Romancing the Grump (Appies, #4)

by Jenny Proctor

“How long have you known Logan?” I ask as we continue down the hallway. “Known him? Practically forever. He was my brother’s best friend when we were growing up.” Parker smiles, and I can practically see heart-eye emojis forming over her head. “But the relationship part is still relatively new.” I think back over the player roster I was studying just before lunch. “He came to the Appies from the NHL, right?” She nods. “He played for the Hurricanes, then came here after recovering from an injury. But his contract with the NHL means he’ll likely go back, no matter how much I’d like him to stay here forever.” “Is that how it is for most of the players? They could get called up to the NHL?” “Less so for the Appies than for most minor league teams,” Parker says. “Most teams function as a sort of developmental team for their NHL affiliate, but the Appies have turned into their own sort of thing.” “Thanks to your efforts, I hear. I’ve never been a crazy big hockey fan, but I still watched your TikToks even before getting this job. You’ve done some really great stuff.” She smiles. “Thanks. We have a lot of fun. Many of the guys play here without any intention of ever leaving. Felix, for example. He could have played in the NHL but didn’t want to. He’s only contracted with the Appies, so he’s never in danger of getting sent somewhere else. I’m sure that makes Gracie happy.” “I’ve never seen Gracie so happy,” I say. “They’re honestly kind of ridiculous. Which is crazy because a year...