Page 53 of Icebound Attraction

Maybe I just need a little time to figure out exactly what I want... There's no point in boning her and then running away. What a jerk...

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The next day, I'm supposed to meet her for our study session, but the mood is overshadowed by our kiss and, above all, my hasty escape. I can't even look Emily in the eye. However, I notice that, against all odds, she has come.

The feeling that she, too, would like more than friendship keeps creeping into my head. Am I kidding myself that we have a chance?

Meanwhile, Emily tries to explain a class note to me, but I just don't get it.

After about half an hour, as she patiently repeats herself, I interrupt her:

“Sorry, I can't concentrate. It doesn't make sense. Can we stop for today?”

Her blue eyes look up at me.

“If you prefer, yes. It's fine with me actually, I've got stuff to do...”

Already, she's gathering her things as if it's too good an opportunity to get the hell out of here and, in turn, away from me. That's all I deserve, after all.

“See you tomorrow, Liam.”

I watch her leave the library and rest my head on the table in front of me.

It really can't go on like this. Maybe I could talk to Chase after practice... After all, he knows me best and might be able to advise me.

The feel of the ice under my skates is pleasant, and the sound of my glides echoes softly in my ears. However, I'm not at my best and I can feel my teammates tightening around me.

My shots are weak, my passes uncertain, and I'm making mistakes I didn't even make when I was starting out.

“Focus, Liam!” shouts Coach Franklyn, his voice urgent, but barely seeming to pierce the fog in my head.

I can feel the pressure on me - as a captain, as a player who's normally reliable. But today, I'm not.

Brad, a defender, approaches me, a snide expression on his face.

“Is it Lucas Stern's blood-pissing nose that's still got you going?”

My cheeks heat up and I feel anger rising inside me.

“Shut up, Brad.”

“Or else what? The captain will jump down my throat?”

He laughs, pleased with his joke, and I feel piqued. Chase intervenes just in time, nudging me back to the side of the rink with the flat of his hand.

“Easy, Liam. He's just looking for you...”

Coach Franklyn is watching us, and I'd rather take off my skates than continue training, at the risk of hitting someone.

“For God's sake, Liam, what's happened to you? Your altercation with Stern, and now this?”

He scratches the back of his neck, annoyed.

“Sorry, coach. I'm going to get some fresh air, and tomorrow I'll be fine.”

“You know I went to a lot of trouble to make sure you didn't get called into the administration office. Stern deserved it, right, I have no doubt about that, the guy's a jerk. But still... think about your file.”

Yes, I know, and my future.

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