Page 12 of A Match Made In Fall

“Oh, so you’re saying you don’t want your own Carolina Bears T-shirt?” I ask, holding one up. “They are one hundred percent cotton. Very fancy.”

Her eyes narrow playfully. “Well, when you put it that way, I guess I need one.”

I smile as I sign the shirt for her, carefully writing my name across the front. For a second, I consider adding my phone number but that might be too much.

“Here you go,” I say, handing it over. “Hang on to it. Someday it might be worth something.”

She hugs the shirt to her chest and raises an eyebrow. “Wow. A free souvenir and investment advice? Thank you very much.”

I grin.

“Do you guys do this festival every year?” she asks.

I nod. “Yep. The Bears organization sponsors a lot of local events. This is one of our favorite ways to give back to the community. The fans support us all year long, so showing up for things like this matters.”

Her expression softens. “That’s amazing. Our team at Ballroom Dance America is getting more involved with the community too,” she says. “We’re all pretty passionate about giving back however we can.”

“So Ballroom Dance America, is that like the show where celebrities dance for a trophy?”

Isabella laughs, and for a second the noise of the festival fades into the background.

“We don’t dance with celebrities, but it is a competition show.”

“Reality TV, right?”

She nods. “Yep.”

“I’m not much of a TV guy, unless it’s sports, but I’ll have to check it out,” I tell her. “I’ve never watched a dance show.”

She grins. “Well you’re missing out. There’s lots of a good drama, but not as much fighting as there is in hockey.”

“Oh bummer.”

A few guys approach the table, and I really wish they would keep moving so I could continue my conversation.

“Thanks for the shirt,” she says, noticing them. “I’ll let you get back to work.”

“You’re welcome. And congrats on retiring the crutches.”

She joins Abby and Eloise, and I instantly want her to come back.

Hmm…well this is new. I confidently admit that I have a crush on the new girl in town.

CHAPTER FIVE

ISABELLA

Confession: I think I have a crush on a hockey player. And I have an autographed shirt from him that I’m not giving to anyone, despite what I told Austin earlier.

I still wish we could’ve talked longer. But the second a line of fans started forming nearby, I knew I had to move along so Austin could do his job. Which was the right thing to do because the Bears are a big deal around here. Still, I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed when I had to abandon our conversation.

I follow Abby and Eloise to grab the apple cider donuts everyone has been raving about. I’m so grateful they invited me to tag along with them after seeing me with my family this morning.

As much as I love my family, I was reaching my limit on stopping every ten feet so my mom and Sammy could reposition Jude in his little wagon for another photo op. Add Dane was in full annoying-brother form, so I gladly joined the ladies for a fun day.

The line for the donuts wraps around the corner, and apparently, they are worth the wait of a Disney World line.

“So, Isabella,” Eloise says casually. “I saw Austin chatting you up earlier. What are your thoughts on hockey players?”