Another text appeared immediately. Different number. How was he pulling this off?
Unknown:Blocking me won't help, Rachel. I told you that already. I'm trying to protect you. Word gets around the league fast, agents talk. Everyone is buzzing about the contract Mac turned down last week. Providence offered him $150k more per year, and he said no because of you. Ask him about it. How long before he resents you for limiting his potential? We should talk. Coffee?
Rachel stared at the screen, her heart pounding. He’s lying. Or had Mac actually turned down a contract? When? Why hadn't he told her if so?
She blocked this number too, but her hands were shaking.
Mr. Darcy meowed impatiently, reminding her that his food bowl was still empty and this was unacceptable.
"Right. Sorry. Food."
She finished preparing his breakfast, her mind spinning. Her phone rang.
Her mother. Again.
Rachel took a deep breath and answered. "Hi, Mom."
"Finally! Rachel, I've been calling you for two days! Your sister showed me Facebook posts about some man named Derek causing problems at a wedding. Is that the same guy from home? Brad’s friend? And everyone's talking about you and this Ryan MacKenzie person—"
"Mom, I can't talk about this right now—"
"You absolutelycantalk about this right now. Rachel Morrison, I thought you'd be more careful. Another hockey player? Really?"
"Mac is nothing like Brad."
"You said Brad was great, until he broke it off at the engagement party!" Her mother's voice rose. "And now there's this Derek person causing problems? It sounds like drama, Rachel. It sounds like you're repeating the exact same mistakes—"
"I'm not! Mac is different! We're different!"
"I hope so, sweetheart. But your sister and I are coming next weekend. We need to meet this person you’re involved with." Her mother's voice softened slightly but remained firm. "You deserve someone who won't throw you away when something better comes along."
“I”m moving next weekend, you can’t—”
“We will help you move!”
"I have to go, Mom. I'm late for work."
"We're not done discussing this—"
"I'll call you later. Bye."
Rachel hung up before her mother could respond, her hands shaking.
Another hockey player, Rachel?
And oh God, her mother and Leah were coming this weekend. The same weekend she was moving in with Mac. The same Mac her mother was already skeptical about.
Rachel hadn't told her yet. Hadn't found the right time to casually mention,"Hey Mom, I know you're worried I'm repeating past mistakes, but I'm moving in with the hockey player you haven't properly met yet."
Well. Her mother would find out soon enough.
The apartment door opened, and Mac walked in carrying a bag from the bakery and wearing a grin that could light up the entire town.
"Good morning!" Mac announced with the enthusiasm of a golden retriever who'd just discovered tennis balls exist. "I brought breakfast! And coffee! Well, I brought things that will become coffee once we figure out your French press situation. Again."
Rachel blinked at him. "You went to the bakery?"
"I woke up at five-thirty and couldn't fall back asleep. Too excited about this weekend. Saturday to be exact." Mac started unpacking the bag on the counter. "So I went for a run, waited outside the bakery like a crazy person until they opened at six, and now I'm here with fresh pastries because I'm an excellent boyfriend."
