Page 30 of Icebound Attraction

As I watch him go, my doubts start to creep in. Have I just made a big mistake? I should be concentrating on my studies, not playing tutor. I've got so much more to do with the paper. Not to mention the fact that I'm studying something completely different. But Liam's doing the business management course, and as my dad's a pretty successful businessman, I know quite a bit about it...

I sigh.

Whatever happens, I mustn't lose my concentration if I want to succeed in getting into a big newspaper. I need to set some rules before studying with him, so it can really stay within a serious and useful framework for both of us. Yes, that sounds good!

On the way home, I'm thinking about the best way to organize things.

In any case, the most important point is that I have to control my reactions. Liam is incredibly seductive, and he knows it. I don't know what his game is with me, blowing hot and cold, but I mustn't let myself be fooled. Girls like me don't get with guys like him, and vice versa. We can't let ourselves get distracted. And he told me in an interview: for him, sport comes first.

***

I'm sitting in my media management class, diligently taking notes. The subject isn't as difficult as I first thought. I've managed to retain the most important points and understand the broad outlines. That's pretty positive!

For the umpteenth time, I glance at my phone. I hate myself for doing this, but I still haven't heard from Liam, and I can't help feeling disappointed. He's probably changed his mind about us working together... I can't force him! It's up to him.

I will probably see him soon anyway, as today I'm off to hockey practice. I have to cover the team's preparations for the newspaper, as there's another big game this weekend. Coach Franklyn is still hoping that my articles will attract the attention of sports agents.

In any case, readers seem to enjoy my writing, and spectators are always more numerous at each game. Maddie and my editor are also very satisfied with my work so far. I'm very motivated by this confirmation. It feels good to know that I'm on the right track.

Arriving at the rink, I take my usual seat on the substitutes' bench. Before the boys come out of the locker room, I still have ten minutes to spare. I take a few notes that will help me structure my future article. Finally, I hear them arrive. I notice that Liam looks tired and I feel guilty for thinking that, if he hadn't contacted me, it was out of lack of consideration. I suppose he has a busy life too. And with the game coming up, he must surely be training hard.

When he passes me on the ice, he barely nods. This little game of pretending I don't really exist is starting to get on my nerves!

I lose myself in my thoughts, and it's a whistle from the coach that brings me back to reality.

Crap.

Liam is becoming too much of a distraction. Instead of observing the training and analyzing what's going on, I'm busy thinking about him.

I shake my head, concentrate on my notebook and write down a few impressions.

Today, the captain is slower than usual. It’s in stark contrast to his usual fiery spirit, which seems to have repercussions for the rest of the team. Everyone lacks the drive and bite that normally characterize them. It’s interesting to observe how much the atmosphere on the ice depends on the captain. I can understand the pressure on Liam.

Passes have no impact, the puck gets lost, sticks bang and bang. It feels like they're in slow motion, and if I can see it, so can Coach Franklyn, who's getting tenser by the minute.

“Holy shit! What the hell is this? Liam, move! Eliot, tighten up on your skates, for God's sake! Chase, do you want me to get you a coffee, maybe? What's the matter with you today?” finally yells the latter.

He kicks the fence surrounding the rink and continues to scream at the whole team. The name calling continues and I shrink back to my bench. Suddenly, as if remembering that I'm there, he turns to me. His index finger points at me, and I feel an aura of anger emanating from him.

“And you, not a single word about this in your notebook! If you write anything about this catastrophe, believe me, you'll be in trouble!”

I swallow nod and quickly gather my things. I'd rather not witness this disaster any longer and stay on the coach's radar.

Once in my student room, sitting on the sofa, I sigh. That was just awful! I reread my notes, but no positive words seem to fit such a horrible training. I want to be nice, but there are limits. The coach is right, I might as well not write anything down... Too bad! I'll concentrate on the game.

Suddenly, my phone vibrates, announcing the arrival of a message. The number is unknown, and I unlock the screen with a frown.

* Hello Emily. This is Liam. Can we see each other tomorrow at noon to study?

This guy's got some nerve! I roll my eyes and toss my phone aside in frustration. If he thinks I'm going to answer him right away, as soon as he writes me a poor text message when he barely said hello earlier, he's mistaken. After days of radio silence, he deserves to stew a bit!

I open my laptop and choose a film. Immersing myself in another world for a while will do me good.

After half an hour, I'm already feeling calmer. I finally grab my smartphone and type a reply to the damn captain.

* All right. At the library, at noon tomorrow.

There you go. I didn't say ‘hello’ or ‘are you all right?’ I remained firm. Proud of myself, I put the phone down before it vibrates again for an answer.

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