All Chapters of The Hockey Star And The Widow He Shouldn't Love: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

ANNBefore I could say anything, the rain started.Soft at first, then a little bit harsh.I looked up, letting the drops fall freely on my face, soaking through my clothes. I didn’t move.I missed this.The simple feeling of rain against my skin.Without thinking, I grabbed Duke’s hand and pulled him along, laughing as I ran into the open.I hadn’t done this in years.Running in the rain, spinning, laughing without fear.I remembered how I used to do this as a child, and how my father would chase after me, worried I would catch a cold.I cupped my hands, letting the rain fill them, then splashed it toward Duke before running off again.He started running to catch up with me. I ran toward the cabin, my feet slipping slightly as I dashed forward, but I hit something, and before I could fall, his hands were there, holding my waist.His wet hair dripped onto my skin, his face close to mine. I opened my lips and allowed his to swallow mine. The kiss didn’t feel rushed; it was slow and del

ANNI broke away from the kiss so fast my chest hurt. My whole body was shaking.I turned and saw Luna standing there.A small, knowing smile on her face.“I’m sorry, sir,” she said calmly. “I came to let her know dinner is ready. I’ll leave now.”“Okay,” Duke replied. “She’ll be out shortly.”I couldn’t even speak.What if that had been Lisa? Everything would have exploded.“You should see your face right now,” Duke murmured, amused. “Leave your door unlocked. I’ll sneak in later.”He winked.Then walked out as if nothing had happened.I stood there, completely lost.What is happening to me?What is this?I stepped out of my room quickly and caught up with Luna before she disappeared.“Wait,” I said, grabbing her hand gently and pulling her back into my room.I shut the door behind us.“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I didn’t mean to drag you like that. What you saw earlier, it was a mistake. It shouldn’t have happened. Please, no one should know.”She didn’t look shocked.She just sm

ANNI have lost count of how many times Duke has kissed my hands while driving.And I love it, every single time.It feels soft, intentional, like he is reminding me that I am there, that I matter, that this is real.I leaned my head slightly against the seat, stealing glances at him while he drove. I was looking forward to the surprise.With Duke, everything looks new waiting to unfold.He had become the therapy I never knew I needed. I was opening up faster than I expected, shedding parts of myself I thought were gone forever. The part of me that laughed, that played, that dreamed without fear.We finally pulled up in front of a beautiful apartment.The place had clean lines and tall glass windows, the kind of place that spoke of wealth without trying too hard.It smelled like money.I stepped out slowly, taking everything in, waiting for him to open the door.Instead, he brought out a blindfold.“I am sorry, my love,” he said, smiling. “But this will make it more fun.”He raised hi

ANNI almost forgot I wasn’t alone.“Yes, I’m fine,” I said quickly.“You suddenly look sad,” Harry said, studying my face.I forced a smile.Even though my chest still felt tight.Even though all I wanted was to go home, lie down, and hide my face in a pillow.“I’m good,” I said. “I just missed the game.”I raised the glass and took a longer sip than I should have.“Can I ask you something?” I said suddenly.“Go ahead,” he replied, calmly serving food onto my plate.“Would you date an older woman?” I asked. “Like eight to ten years difference.”He paused, then smirked.Harry had this way of looking at people, slightly lowering his eyes, studying them like he could see past whatever they were trying to hide. It made me uneasy.Not in a bad way.But not entirely comfortable either.“I don’t really think age matters,” he said. “But if I’m being honest, most men care. They want someone younger. Someone easier to show off without question.”He shrugged lightly.“But personally? I don’t th

ANN“Don’t worry, Duke,” I said calmly. “I’ll finish the project we have. I’m sure Coach won’t disturb me.”I said it mostly to ease the tension he had just created.He had been too firm.If he kept going like that, everything would fall apart, and I was not ready for that.“I’ll take her to the room,” Louis said.The room was a very spacious suite. “You know,” Louis started, leaning against the edge of the bed, “I wish all of this were real again. You being my girlfriend like before.”I closed my eyes briefly. This is what I don’t want.“What would it take to win you back, Ann?” he continued. “I know time has passed. I know things have changed. But my heart, it hasn’t.”I stayed quiet.“I’ve been in relationships,” he added. “But nothing stayed. I couldn’t love any of them.”My body felt heavy and tired. All I wanted was a shower and sleep.Not a confession I didn’t ask for. I forced a small smile.“Can we talk about this later?” I said gently. “I’m really tired.”He studied me for