Page 33 of Icebound Attraction

I gather my things and get up.

“Keep me posted! See you at Saturday's game.”

“Yes... See you later,” mumbles Liam.

I turn on my heels and almost run away.

***

I'm having trouble concentrating on my course. I'm thinking about Liam and his exam. I really hope our study sessions have paid off!

Subconsciously, I check my cell phone every few minutes, hoping that he'll send me a message when he's finished. Yet the day goes by without a word. I'm really disappointed and find it hard to put on a brave face. It's crazy that this guy can have such an impact on me! I curse myself for reacting this way, but I can't stop my thoughts and my heart from going in all directions.

Finally, in the evening, I decide to send him a message. I've got to know for sure! Then again, it's also a way of getting back in touch...

* Hi Liam, how did your exam go?

I see that he's writing a reply and I wait, but nothing comes. I sigh and am about to let go of my phone when a message appears.

* Not bad at all

No punctuation. Not even an exclamation mark. Nothing. ‘Not bad at all.’ He could at least have written, ‘Hi’. I don't know what I was expecting, but I feel annoyed by this response.

My phone vibrates again and my heart misses a beat, but it's a message from Maddie. She's suggesting we go to a party at one of her friends' houses tonight. Cassy will meet us there.

A girls' night out sounds like a good idea to get Liam out of my head. I tell her I'm up for it and immediately start getting ready.

Thirty minutes later, there's a knock on the door. Half-dressed, I jump up to open the door for Maddie.

She hugs me, euphoric.

“Why aren't you ready yet?” she asks, examining me from head to toe.

I groan.

“Give me five more minutes!”

I have a hard time deciding on my outfit, and finally pull out a low-cut top from my wardrobe. I slip on some heeled ankle boots and turn to my best friend. Maddie looks at me and whistles approvingly.

“Too low-cut?” I ask, unsure.

“No! It's perfect, sweetie. You're sexy!”

Arm in arm, we set off. When we get there, we enter the fraternity house hosting tonight's party, when Cassy comes running up to us, shouting joyfully and hugging us.

“I'm so happy to see you! Cute outfit, Emily!”

She looks me up and down with appreciation and I can't help but laugh.

The whole house is surprisingly full, and I notice that the hockey team seems to be there too. I pout and scan the crowd until my eyes meet those of Liam. His gaze settles on me for a moment, then he gives me a charming smile and winks. I answer soberly, nodding. Yet I can't stop a treacherous warmth spreading through me and end up looking away so that my flushed face doesn't reflect my emotions.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” I announce to my friends.

“What, already?” exclaims Maddie.

“I'll see you later.”

I get out of the way so as not to remain in the seductive captain's line of sight. I still feel his eyes on me, and I continue to liquefy by the minute.

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