The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 72

Chapter 72

He turned toward me, his hazel eyes bright with a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. “Evie!” he greeted, his voice warm and genuine. As he neared, his broad shoulders seemed to fill the space between us. “I can’t believe you cto watch,” he added, his tone laced with appreciation.

“Of course, | wouldn’t miss it,” | replied, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. “You were amazing out there.” Timothy's cheeks tinted with a faint blush, and he rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanks, Evie. It means a lot.”

As the crowd around us began to thin out, | caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye. Aria and Lucas were making their way toward us, their smiles wide and their steps purposeful. | felt a rush of warmth at the sight of them, knowing that they were here to share in this moment of celebration.

“Looks like we’ve got scompany,” | teased, nodding in the direction of Aria and Lucas. Timothy turned to see Aria and Lucas approaching, his smile growing even brighter. “Hey, they're here to join the victory party,” he remarked, his tone. light and playful.

Aria’s eyes sparkled as she reached us, her excitement palpable. “Timothy, that was an incredible game!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

“Thanks, Aria,” he replied, his appreciation evident. “It means a lot that you cto watch.” Lucas, ever the laid—back one, chimed in with a grin. “Yeah, | have to admit, I’m pretty impressed.”

Timothy laughed, a genuine sound that carried a hint of relief. “Well, I’m glad | could live up to your expectations.”

As the pleasantries continued, | couldn’t help but notice the subtle glance exchanged between Aria and Lucas. It was a look that spoke volumes, a silent understanding passing between them. | knew them well enough to recognize that they were giving us a moment, subtly excusing themselves from the conversation.

Aria, always the perceptive one, spoke up. “We’re going to go check out the merchandise up front. Lucas, chelpfind sstuff.”

Lucas nodded in agreement. “Right. We'll meet back up with you two, later.” 1/4

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Chapter 72

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| exchanged a knowing look with Aria, gratitude and warmth passing between us. “Thank you,” | mouthed, touched by their consideration.

Aria winked atplayfully, mouthing back, “Anytime.”

As Aria and Lucas made their way back toward the arena, | turned my back to Timothy. attention

wwere

“Looks like it’s just us,” he remarked, his voice softer now that alone.

| nodded, my heart beating a little faster. “Yeah, it seems that way.”

Timothy's gaze held mine, the intensity in his eyes sending a rush of warmth through me. “You know, | was hoping we’d have a chance to talk,” he admitted, his

tone sincere. | felt a flutter of anticipation, my curiosity piqued. “About what?”

He looked thoughiful for a moment before an idea seemed to spark in his eyes. “How about we take a walk, together? There’s a little park nearby. It's quieter there.”

| smiled, the idea of a peaceful walk sounding appealing. “Sure, that sounds nice.”

We fell into step together, the distance between us closing naturally. The soft glow of the stadium lights as they faded in the distance bathed us in a warm ambiance.

Eventually, we arrived at a small park, the twinkling lights casting a warm glow over the area. We walked toward a set of swings, and Timothy motioned forto join him.

“Care for a swing?” he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

The idea caughtoff guard, but there was a playful glint in his eyes that | couldn’t resist. With a chuckle, | nodded and followed him to the swings.

“Isn't this refreshing?” Timothy called out over the sound of the wind, his voice laced with genuine delight.

| nodded, the exhilaration of the moment coursing through me. “Definitely. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a swing.” As we swung back and forth, the distance between us seemed to fade.

As our swings slowed, Timothy turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine. His gaze

2/4

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Chapter 72

held a warmth that felt like a comforting embrace. “Evie, | have to tell you. something.”

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The serious tone in his voice caused a flutter of unease in my chest. | leaned forward, my curiosity piqued. “What is it, Timothy?” He took a deep breath, his fingers gripping the chains of the swing. “You mean a lot to me. More than you know.”

His words hung in the air, the weight of their meaning settling in my heart. My mind raced

with a whirlwind of emotions—surprise, gratitude, and a hint of vulnerability. Timothy’s confession was unexpected, and | struggled to find the right words to respond.

“|... | don’t know what to say,” | admitted, my voice a soft whisper. Timothy's gaze held mine, unwavering and sincere. “You don’t have to say anything. | just wanted you to know.”

The sincerity in his words tugged at something deep within me. It was almost frightening how he could be so open and forthright, unafraid to share his thoughts and feelings. And now, he had bared a piece of his heart to me, leavingboth touched and conflicted.

My heart pounded in my chest, the magnitude of the moment sinking in. | had cto care for Timothy deeply, a truth | couldn’t deny. But with that care ca wariness—a fear of opening myself up to the possibility of getting hurt.

“Timothy,” | began, my voice shaky. “I appreciate your honesty. But this... it’s all so much, and | don’t know how to process it.”

He nodded understandingly, his expression a mix of empathy and patience. “I understand. | didn’t mean to overwhelm you.”

The swing cto a gentle stop, and | let my feet touch the ground, my gaze fixed on the grass beneath my shoes. | took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

Timothy reached out, his hand lightly brushing against mine. “Evie, | would never want to hurt you. At least...not again.” Head Top Metal Stamping? Get 10% Discount (Start Now) A

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