Hannah looked at Shelley, a look of disbelief on her face. ‘Seriously, why couldn’t I have met you months ago?’ She winked. ‘My job would’ve been a whole lot easier.’

Chapter 57

HANNAH

The following week, Hannah regarded herself in the mirror and did a quick assessment. She had pulled her hair up into an elegant and understated chignon. Her make-up was evening-appropriate and subtle, with just a bit of sparkle in her lipstick and a tasteful smoky eye.

Aware that this time at the NHL awards, she was once again relegated to being very much behind the scenes (and happy about it) she’d opted for the Kate Spade, a cute dress in its own right, and low-key enough not to show up the red carpet showstoppers. Practically her uniform for black-tie events like this – perfectly suited for the occasion, but only to fade into the background.

The capacity in which she’d always been to Ward McKenzie, after all, a supporting role.

Her thoughts turned immediately to Shelley and how incredible she’d looked trying on the fuchsia Carolina Herrera gown and towering black patent Louboutin slingbacks she’d chosen at Bergdorf’s when they’d moved across the road to the women’s store. A show-stopper that hugged her incredible curves, made to be photographed. True leading lady material.

She and Ward would look perfect together in front of the cameras tonight.

And this was what Hannah wanted, after all, the culmination of everything they had worked for. A glitzy professional event ahead of a glorious return to the squad, presenting an award to a teammate and looking the picture of health, knee fully healed. And even better, his first official public outing with the stunning lady in his life by his side, both sparkling in front of the cameras.

So why did it all feel so … flat?

Vowing not to think about it for fear that her psyche would take her places she truly had no business going, Hannah squared her shoulders, exited the bedroom and headed toward the kitchen, whereupon she had left her phone and a utilitarian crossbody bag. Plus a collection of one-sheets on Ward’s confirmed return to the team for handing out to the press.

A car was arriving shortly to take her to the venue, a gorgeous event space one hundred stories above twinkling Manhattan in one of the Hudson Yards skyscrapers.

Ward and Shelley would be arriving later, in just enough time to walk the carpet and talk to the press on the ground level with other celebrity attendees before heading straight up to the event. Whereas Hannah’s evening needed to start considerably earlier in the media tent.

Her phone pinged on cue, signalling the arrival of her ride, and that she needed to scoot. Taking a deep breath and steeling herself for the evening, she headed for the door, only to be met with a last-minute snafu.

Another note.