile on her lips.
Dan takes over the conversation and asks, “Is the coach making any changes to the team? I mean, besides you?”
“Man, we haven’t discussed that, but I’m guessing Brooks has a guaranteed spot.” Andrew shrugs. “And coach did make me the alternate captain.”
“Brooks is the center, right?” I try to contribute to the conversation as the shock wears off, but I am not interested in this topic.
How can you just sit there talking about stupid NHL stuff when we haven’t talked in six years?
