Page 301 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Her stare sharpens.

“I stay here during the season when we have back to back games or practices and I can’t get to my cabin.”

Another beat passes.

“Jamie Walker.”

“Yes?”

“I have so many questions.”

“I know.”

She reaches for the door handle. “And you’re answering every single one.”

I laugh as I climb out of the truck. The elevator waits at this end of the private garage.

There are no buttons beside it. Only a fingerprint scanner.

Annette notices immediately. She glances at me. “You weren’t kidding.”

“No.”

I press my thumb against the glass. A green light flashes, and the doors slide open.

She steps inside, looking around at the polished wood walls.

“This feels unnecessarily mysterious.”

I follow her in. “You’re about to discover it’s mostly just an elevator.”

She laughs softly as the doors close. For a moment, neither of us speaks. The elevator begins its quiet climb.

Annette looks at the walls. Then at me. Then back again.

“You’ve managed to surprise me.”

“I’ve been trying not to.”

She reaches over and straightens the collar of my shirt.

“You’re nervous again.”

“Yeah.”

Her hand lingers against my chest. “I’ve noticed something about you.”

“Oh?”

“You only get nervous when something matters.”

I don’t answer. Because she’s right.

A soft chime sounds. The elevator doors open directly into my penthouse.

Warm light spills across hardwood floors. Annette takes one step forward and stops.

For a moment, she simply stands there, taking it all in.