Page 34 of Frozen Play

The doorbell rang again. Then I heard Lina’s voice. “Phin? There’s a car in the drive. Is that you?”

Chapter 14

Devil magic

Skye

My brain,fried by that kiss, came back online. I recognized the voice. Phin’s stepmother. Way to cool off my arousal, immediately. I tugged down my sweater, which was lifting perilously close to my breasts. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to look presentable.

“Should I hide in another room?”

Phin had closed his eyes, lips moving as he recited something inaudibly. At my question, they opened. “No. Why would you do that?”

“She’s not really a fan of me, or vice versa. And you look like you’re swearing under your breath.”

“I’m making sure I don’t answer the door with a hard-on.” He was interrupted by more knocking. “But I’m not hiding you. Us. I’d hoped we wouldn’t have to face this so quickly, but I guess this is it. Are you ready?”

No, but I nodded. Might as well find out if this thing between us stood a chance.

“I’m coming!” Phin yelled, then stalked to the front door, grabbing my hand and bringing me along with him. He opened it to reveal not just Lina, but also his dad and his brother, Quin.

We stared at each other. I clocked the moment when each of them recognized me. His dad was surprised, Quin shocked, and Lina angry.

“Why are you guys here? I told you I’m fine, and I’m busy right now.”

Quin glared at me. “So I see.”

“We were worried. You disappeared, then had an accident. We wanted to be sure you’re okay,” Lina explained.

“As you can see, I’m good.”

“We should talk,” Lina said, tone clipped.

Phin frowned. “Maybe we should. But your timing sucks.”

Lina’s lips pinched but she stepped in when we stood back, Mr. Collins and Quin following.

Phin led them to the big room with the couch and chair. He pulled me down on the couch beside him and let the others find their seats.

Lina settled on a chair, Phin’s dad on the arm next to her. Quin sat in the remaining chair.

“What happened? Why did you just vanish like that?” Lina asked.

His hand was gripping mine tightly. “I needed some time to myself and went up north. The weather was worse than predicted, so I slid in a ditch, and Skye pulled me out. The power lines came down when we got to the cottage, so we stayed there till they could remove that hazard.”

“I can pay for anything I used,” I interjected, not wanting Lina to say I’d taken advantage.

Phin glanced at me. “No, I’ll cover that. Your family put me up for a couple of nights and gave me Christmas dinner, so I think I owe you.

“Depends on how expensive that wine was,” I muttered.

Before his family could respond, Phin continued. “No need for anyone to freak out. But, so you know, while I was in Newfell I decided that is where I want to live when I retire. I’m going to look for some place to buy up there and stay in the summers. I’m also dating Skye. Oh, and I’m partnering with the Duvalls and their garage, and will do more when I retire. I think that covers my news.”

The three of them stared at him in shock.

“This is sudden,” his dad said. He was frowning as he watched me, probably wondering what kind of devil magic I’d used on his son.

“Yes and no. I’ve been looking for something to keep me interested after hockey. When I found it, I wasn’t going to wait.”

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