Page 21 of Icebound Attraction

Cassy is excited and already clapping her hands. I really have to break her of this habit.

The idea of going to just one store soon turns into a frantic shopping spree. Just in time for me to go to the hockey game, even though I'm exhausted and just want to go to bed!

I throw my bags on the bed and am about to leave when Cassy stops me.

“You've got great clothes now; don't you want to dress up a bit?”

She waves her eyebrows defiantly.

It's true that I like the outfits she helped me choose today, and I feel pretty good in them. But I don't want to be late either. I look at the bags, then at my watch, and decide to change quickly. Skinny jeans, boots and a low-cut sweater are enough to satisfy my roommate and make me look presentable, according to her.

The rink is really packed for this game. Coach Franklyn stands as always on the bench, an expert eye on his players. I join him and settle down with some notes. He greets me with a nod, while the teams are already assembled on the ice.

I meet Liam's gaze and he dares to wink at me. I ignore my racing heartbeat and quickly look down at my notebook. He'd better concentrate on his opponents!

At the first whistle, the players rush onto the ice. I have to admit that the captain is once again in top shape - his technique is impeccable. He controls the puck with his stick and deftly dribbles past the defenders. His teammates position themselves in support, ready to take over, if need be, but Liam only has eyes for the opposing goal. With a swift movement on his skates, he skates around the goalkeeper and the puck flies into the net.

Shouts are flying all around us. The stadium is in an uproar, but I try to keep an eye on the team. For them, there's no pause, and they barely celebrate the point they've scored before continuing to slide up and down the rink. However, I notice that Liam's face is lit up and his eyes shine with contentment. He really is an outstanding player. Even I, as a beginner, can't help but recognize that. It wouldn't be surprising if sports agents were scrambling to recruit him and try to pick him up at the next draft1 .

After the final whistle, our university's victory is overwhelming. The players are euphoric, banging their sticks together. The coach also seems to be jubilant, along with the crowd, who are shouting their joy. After a while, Liam approaches me and gives me a warm smile. I hate feeling my whole body tingle just because he smiles at me. But I need another interview for my new article, so I put aside my confusion to get up and meet him.

“Nice game,” I say casually. “Can I ask you a few more questions for the paper?”

“Of course! That's what we agreed on anyway.”

Well, if we've agreed then...

I pout a little, and he heads for the door that allows players to exit the rink. Comfortable on his skates, he trots over to my bench and sits down. I try to keep a reasonable distance from him, but I'm close enough to see drops of sweat beading from his hair as he removes his helmet.

This guy is really hot.

I have to focus!

As I ask my questions and write down his answers, he keeps staring at me. Uncomfortable to feel his blue eyes on me, I waddle in my seat. From time to time, I look up and meet his gaze. I curse myself for blushing so easily! His slightly curved nose, his full lips... everything is a call to lust. I realize this, and it pisses me off. I do my best to focus on his athletic performance, but despite myself, I retain every detail of his face. His few freckles, an uneven scar on his chin, the brown curls that fall over his face. His muscular physique fits in well with it all.

Emily! Be professional!

Suddenly, I realize I haven't really been listening to what he's just said, and I clear my throat. Does he know the effect he's having on women? The effect he has on me? I quickly look away and pretend to look at my notes.

“Maybe we should continue this conversation over a drink,” he suggests. “It's not that I don't enjoy it, far from it, but I really need to shower.”

All at once, I come to. Although I'm finding it harder and harder to resist his charm, I let out a tense smile.

“Thanks, but I've got everything I need!” I reply defensively.

He just smiles and shrugs.

We stand up at the same time, and I almost trip over him. He holds me by the arm before I crash into him. His grip is firm and his smell is absolutely delicious, even though he's just sweated for hours. A mixture of cedar wood and spices.

I'm completely delirious! I've got to get out of here.

“Ahem, sorry...”

“It's nothing.”

He releases me and I stand up, trying to gather my dignity.

“Well, see you next time,” he blows a little too close to my ear, and I get goose bumps.

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