Melting Hearts (Loving the Soun - Kat Obie Page 0,3

dinner at my place and maybe throwing on a movie in the background. I just wanted to hang out one more time before you leave me behind again."

A grin broke out on his face. She’d picked the right plans for tonight. Of course, he threw out, "Hey, just let me know. It would be fun to have my best friend with me."

"I can't just up and leave." She protested his invitations to visit every single time he offered to fly her across the country. She didn’t want to take advantage of his generosity.

"Why not? What's keeping you here?"

"Family, school, and well, everything. We aren't all like you and willing to give up everything for a dream." She chided herself. That was harsh. She knew it wasn't easy for him either. He’d nearly lost his inheritance when he decided to follow his NHL dreams.

His hand covered hers that was resting on the arm rest, completely engulfing it. He gave it a gentle squeeze. "Maddy, a trip to Cleveland wouldn't mean giving up those things. I’m talking about a visit, not to come and live there. You have to admit, it would be so much fun to have you hang out with my hockey family."

"Okay. I'll think about it."

Once they were at her apartment, he carried the two books inside for her. He always tried to be gallant but in a very quiet way. He would carry a book or bag inside and open doors. If he could get away with it, he would pull a chair out for a woman.

Once they got inside, she asked, "So, what's with getting hounded? Is it more than the normal stuff?"

He folded his arms and looked down. He thought for a moment and then walked over to her fridge. He would always drink when he was nervous. But if he was grabbing a beer, he was more likely to tell her what he’d been avoiding all summer long.

She asked, "Get me one too?"

He nodded and grabbed two bottles. He opened them and handed her one. He took a swig and said, "A legacy from my ex."

That was too vague. "So, things are worse now?" He nodded but was still deadly quiet. She had to probe a bit if she wanted to know more. "Are your worlds colliding?"

He nodded again. That would do it. He loved how he was fairly anonymous playing hockey. Peterson was a common name, and few people cared enough to know which twin made it into the NHL. Around here, everyone knew that he was Aaron Peterson, the heir to the Peterson fortune. It was also slightly problematic that his father had bought the Vancouver Legacy, the local NHL club, the moment his sons showed some promise in the sport. While both Petey and Lucas loved hockey, only one of them made it to the NHL.

"She told the bunny boards that I was loaded and I was looking for some fun."

That was the most preposterous thing ever. He wasn't easy. He was a good man. The guy willing to help out anyone. Like making sure she could read each and every book that she ever wanted from the family library. He’d dated Aubrey for years, never even looked at another girl, even when they were on a break. He was loyal.

If it was his twin, it might have made sense. They were like night and day, despite looking identical. Lucas was such a playboy. New girl every night to a different event. Nor did he ever care if people knew he was loaded.

"So, the girls want you more than ever."

He nodded. He took another swig of his beer. "To make it worse, she also gave out my cell number earlier today. So tomorrow I have to get a new phone number."

She shook her head in disapproval, but that explained why she couldn’t reach him earlier today. She’d showed up at his house in the hopes that he was available. "That's insane."

"Completely. I just don't get her end game on this one."

She couldn’t blame Petey for being confused. It seemed a bit of a contradictory move if the girl wanted to get back together with him. However, Petey had made it clear that this time it was really over. She shrugged. "I hate to say it. Make your life miserable."

3

Petey

Pulling up to Lager's house felt weird. It had been his home for the last three years. Last year was a bit rough because Lager and his soon to be ex-wife were fighting so