Overview

Rio, sore from a game and anticipating a week-long road trip to Philadelphia and Boston, reflects on the past few weeks of carefully rebuilding closeness with Hallie without pressuring her. Hallie unexpectedly shows up at his house to work on the renovation, openly admiring him and laying out samples. They share light flirtation, gentle touches, and a quiet domestic ease, while Rio’s looming travel and free agency underscore uncertain future stakes. The chapter ends with Rio noticing Hallie has put music on in the house again, signaling her growing comfort and rekindled connection.

Full Summary

Rio soaked in his backyard hot tub to ease back pain from a hard hit during that day’s game, enjoying the winter contrast and the view toward Hallie’s window. He recapped the couple of weeks since New York: he had kept his promise not to push Hallie for a relationship, while staying present in her life—visiting her at the bar, driving her home, leaving her favorite latte with notes, and dropping by her design firm—finding calm in her presence as their old ease resurfaced.

With a team flight in a few hours to Philadelphia, followed by Boston, Rio headed inside to pack, thinking about performing well before potential free agency. He halted when he saw Hallie in his kitchen, openly appreciating his body as he returned from the hot tub. Their banter mixed apology for “breaking and entering” with Hallie’s teasing claim to a “free pass” to look, given their history.

Rio joined Hallie at the island where she had spread tile samples and cabinet hardware, explaining she wanted to view options in the space now that first-floor demolition was complete. As he touched the small of her back and drew circles there, Rio privately admitted he dreaded the renovation ending if it meant seeing her less, especially with her eventual move from Wren’s place and his own possible move to Boston.

Hallie thought he had already left; Rio explained the delayed team flight. When Hallie asked if he was excited to go home, Rio was briefly struck by the feeling that “home” was being there with her, though he answered that he looked forward to Boston and seeing his mother. Sensing the mention of his mom could dampen the mood, he quickly pivoted and invited Hallie to come upstairs while he packed; she declined, saying she was there to work, yet leaned into his touch when he tucked her hair behind her ear. He asked her not to leave without saying goodbye.

As Rio went upstairs, he noticed music playing throughout the house—music Hallie had put on. The detail struck him because, on her first day at the project, she had said she no longer did that. Recognizing the change, Rio smiled, reading it as a sign of her increasing comfort and the gradual reawakening of what they once shared.

Who Appears

• Rio — narrator; professional hockey player managing back pain, upcoming road trip to Philadelphia and Boston, and free agency hopes; continues steady, non-pressuring pursuit of Hallie; shares intimate, domestic moments with her.
• Hallie — designer and Rio’s former love; comes to work on his renovation with samples; openly admires Rio; reintroduces music into the house; shows warmth while maintaining boundaries.
• Rio’s mother — mentioned; Rio plans to see her in Boston.
• Construction crew — referenced; completed first-floor demolition (carpet removal, baseboards, tile).