Page 43 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

Ty: Knowing doesn’t put out the fire, does it? It only makes the flames dance higher, more wildly. I’m aware, painfully so, that a kiss isn’t enough, but one night is probably all we can have. And here’s the thing—I’m not asking for promises. I’m also not offering you forever, or that I’ll gift you the moon and the stars. All I can offer is the now, the intensity of a connection that doesn’t need to look beyond the horizon of dawn. Your ultimate dream? I can’t give that to you. But I can give you a night that feels like a dream, a memory so vivid it’ll haunt you, in the best way possible, long after it’s over. Just one night, but with the power to eclipse every dream you’ve ever dared to dream.

Indie: And according to you, what’s my ultimate dream?

Ty: Love. A family.

Indie: Obviously you don’t know me. I’m not interested in more from you or anyone. I’m happy with the way things are.

Ty: Huh, that’s not what I expected you to say.

Indie: You sound like Harper.

Ty: And she’d be?

Indie: My older sister. She thinks I’m a hopeless romantic who’s damaged. She came to that conclusion because I avoid intimacy.

Ty: You avoid intimacy? Yeah, you seem like the kind of girl who’d want a husband, children and a house in the burbs. Discussing your day and your future every night—while cuddling after making love.

Indie: Nope. But it sounds like you’re not looking for Mrs. Right either.

Ty: Right for what?

Indie: Getting married, having a family . . . Well, you have Myra, but still, you’re not open to love.

Ty: It’s a waste of time.

Indie: So, someone broke your heart and you’re avoiding it, huh? Tell Indie what your ex did to you that you don’t believe in love anymore.

Ty: My ex didn’t do anything.

Indie: I find it hard to accept your statement. It seems like before you were open to be in a relationship, fall in love. Now . . . Well, you don’t. There has to be a good reason why you changed your mind.

Ty: I’m committed to raising my daughter. There’s no space for anyone else in my life. And you?

Indie: I’m too young to think about a serious relationship or love. As I mentioned, I hook up when needed and then it’s over.

Ty: No messy feelings? (Glances skeptically)

Indie: No feelings whatsoever.

Ty: Then, why is it that you don’t want to kiss me again? I already promised you that there won’t be any messy feelings involved.

Indie: What if you fall for me?

Ty: I wouldn’t, but maybe you’re afraid it’ll happen to you.

Indie: Ha! You wish.

Ty: There are a lot of things I wish for, and you falling in love with me is not one of them.

Indie: Why are we even discussing this?

Ty: Not sure, but now that I know your expectations, I have a proposition for you.

Indie: What kind of proposition?

Ty: Three letters. FWB

Indie: Fluffy Wombat Buddies? Is that a kink? I like wombats, but I’m not sure if this is for me.

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