Page 76 of Falling for the Orc All-Star

“His mid-twenties.”

“Ooh, that’s nice. Women live longer than men, so it really makes sense to find one a little younger, doesn’t it?”

“I guess. I don’t care about his name or his age. I just like him.” I walk back to my office, lunch from the hospital cafeteria swinging in my hand.

“Hm. What do you like about him? Besides the obvious. He’s gorgeous!”

“Mother! I... I love the way the dogs love him. I love the way he loves me. I love the way he was all closed up before he got hurt and had to come to physical therapy, like he had to be some caricature of perfection, the perfect boy for his grieving parents, the perfect athlete to get out of this little town and onto a major league team. And now... He just wants to be himself. He’s a great person. He helps a lot of people.”

“A handsome, young hockey star is in love with you, and he’s a Good Samaritan?"

I stop at the entrance to the annex where my office waits. “Yes. That’s why I like him. Aren’t those good reasons?”

“Oh, they are, yes. But... Well. What’s the catch? There’s got to be a reason he chose you.”

I bite my lip and count to ten.

“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded,” Mom says, voice agonized. “But you know what I mean. I... He doesn’t think you have money, does he?”

“No. I don’t think he thinks that. Mom, I have to go back to work. We’ll talk more later, and we’ll be there for Thanksgiving. What time?”

“Ooh. Um. Well, the rest of the family is coming at two; why don’t you come at ten?”

“Great. We’ll be there.”

“Wait a minute, wait a minute! You haven’t told me how long you’ve been dating, where his parents are, if they need an invitation...”

“Just this hockey season, his parents are in Scotland with most of his extended family, and they don’t need an invite. Thanks, Mom! Love you, bye!”

I hang up and march to my desk, and my phone rings again. “What!?” I demand, expecting to hear my mother’s voice.

“Uh. Hi. Do you want to go out with Bryce and his wife and get tacos before the game tonight? They said a new taco stand is opening up in the Night Market.”

“Ooh. Okay.”

“Dare I ask why you sound angry?”

“My mother asked what you see in me,” I paraphrase.

“Oh, gosh. You didn’t tell her all the dirty things I said to you, did you?” King demands. “She’ll smack me when I get to the front door!”

“No, no. I just... I don’t know why, either.”

“Then I’ll remind you. Sexy, smart, bold, confident, beautiful, cute, friendly, good with dogs, a body to die for...”

My mood brightens as King lists off the reasons he wants to be with me, and the fact that the list continues, getting comically specific, puts a smile on my face. “Can’t wait to see you tonight at the game. What are you doing today?”

“The team doc says they’ve consulted with Kev, and I can try a hinged knee brace in a couple of days if I pass a check tonight before practice, so I think I’m just going to take it easy. Do a little helping here and there.”

“Sounds good. And when... just out of curiosity, do they think you’re going to start putting weight on that thing?”

“Six weeks or so.”

“Oh, so mid-December?”

“No, sixweeks from the injury. Late November. They’re all amazed at how fast I’m healing.” His voice is low and cautious. “I think it’s Farrah’s balm and being in love. Plus, way more rest than I’ve ever gotten during the season before.”

I snicker and remember Halloween night. And the night after. And this morning... “Way more rest is debatable—and I’m surprisedIdon’t need crutches.”