Page 20 of Icebound Attraction

But... it's Lara, the yoga teacher! All that meditation, all that self-control, just to fall into the arms of the hockey team captain, renowned for being a real player? What a disappointment!

An unpleasant twinge runs through my stomach, but I ignore it. This is probably the first time I've seen him in his natural habitat. A hunter with his prey. And I find it rather unpleasant.

After another drink, Cassy and I dance some more, while Maddie has fun with a new conquest. My best friend really knows how to meet people!

After a while, as my gaze keeps wandering to Liam and Lara - which annoys me - I start to yawn. I'm not used to staying out this long. Tired, I tap my best friend on the shoulder and tell her I want to leave.

“You can go, I'm in good hands!” she retorts, embracing her dance partner.

I can't help but smile. Maddie always knew what she wanted and how to get it.

Cassy nods at me and together we make our way out. We put on our jackets and order an Uber. As I take one last look around, I just have time to see Liam and the yoga teacher disappear down the stairs, arm in arm.

I shake my head.

I groan and yawn when Cassy puts a cup of coffee under my nose the next morning.

“Hello, sunshine!” she exclaims a little too loudly for my taste.

She's far too cheerful for this early morning. I accept the cup and reach for my cell phone.

“It's 11 o'clock, if you must know,” says Cassy. “And that's the perfect time to head to the new vintage store!”

I put my coffee down on my bedside table and let myself fall back on my cushion.

“Give me half an hour's respite,” I beg, stretching for a long time.

Then there is a knock on the bedroom door.

“Hello, Maddie!” sings Cassy again, and Maddie jumps into bed with me.

She's wearing the same clothes as last night, smelling of smoke and alcohol. Clearly, she hasn't gone home yet.

“Maddie,” I squeak out.

She laughs heartily and tickles me until I sit up for good.

“You've slept far too long,” she says sternly, tossing me a pillow.

“I agree with her!” I hear Cassy exclaim from our little kitchen.

“You're really mean.”

I trot to the bathroom, grumbling.

“And you're not a morning person,”" shouts Maddie behind me before more pillows fly against the door.

When I come out of the bathroom, they're sitting at the table and Maddie is recounting her crazy night, in far too much detail.

When they see me, they both exclaim:

“At last!”

“You really need new clothes,” Cassy repeats to herself for what seems like the hundredth time.

I look in the mirror and sigh, resigned.

“Well, let’s go...”

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