Underneath It All — Cassandra Carr

Professional hockey player Rob D'Amico is confused when he's chosen to take part in a reading program for inner-city students. While athletes are role models, he tends toward the gregarious and playful side, rather than a studious bent. Despite the lack of funding plaguing her inner-city district, every day, kindergarten teacher Alaina Rossa ensures her students learn something to prepare them for life. At first, she's unsure how a hockey player will help her achieve that goal. When Rob visits Alaina's class for the first time, the kids welcome him with open arms, despite the lack of even the basic supplies for their education. He takes it upon himself to get the students what they need, sweeping Alaina up in the excitement. As time goes by and she learns more about Rob, Alaina finds her heart opening to him. Is it possible her soul mate could be found in a world so different from her own? As for Rob, the last person he thought he'd find love with was an elementary school teacher wearing clothes permanently stained with finger paint. But when you're playing for keeps, sometimes you have to get a little dirty.