Page 27 of Icebound Attraction

“Chase, I really need to study for this stupid exam,” I retort.

At the same time, I hear a knock on my door. Phone in hand, I get up and open the door. Chase is standing in front of me, smiling.

“No discussion,” he says, hanging up.

I roll my eyes.

“You can't study all the time, Liam, you need to have some fun too. Otherwise, your unaccustomed brain will overheat. Just a beer with your best mate...”

I sigh.

“Okay, okay, give me a minute, I'll get dressed,” I finally relent.

A beer can't hurt me, after all...

“With all your studying, now, did you get to see the famous reporter again?” asks Chase as we sit in the campus sports bar.

I raise an eyebrow.

“No... And why would I want to see her again?”

“Don't tell me you're not indifferent to her, because there's more than one of us on the team who've noticed her hellish ass.”

Oddly enough, this remark ruffles my hair and I feel very upset. Where are they ogling Emily from?

“We get along well, that's all, and when we see each other, it's only for the articles she has to write. Do you really have nothing else to do but watch everything that goes by, my word!”

“Oh, fine! As if you hadn't noticed!” exclaims Chase, laughing.

“Is that why you dragged me over here, to tell me about her?”

I don't like the way this conversation is going; let alone how I feel when Chase tells me they've all got it in for her. These guys are dogs!

Because you're not one? The guy starts studying after years of laziness, and suddenly he's better than the others...

“Don't take it like that, Liam. You know you can tell me anything, don't you?” advances Chase in an uncertain voice.

Damn it! Why don't I even confide in my best friend? But at the same time, I have such a hard time admitting to myself that I like this girl, so why should I tell my buddy?

“I find her a little interesting, yeah... But it doesn't make any sense! I've got to concentrate on the season. The team's counting on me. And I've got to get better grades too. Coach Franklyn has me in his sights, and he's right, I need to be able to secure a future on all fronts, like a big guy. Hell, I can do it!”

Chase nods.

“I understand, but I don't think anyone will hold it against you if you treat yourself to a little happiness...”

“Thanks, man. But can we change the subject, please? I can't do this right now, anyway. I've got to get my life in order first. I've finally got a rhythm going, and I can't let it go.”

Chase smiles and takes a sip of beer.

“No problem, Romeo. Anyway, I've already forgotten what we were talking about...”

I laugh and down the rest of my beer.

We keep joking for a while, which feels really good. Chase always knows how to take my mind off things. I even feel slightly drunk and all my worries seem forgotten.

I let my gaze wander around the bar and stop on a pair of eyes looking at me with interest. This attractive woman is sending me clear signals. I probably shouldn't say no to this welcome distraction. Yet something is different from usual. My body simply doesn't move; it sits as if glued together. Even my dick doesn't give off any vibrations, and that's very unusual! That's when Emily's laughter bursts into my mind. I shake my head to get rid of it and concentrate on my best friend.

He raises his beer to toast, imitating the coach. I can't stop laughing. If it wasn't for Chase, I couldn't stand it.

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