Page 48 of Icebound Attraction

“Why was it so important for Liam to protect you?” she asks, frowning.

“We've been seeing a lot of each other lately because of the articles I write, and we get on well. I guess he felt obliged to do it. And Lucas is the captain of the opposing team they beat in the last game. That must explain it...” I say, half-laughing.

No, I'm not lying, I'm just not telling the whole truth!

Maddie and Cassy exchange a glance and I shrug.

To change the subject, I ask how the evening went. Cassy launches into a long stream of words, but when she mentions Chase, I perk up. She'd already flirted with him at the café. But unlike her usual self, she doesn't dwell on the subject and continues her monologue.

At least they had a good time!

Another message from Liam makes my phone vibrate.

* Em, we can talk, please?

I raise my eyes to the sky. I'd almost forgotten about him! I type a reply before he continues to pester me.

* You hit Lucas and you meddled in a matter that didn't concern you. I've got nothing to say to you.

I feel bad, because I don't know how my conversation with the other asshole would have ended if he hadn't intervened. But I don't want to give him the satisfaction of thinking he's the hero of the story.

His response follows within seconds.

* I know... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Can we meet, please?

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Right now, I really don't want to.

* Maybe tomorrow, I'll be in touch.

After sending the message, I switch off my phone.

He apologized, of course, but I'm still angry.

***

The next evening, I decide to give in. I've been thinking about it all day and it's seriously starting to pollute my brain.

The best thing is for us to talk like responsible adults.

After texting Liam, I drive to his house and, a little nervously, knock on his door.

Memories of our evening in his dorm room flood my thoughts and my heart beats noticeably faster.

I shake my head. I really don't need this right now!

The door half-opens and Liam lets me in after we've soberly greeted each other. When I see the couch, images appear in my mind again.

Pull yourself together, Emily.

Liam sits down next to me and hands me a glass of water.

“Why did you have to get involved? Lucas was a bit insistent, yes, but that's no reason to break his nose. Not to mention that I had the situation under control,” I begin.

Liam sighs. I don't know if he has a guilty conscience, but he seems to.

“I couldn't help myself. When I saw you with him, I thought you were doing what you wanted, after all, we were clear about our relationship. But then I noticed that he was insistent and that you were trying to distance yourself. Despite that, he touched you, and that's when I went off the deep end...” he explains.

I breathe deeply, my feelings still in turmoil.

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