Page 59 of Icebound Attraction

“Yeah, I know,” I nod. “But don't worry about me!”

She nods slowly and seems to believe me. Relieved that she doesn't insist, I breathe. But at the same time, I feel bad that I can't tell her the truth.

As I shower and get ready for bed, a lump forms in my stomach. I've always had trouble lying and I wonder how long Liam and I will have to keep our happiness to ourselves.

***

The atmosphere in the campus newspaper office is always lively - the clatter of keyboards, the murmur of conversations and the rustle of papers form a background noise that takes some getting used to.

Sitting at my desk, I'm lost in thought.

My budding relationship with Liam is really perfect. We still meet at lunchtime to study together, and often escape between two shelves of books for more ‘in-depth studying’.

Just goes to show, I'll end up getting laid in that library too!

In the evenings, after his training, we continue our studies together. It's either the books that absorb us, or the other's body. But we still manage to balance our busy lives. Our feelings don't erase our responsibilities and goals, and that's what I love about us. We're aware of each other's expectations of our careers, and so far, so good. Liam's grades are even excellent!

Maddie and Cassy did notice that I haven't been very available lately, but they put that down to my tendency to study a lot.

If they only knew...

And it's true that I feel guilty letting them think that when I'm having the time of my life.

Suddenly, the landline next to me rings and I touch my heart, startled. Nobody ever calls me here. I look at the display and recognize a New York number.

Curious, I pick up the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hello, am I speaking to... Emily Hansen?”

The female voice on the other end of the line sounds professional.

“Yes, that's me,” I reply.

“Perfect! My name is Laura Johnson from the New York Post. We've been reading about your university's ice hockey team and are very impressed with your work. We'd like to offer you the opportunity to intern with us.”

I can hardly believe my ears. The New York Post - one of the city's most prestigious newspapers - wants to offer me an internship? What an incredible opportunity!

“Oh, thank you so much! I'm honored!” I exclaim, unable to contain my enthusiasm. “Thank you for this opportunity,” I continue, trying to sound a little more professional.

“We're convinced you can be an asset to our team,” replies Ms. Johnson. “Can you drop by our office this lunchtime for an interview? I'm sorry to spring this on you, but we'd like to confirm this with you as soon as possible.”

I swallow hard, my heart rate quickens and my hands become clammy.

I'm meeting Liam for lunch.

I bite my lip, my thoughts swirling. The opportunity to intern at the New York Post is too tempting to pass up. I'm sure he'll understand!

“Yes, no problem,” I finally say.

“Perfect! Then we'll see you at noon in our offices.”

The call ends and I sit in silence for a moment.

It's absolutely crazy!

I grab my phone and type a quick message to Liam to let him know.

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