Chapter Four

Tilly

I'm in my tiny kitchen, nursing a cup of coffee and trying to shake off the remnants of sleep when my phone rings. The screen lights up with Paisley's sweet face. I answer with a sleepy smile.

"Tilly! You'll never guess what happened last night," she says, her excitement palpable through the phone.

"What?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"Remember that talk, dark, and handsome man you left after banging senseless the other night? Leaving the very expensive mask I ordered for you behind?"

My heart starts pounding. "Yeah…Why?"

"Well, Duke's been asking about you. He's been moping around like a love-sick puppy according to Ryan. His focus is shot and he keeps saying there was something special between the two of you."

"Special? We made a promise there wouldn't be anything more." My mind races, trying to process this unexpected development. I hadn't thought he'd be thinking about me at all.

"What do you want to do?" Paisley asks, her tone shifting gently to something more serious.

"I…I don't know. I didn't expect this," I admit.

"Honestly? I think you should see him. I could see the fireworks going off between you two from across the room."

"You think so? What if he sees me and doesn't recognize me? What if he does and loses all interest?" My heart races at the thought.

"It's been a week and he's still thinking about you," she says, her voice firm and encouraging. "You should come to the game tomorrow night with Tuesday and me. I know you were going to come up with an excuse not to go, but you can just be near Duke and see what happens."

"What about Ryan? He's not going to be happy when he finds out I'm the mystery girl."

"Don't let worry about Ryan dictate your happiness. It's about what you want," Paisley gently reminds me. "If you're feeling a spark between the two of you, you owe it to yourself to explore it. Plus, I've known Duke for a while now. He's strictly a hockey player first and the fact you have him so rattled is going to be fun for me to watch."

"So happy to provide you some entertainment," I tell her wryly.

I try to imagine what it would be like for him to just instantly know that I'm his mystery woman the second he sees me. It would be like the second act of a fairy tale – like when the prince finally slides the shoe on Cinderella's foot.

"But seriously, what's Ryan going to think about all of this? You might have to work a little of your wifely magic to distract him for me."

"I will do whatever is necessary so you can get your man," Paisley laughs. "But, Ryan will get over it. He wants you to be happy and he knows Duke is a good guy."

I'm not as confident as her that it would be easy to convince my brother not to punch Duke in the face, but Duke has to want to date me in the first place for any of this to matter.

With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I agree. "Okay, let's do it. I'll come to the game."

The rest of the week passes in a blur. I try to focus on work and getting through each day, but thoughts of Duke creep in at the most inappropriate times. I just started a new job teaching high school math and teenage boys are terrible if they catch you not paying attention.

Finally, game day arrives. I wear a blue Tornadoes jersey that's worn and comfortable. It has my brother's name on the back and I have a quick daydream that maybe someday I'll be wearing Duke's last name across my back.

When Paisley picks me up, she and Tuesday are buzzing with energy, and I can't help but get swept up in their enthusiasm.

As we make our way to the arena, my nerves spike. What if he doesn't notice me? What if the connection I feel is one-sided? I know he's been thinking about his mystery girl, but what if it's just the idea he can't stop thinking about, not me?

We enter the arena, the comforting sounds of cheering fans and the smell of popcorn and hot dogs engulfing me. I catch sight of the players warming up on the ice, and my breath hitches as I search for Duke.

"There he is!" Paisley shouts, pointing toward the ice.

And there he is, skating effortlessly, his strong frame gliding across the rink. He's so confident and focused. My heart races as I watch him and remember what it felt like when all that focus was on me.

Paisley, Tuesday and I cheer as the players take the ice. My focus is completely on Duke as he takes command of the ice. The team is playing like a well-oiled machine. Every time Duke's stick touches the puck I feel a rush of adrenaline. He's fascinating on the ice, a whirlwind of skill and determination.

As the game nears its end, the score is tight, and the tension in the air is palpable. The Tornadoes are playing hard, and I can see the players' intensity and focus as they push forward. Growing up in a hockey family, I'm used to this kind of nail-biting game, but this one feels different.

Then, it happens, Duke steals the puck, weaving through their defenders with ease. My heart races as he approaches the goal. Time seems to slow as he takes the shot, the puck soars past the goalie and into the net. The whistle blows and the game is over.

The whole arena erupts and I jump to my feet, joining in celebration. My heart swells with excitement and pride for the whole team. I see my big brother waving toward us, smiling at his wife. Simon is waving at Paisley and she blows him a kiss. I wave at both of them, but then I feel the heat of his glance. Our eyes lock and time freezes, the noise around me fading to a distant hum.

Instantly, I feel a spark —a recognition of the connection we shared the night of the party. It's electric, and I can see the surprise in his eyes as he processes my presence. He looks confused. But as quick as the moment began, he's swept away by his teammates, caught up in the euphoria of his goal and their win.

"Let's go down to the tunnel!" Paisley exclaims, tugging at my arm. "We can congratulate the team."

As we make our way to the lower level, my pulse quickens. Will he remember? I take a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions stirring inside me.

This is the first time I've been to a game here at their hometown arena. I've been to away games but always left before the end because of school. I scan the crowd, my heart pounding, and then our eyes meet again.

Duke's gaze locks onto mine, and I feel the world around us fade away. He breaks into a grin, that same smile that's captivated me from afar for years. He begins to make his way toward me, but suddenly I can't do this. I turn and run.