Page 44 of Icebound Attraction

As we move away from the ice, I can't help thinking that ice hockey is more than just a sport. It's about teamwork, determination and fighting spirit. Every game is an opportunity to prove yourself and excel.

I take off my helmet and wipe the sweat from my forehead. I'd do anything for these moments, the exhilaration of victory and the prospect of a successful career.

Even give up on Emily?

9

Emily

The hum of music fills our room. Anticipation of the evening is in the air, as my friends and I prepare for an exciting night.

Maddie and Cassy chat happily to each other while they do my makeup. The energy in the room is infectious and I'm excited. Today there's a party on campus with live music - it's really a special night. And I've decided to leave my look entirely in the hands of Maddie and Cassy. They know a thing or two about styling, especially Cassy, and my roommate is totally into it. I wanted to think outside the box.

Maddie rummages through my clothes and Cassy's, looking for the perfect match. They agree behind my back, and hand me a pair of black skinny jeans, a red sequin crop top and rockin' black leather ankle boots. After a moment's thought, wondering if it's ‘too much’, I accept, determined to feel sexy.

“Emily, you look stunning,” says Maddie, smiling at me in the mirror.

They clap their hands in satisfaction, happy with their work.

“Thank you so much! You look great too!”

Maddie wears a blouse with the first buttons undone and tight-fitting pants. Cassy opted for a short dress that she wears with boots.

When we finally set off, I feel a mixture of impatience and nervousness. Nights on campus have a special magic - it's a way of escaping everyday life in familiar surroundings and embarking on an exciting adventure.

Secretly, I hope this night will help me see my friendship with Liam as a ‘real’ friendship. Because so far, I'm having trouble controlling my feelings.

After our kiss, our hot evening and our agreement, I wanted to go and see him. I wanted to tell him that I wasn't sure I could consider this a simple friendship and that the whole thing made me uncomfortable. I wanted to open up to him about how I felt, to be honest, and above all to stop spinning it all around in my head, night after night.

So, I made my way to the locker room, where I knew I could find him, and I overheard a conversation... It was between him and Coach Franklyn. The coach was telling him that he shouldn't let himself get distracted, that the partying, the girls, and the mischief Liam was used to, could no longer be tolerated. That the games ahead were decisive for his career. I immediately turned around and went back to my room, my heart pounding.

That day, I vowed not to say a word about my true feelings. So, spending time with my friends is what I need.

On the way to the party, I can't help but smile. The bond with Maddie and Cassy is special - in good times and bad, we stick together and every minute we spend together is unique. They made my arrival at university so easy that I hardly had time to feel lonely and lost, and for that I'm infinitely grateful.

The lights set up around the campus twinkle and we walk towards the stage. The closer we get, the more the pulsating energy of the music envelops us. I feel more alive than I have in a long time as we immerse ourselves in the mass of people present. Colorful shadows glide over the crowd and the joyful atmosphere carries us along. I let the music guide me, moving my body to the beat and feeling free.

After a few songs, I signal to Maddie and Cassy that I need a drink. We weave in and out of the groups to reach the ephemeral bar set up in a corner of the campus. I slowly make my way to the counter, waiting for the people in front of me to be served, when I find myself standing next to an extremely attractive guy. He looks me up and down and makes no secret of his appreciation. Finally, he looks at my friends and smiles again.

“Can I buy you a drink?”

Determined to distance myself from my feelings for Liam, I nod in good humor. Maddie and Cassy look puzzled, but eventually nod in turn.

He orders for us and we stand to one side to collect our drinks.

“My name's Lucas, nice to meet you!” he says, handing us our glasses.

I point to my friends and myself in turn.

“This is Maddie, Cassy, and I'm Emily.”

He gives me a more pronounced look, and after what seems like an eternity, he also turns to Maddie and Cassy.

“Are all three of you students here?”

“Yes! Aren't you?” I ask curiously.

“No, I'm just... passing through. I heard about this party, so I stayed a little longer.”

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