[Clearing the Ice 01.0] This Piece of My Heart Read online

  CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Copyright Info Page

  Untitled Document

  Untitled Document

  Dedication

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-One

  Twenty-Two

  Twenty-Three

  Twenty-Four

  Twenty-Five

  Twenty-Six

  Twenty-Seven

  Twenty-Eight

  Twenty-Nine

  Thirty

  Thirty-One

  Thirty-Two

  Thirty-Three

  Thirty-Four

  Thirty-Five

  Thirty-Six

  Thirty-Seven

  Thirty-Eight

  Thirty-Nine

  This Piece of My Being

  This Piece of My Soul

  About the Author

  THIS PIECE OF MY HEART

  Robyn M. Ryan

  This Piece of My Heart is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Any products named are trademarks of their respective companies and are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Except as permitted by US Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, downloaded, printed, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database, or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author. All rights reserved.

  Excerpt from This Piece of My Soul by Robyn M. Ryan Copyright © 2018 Robyn M. Ryan All rights reserved.

  Cover Photo: ©iStock/AngiePhoto

  This book contains an excerpt from This Piece of My Soul by Robyn M. Ryan. This excerpt has been prepared for this edition only and may not reflected the final product.

  Cover design by Karla Fouts

  Editors: Mary Callaghan, francy Dickinson, Rachelle Reese

  Copyright © 2018 Robyn M. Ryan

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9973788-0-1 (e-pub)

  978-0-9973788-2-5 (Kindle)

  978-0-9973788-1-8 (paperback)

  She wasn’t looking for love.

  Struggling to live up to the high expectations of overprotective parents and a hefty family name, Caryn Stevens only wants one Summer of Fun before she focuses on finishing her college degree. She knows her destiny—to lead her dad’s multi-million dollar business. But that plan changes forever one day when she runs into—literally—sexy and single professional hockey player, Andrew Chadwick.

  But love came looking for her.

  Sparks instantly fly between the two, and Caryn can’t resist his charms as she discovers that Andrew has a reputation for winning—both on and off the ice. One of the most eligible singles in Toronto, Andrew could have any woman he wants, and he’s got Caryn in his sights. But, when Caryn’s parents disapprove of the match and threaten to disinherit her, and his hockey team trades him to a new city, it may take more than love for the couple to survive this penalty play.

  Praise for This Piece of My Heart

  "This Piece of My Heart delivers a sweet love story that still sizzles -- a must-read for anyone looking for the perfect happily-ever-after.”

  —Cara Lockwood, USA Today bestselling author of "I Do (But I Don't).”

  “This Piece of My Heart is a light-hearted sports romance novel I had the opportunity to beta read. If you like hockey and romance, you will love this book.”

  —Rachelle Reese, Amazon bestselling author of “Dime Store Novels.”

  “This Piece of My Heart pulled me in and informed me at the same time. I know very little about sports and this was a fun background theme to explore. I also admire the building of the main characters as the story progresses. I felt I knew the couple and was pleasantly surprised how they overcame challenges. This first-time author gave us a well-edited and smooth read. It was a fresh air romance. I look forward to the next good read!”

  —francy Dickinson, author of “Crescent Island Mysteries

  Dedication

  This Piece of My Heart

  is dedicated to the village every author needs:

  My husband and soulmate for his unconditional support and

  making it possible to chase this dream;

  WritersThatChat, whose encouragement and

  tough love never allow the dream to stagnate;

  Karla Fouts, for sharing her amazing creative talent to

  create the visual images and website that depict the dream;

  Cara Lockwood, for the guidance and wisdom

  she generously provided as the wonderful editor

  who goes way above and beyond;

  The brave, supportive, and honest beta readers

  Mary Callaghan, francy Dickinson, and Rachelle Reese

  for always sharing your candid thoughts.

  All y’all enabled this dream to become reality.

  Merci toujours!

  ONE

  In what universe did enrolling in summer school sound like a good idea? Stuck in a stuffy university classroom on this beautiful summer morning in Toronto, Caryn Stevens tried to force her brain to concentrate on the wonders of statistical analysis. Only the third week of the semester and already she knew she was in over her head. Who cares about differential or descriptive statistics? Mode, median, and mean were bad enough, but range, absolute deviation, variance, standard deviation? Outliers? Outdoors beckoned, promising opportunities for enjoyable summer activities. She glanced at the clock and then refocused on the professor’s words. She looked down at her notes and pretended to follow the lecture.

  Only ten more minutes…She’d make a quick stop at the small market nearby before heading home. Maybe she’d see that guy running again? A smile crossed her face as she visualized his tall, muscular frame, the shaggy light brown hair, taut muscles of his legs—gym shorts had to be a gift from God—and completely oblivious to her. Those earbuds must provide some hypnotic beat. After two years, how could she not have crossed his path on campus? No way she wouldn’t have noticed. Maybe he’d just transferred over from one of the other Toronto area campuses?

  On autopilot, she closed her textbook as the class ended, shoving it and her iPad into her backpack. Freedom beckoned.

  “Ms. Stevens, a moment please.” Professor Miller’s voice stopped her.

  She stood aside, allowing the other students to pass, and then approached his desk.

  “I wanted to discuss last week’s test. You seem to be struggling with the material.”

  “It’s that obvious?” Caryn flashed a smile, her stomach churning inwardly.

  Miller nodded, handing her the test paper. “Before you get too far behind, let’s see if we can get you a peer tutor. Or, if you prefer, you can schedule time with me before class.”

  Caryn looked at the page, the score sucking the sunshine from her mind. “I didn’t think I was this clueless. I’ve never had much luck with statistics.”

  Miller perched on the edge of his desk. “Required course for your major?”

  “A friend suggested I take it in the summer—it was suppos
ed to be easier.”

  Miller laughed. “Many students believe that. But, you need to master the same material in a shorter time period.” He paused, studying her face. “If you want to wait to take it this fall, you can withdraw with no penalty to your GPA.”

  Caryn thought for a moment. Dropping that course was tempting. More free time. Summer free time. But adding it to an already full fall schedule crushed the temptation. “I don’t think that will work—my schedule’s laid out for the next two years. Last thing I need is to take this course along with a full schedule. I’ll get through this. Thank you for the offer.”

  He handed another sheet of paper to her. “These students are on campus this summer. I’ve taught them, so they’re familiar with this class.”

  Caryn folded and tucked both into her pocket. “Thanks, I know what I’ll work on the rest of the day.”

  Her appetite gone, Caryn considered heading straight home, but she’d regret it later. She stopped by the grocery to pick up a boxed lunch salad, some fruit and vegetables, impulsively adding a selection of energy bars near check out.

  “You want this in one bag?” The clerk knew her preference, but looked dubiously at the amount of groceries.

  “I did go overboard, didn’t I? I can handle two. Of course, I forgot my cloth bag again.” She paid, then stepped to the side to pick up her backpack before accepting the grocery bags.

  “You okay with these?”

  Caryn laughed at the skepticism in his voice. “It’s not far—I’ll be fine. Thanks. See you tomorrow.”

  Halfway across campus, she began to doubt her confidence. She shrugged the backpack toward the other shoulder and shifted the grocery bags. Her father’s ring tone blared in her pocket. “Shit,” Caryn whispered, as she briefly considered not answering. Her dad was the ultimate task manager. He never called to say a friendly hello. But then, the man hadn’t built a self-made fortune with chitchat.

  Instead, she jammed both bags into one arm while she dug the phone from her pocket. “Dad, what’s up?”

  “Have a few minutes between meetings—how are your classes going?”

  “Off to a good start. Summer semester is definitely worth it.” She cringed at the lie, glad they weren’t on Skype.

  “How is your statistical analysis course?”

  “My favorite.”

  “You getting a tutor?”

  “Why would you think I need a tutor, Dad?”

  “I remember your last encounter with statistics.”

  Ouch—of course he’d remember. “I guess that between my tutor and you, it sunk in. This time it’s much easier.” Caryn said a silent prayer her voice disguised the second lie.

  “You know you need the strong GPA…”

  “…to get into grad school,” she finished with a light laugh. “I know the drill.”

  She heard him sigh. “Not any grad school. We’re talking NYU, Stanford…”

  “Dad, have I ever let you down?”

  “This is your first summer semester. There are lots of distractions.”

  Caryn’s laugh was curt. “It’s hard to find time for distractions, Dad. Don’t worry. I’m on my way home now to conquer my statistics assignment. I’m completely focused.” She balanced the phone on her shoulder as she shifted the grocery bags. “I’ve got to go now. I’m overloaded with books and groceries. Give Mom a hug for me.”

  “Remember, we’re visiting the plant in Taiwan next week. If you need anything…”

  “I’ll get in touch with Lisa. I’m good, Dad. Have a safe trip.”

  A frown creased her forehead as she rearranged her load. Thank God they’re going out of the country. Somehow I’ll pull this off. She turned, her eyes on the ground and as she took a step, she collided with someone, something—maybe she’d walked into a tree. The impact knocked the grocery bags from her arms and sent her sprawling to the ground. Stunned, Caryn struggled to sit up as her backpack wrestled with her balance. Her vision blurred, she vaguely felt someone lifting the bag from her shoulder and helping her to a sitting position.

  “Are you all right?” A voice eventually pierced her dulled senses, and she looked up, drawn into a swirling brilliant blue whirlpool she could not escape. “You okay?” the deep voice repeated.

  She closed her eyes to clear her mind, and when she reopened them realized she had been staring into a man’s eyes. The runner’s eyes. “Oh, it’s you,” she said.

  “Sorry?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know…thought I’d run into a tree or something.” She moved to stand, but he touched her shoulder to keep her seated.

  “Give it a minute and catch your breath. I’m sorry—I didn’t even see you.” He dropped to the grass beside her.

  “I wasn’t paying attention. I was thinking about a test. Then, I ran into a brick wall.”

  “No, somebody not paying attention.”

  She glanced toward him, seeing the iPod strapped to his arm. “You must have a great playlist.”

  “Sometimes I get into a zone. I’ll stick to the path next time.”

  “Don’t change on my account. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

  “In your own zone?”

  She laughed. “Walking while talking on the phone. Obviously can’t do both at once.” She snuck a look at him. This close, he looked even better than she’d imagined. His legs—and it looked like the rest of him—really did have rock-hard muscles. His hair—not as long as she’d thought—dampened with perspiration and his face reddened from exertion only added to his athletic good looks. And she sure hadn’t known about those blue eyes…or the way they’d make her stomach flip-flop. Definitely all man, definitely different from other students.

  He looked at the salad, vegetables, fruit, and energy bars strewn across the lawn. “Lunch?”

  “Lunch, dinner. Breakfast tomorrow.”

  He reached for two of the energy bars and handed one to her. “Looks like these came through unscathed.” He locked his eyes on hers. “Do I know you?”

  “I don’t think so.” Caryn focused on opening the bar she held. “Why?”

  “You said, ‘Oh, it’s you,’ like you did.”

  “I didn’t know what I was saying.” She glanced at him and his skeptical smile told her he wasn’t buying her explanation. “I’ve seen you running a few times. Your schedule must be the same as mine.”

  He leaned back on his elbow as he took a bite of his bar. “And I haven’t seen you, why?”

  “Guess you’ve been in that zone.” She teased him with a smile. “Or maybe I’m invisible.”

  “Hardly.” She could feel his eyes on her, taking in her jeans and disheveled state. Self-consciously, she smoothed her hair and straightened her shirt. “If I were in my right mind, there’s no way I’d miss you.” He smiled, and she felt a warm flush creep up her cheeks. “You sure you’re okay?”

  She nodded, shaking the hair away from her face, her hand brushing against her forehead. He saw the reddened skin and without thinking reached to touch her forehead, frowning as he felt the swelling. “Must have gotten you with an elbow.”

  “Or your iPod.” She nodded toward his arm. “Maybe you are as hard as a brick wall.”

  He laughed. “Headache?”

  “A little.”

  “We should get it checked out.”

  “I’m fine.” She started to push herself to her feet, and he grasped her arm to help. He watched as she took a deep breath, his hand supporting her as she gingerly took a few steps. “See? Nothing broken.”

  “I’d feel better if we'd get a doctor to look at your head.”

  “It’ll take forever. You know how it gets at the student health services.” She rolled her eyes at the thought. “I have better things to do with my afternoon.”

  “You could have a concussion.”

  She shook her head as she reached to pick up a paper grocery bag. “I’m fine. No blurred vision, no flashing lights, just a little headache,” she said. “And that's bec
ause all I’ve had to eat today is this bar.”

  He took the bag from her and collected the remaining bars and fruit. “There’s not much else worth saving.” She nodded toward the remnants of her salad scattered around them. He followed her gaze and laughed. He looked at the bag he held and shrugged.

  “How about if I replace it?”

  She started to reply, but felt herself hypnotized once again by those blue eyes. She shook her head as she looked away. “There’s no need. I didn’t have that much.”

  He handed the energy bars to her. “So you don’t starve. I’ll clean up the mess I made.” He scooped the salad remnants and produce into the bags, then placed everything into a nearby trash container.

  She tucked the bars into her backpack, but he stepped to her side and picked it up, slipping it on his shoulder. “What do you have in there, bricks?”

  “My marketing and statistics texts. I can carry it.”

  “No, I insist,” he replied. “Least I can do.”

  “Don’t let me interrupt your run any more than I have already.”

  “I was about done for the day. Next time I’ll stick to the park. I can get my car and give you a lift home.”

  “It's just a couple blocks.” She pointed toward the row of townhouses at the edge of the campus. “You don’t need to go out of your way.”

  He pushed the damp hair off his forehead and nodded toward the street. “I don’t live too far from here, either. Just up the street from you.”

  She looked up at him as he fell in step beside her. “By the way, I’m Caryn.”

  “Andrew. In school this summer?”