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We’re so high up that details aren’t visible. But the trees radiate an incredible sense of calm amid the otherwise concrete-gray hustle and bustle.

“Wow. I’m impressed.”

Evan stands next to me and gazes out the windows. “Yeah. I searched for quite a while before I found an apartment that gives me exactly this view. And the peace.”

I turn and study his profile. He’s way too good-looking. His dark brown hair is neatly cut. The sides are buzzed, with a fade line leading to slightly longer top hair that always appears to be falling into the perfect position on his head by chance. Without much effort.

The hairstyle accentuates his chiseled chin and straight nose. Even though I shouldn’t be aware of what he looks like with his full playoff beard, a mental image of it forms in my mind.

All these years, I’ve avoided following his career. Only in moments of weakness have I peeked at pictures on his social media accounts. More often than not I paid more attention to images that popped up on my timeline than I’d ever willingly admit. The only reason is that his team made the playoffs two years in a row. Last year, they were even conference champions. But they still didn’t win the Cup. Would I get to see that beard up close this year?

I turn around abruptly. “Have the lawyers already gotten in touch with Joaquin?”

Evan nods thoughtfully. “It is going as you predicted. They’re talking about sums of money as if my life were a commodity. I’ve asked them to keep me out of the negotiations. I have nothing to contribute.”

“So you haven’t spoken to each other since? You and Joaquin?”

He presses his lips together for a moment. “I wrote a message and deleted it. Carly advised me not to have any contact with him. Nothing that could link me to him again. I’ve blocked him and don’t expect to ever hear from him again.”

“Good. I have excellent staff. That’s exactly what I would’ve advised you to do. And as I said, I’m afraid it’s going to cost you a pretty penny, but Joaquin won’t stir up any more trouble afterward.”

Evan lowers his head. “I’m trying to handle this as objectively as everyone is advising me to. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. But I have to focus on hockey. Derek has full authority to make decisions on this matter. It’s merely money. That reassures me in a way.”

I turn to him and nod. “I understand that.” Especially for someone like Evan, who has enough money. For him, privacy is something precious, it’s priceless. Our eyes lock, and it’s as if I’m being drawn toward him. Why does he have to be so damn attractive? “Alright, what did you pick out?” I ask, feigning excessive enthusiasm.

The moment between us crumbles. Evan points to his sofa. Three outfits are spread out on it.

He’s quite well-prepared, yet awkward when it comes to things like clothes. But his only real interest is hockey.

And that’s why I’m here. “Great. I brought something, too. Why don’t you try on the first outfit?”

“Okay. Do you want something to drink?” He gestures toward the kitchen. “Help yourself. You should find everything you need in the fridge.”

“Thanks.”

He grabs the garment bags I hand him and disappears into an adjoining room with them. I don’t plan on having a drink. Still, I scrutinize the fridge. In the fruit drawer, I find a few apples, ginger, lemons, and a cucumber. Most of the food is fancy water in stylish little bottles.

“What do you say?”

Caught red-handed, I quickly close the fridge and turn to face him.

Shit. He’s looking fine.

With a dissatisfied frown, he fiddles with his loose blazer, which is more kind of a stylish jacket. This reveals the white T-shirt with the pink seam. It’s very tight-fitting. I hadn’t expected that. These athletes have masses of muscle in places that never cease to surprise me. He’s also wearing charcoal-gray jeans.

“Not happy?” I ask him as I walk around him.

“Pink,” he mutters. “And with the white, I’m worried about food stains and stuff.”

I nod. “I get it. It was just an idea. Pink isn’t for you at all?”

“I mean, I can’t wear it, right?” he blurts out.

“Says who?”

He lifts his head and glares at me. “Well, because of . . . ”

Unbelievable. It’s only a color. Instead of saying that, I remain silent. “Go put on the one I brought.”