Chasing the puck

Chapter Three

Sarah sat at her desk, staring at her notes. She had typed a few paragraphs for the feature, but her thoughts kept circling back to Tyler. Every time she tried to focus on the facts, memories of their conversations clouded her judgment. She hated this feeling—this uncertainty. She had always been good at keeping things professional, but Tyler Kane was making it difficult.

It wasn’t just the charm or the ease with which he handled the media. There was something deeper. That moment at the café when he let his guard down and spoke about his father’s expectations—it lingered in her mind. It wasn’t supposed to.

Sarah rubbed her temples, frustrated with herself. This was exactly what she’d been trying to avoid. She couldn’t afford to let her emotions complicate things. Not now, not ever.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. Summer.

“Tell me you’re coming out tonight,” Summer’s voice rang through the phone. “You’ve been locked in that apartment too long.”

“I’m working,” Sarah replied, though her mind was far from focused. “Trying to get this feature on Tyler Kane finished.”

“Oh, Tyler Kane,” Summer teased. “What a tough assignment. I bet he’s just a chore to deal with.” Her voice was laced with sarcasm. “How’s that going, by the way? You still managing to keep it all business?”

Sarah sighed. “That’s the problem. He’s different. I’m having a hard time keeping the lines clear.”

“Ahh, the lines.” Summer chuckled. “Those pesky lines between work and… whatever else is happening.”

“It’s just… I didn’t expect him to be like this. He’s—” Sarah hesitated, not sure how to articulate the knot of feelings building in her chest. “He’s complicated. There’s more to him than I thought.”

“Well, if you’re struggling to keep things professional, maybe that’s a sign to loosen up. Go with it, see where things lead. You don’t have to be all work, all the time.”

“You know I can’t do that,” Sarah muttered, though a small part of her wished she could. “It’s not that simple.”

The next day, Sarah headed to her favorite local café, hoping the change of scenery would help her refocus. She ordered her usual and found a quiet corner to work. But as soon as she opened her laptop, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Sarah?”

She looked up to see Tyler standing near her table, a grin spreading across his face. He wore a casual jacket and jeans, and the sight of him out of his usual hockey gear made him seem more… real.

“You stalking me now?” she teased, though the flutter in her chest betrayed the playful tone.

Tyler laughed, shaking his head. “I could ask you the same thing. This is my usual spot.”

He motioned to the empty seat across from her, and Sarah hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Fine. But I’m working. Don’t distract me.”

“Me? Distract you?” Tyler sat down, his grin widening. “I’d never dream of it.”

They talked, but the conversation was far from work-related. Tyler asked about her life outside of journalism, and Sarah found herself opening up in a way she hadn’t expected. She told him about her family, her love of traveling, and how she had always been drawn to storytelling. Tyler listened intently, his gaze never leaving hers.

“You’re all business,” Tyler said after a moment, his voice soft but teasing. “Do you ever just… do something for yourself?”

Sarah blinked, surprised by the question. “I… don’t really think about it. Work keeps me busy.”