Page 34 of Icebound Attraction

It's got to stop!

No sooner have I firmed up on this idea than I brush past someone as I make my way into the crowded main room. I look up and catch Liam's azure gaze, which electrifies me even more at such close quarters. My body throws lightning bolts where we touched, and I continue to charge ahead before he calls out to me.

Alone at last, with the toilet door closed behind me, I take a deep breath. I lean over the sink and cool my rosy cheeks with cold water.

This is nothing. All this is nothing. I can have a good time with my friends. His presence won't change the course of my evening.

After a few deep breaths, I've calmed down a bit and feel ready to go out again.

When I open the door, Liam is standing right in front of it. His eyebrows are furrowed, and he seems to be deep in thought. Finally, he looks up and scrutinizes me.

“Hi Emily,” he says.

With his fingertips, he sweeps a brown lock from his forehead and approaches me gently as I back away, ending up against the door at my back. His gaze roams over my face, and his tongue licks his lips.

What's he looking at? Has the water ruined my make-up?

Slowly, he places his left hand beside me, blocking my access to the corridor, and soon does the same with his right arm.

There's no way out.

My heart is racing. We've never been this close on purpose. I don't understand what he's playing at. Or at least, I'm afraid I do. I feel my whole body tense up, and the hollows of my thighs heat up.

He then leans towards me and stops just inches from my face. I swallow, my eyes still locked on his. I mustn't give in; I mustn't let him do this to me.

But I want him so much...

Just as I'm about to give up, he lowers his head, right next to my lips. His breath exudes a faint scent of alcohol and fruit. His scent envelops me. His warmth overwhelms me. I feel the pressure of his firm torso against my chest and my lower abdomen stirs.

“You look damn sexy tonight, Emily,” he whispers.

Shivers run down my spine, threatening to bring me to my knees. I'm incredibly hot. This guy is the devil himself. But a very attractive devil!

Before I can say anything, a voice calls out to him from the other end of the corridor.

“Liam? Where are you, buddy?”

He winks at me before stepping back. He walks quietly up the corridor and disappears into the crowd. I stand there, petrified.

What the hell was that?

We were supposed to have a professional relationship! Well, yeah, I was hoping for more... I can't deny it. But now... we've made a big leap! He's trying to seduce me openly! Was he drunk? Maybe even high? No, I don't think so. The coach would smash his head in and he's too keen on his sporting career. It was just mind-blowing!

Now, even a deep breath or cold water on my face wouldn't be enough to calm me down. My legs won't obey me, and I can't think straight. I lean my head against the door and wait for my body to recover.

“Ha, there you are!” exclaims Maddie as she approaches me. “How are you? You look funny.”

“Uh, yes... I have a headache, but it'll pass,” I lie.

Maddie gives me a scrutinizing look and finally nods.

I feel guilty about lying to my best friend, but I don't feel ready to tell her everything right now.

Together, we hurry to the bar. She orders me a large glass of water and takes an aspirin from her purse.

I accept both gratefully and drink the cold water greedily. It helps to refresh me a little and get me back on my feet.

At the other end of the bar, Liam, surrounded by his teammates, glances at me with a satisfied smile. I ignore him and focus on my friends. Cassy and Maddie are chatting happily, and I pretend to listen. In spite of myself, my gaze regularly wanders to Liam and each time, our eyes meet. The more time passes, the more restless I become.

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