Page 30 of Melting the Ice

“Fine. But you better show me those spicy pics. And I’ll just hope that Micah helps you get inspired.” She wiggled her brows again, and I lightly shoved her shoulder.

“You know I’m not wrong.”

“Whatever,” I muttered.

“Forced proximity for the win.”

***

“It’s a zoo in here,” Harper said later that night as we waited for our drinks at Tipsy.

“Win or lose, it’s always a madhouse on game night,” said Simone, the owner and head bartender, when she passed our beers over.

“And thank fuck we won tonight. That road trip was rough, and tonight was tense as hell,” Harper said.

It’d been a nail-biter for sure. Two minutes after Tally’s goal in the second, Minnesota had tied it back up. It’d been lockedat three each until the last sixty seconds in the third when Sin had snagged a goal on the power play. I swore my heart was still racing.

But that might’ve had to do with watching Micah slam into his teammates on the ice to celebrate that final goal and the blinding smile that had lit up his entire face in all its sweaty and scruffy glory.

Fuck me. Yeah, I wanted him, and that desire was only growing every day.

Part of me wondered what he would say if I told him that. A little thrill shot through me just imagining that conversation and how awkward he’d probably get.

“Absolutely,” Cora’s voice said from behind me. I hadn’t even spotted her walking in, so caught up in my head.

“I’m so glad I was able to come tonight,” Anna said right next to her. “But only one drink for me and I’m not staying long. I have a huge cupcake order I have to finish tomorrow morning.”

“We’re just glad you made it. Just the good luck Santa needed,” Cora said, hugging her friend.

“He did look hot out there, didn’t he?” Anna’s grin was dreamy.

“They all did,” Cora said with a matching smile.

“Yes, yes. Hot as hell. Go get your drinks before it gets even crazier in here,” Harper said.

“Hey, Cora, Anna. What can I get you?” Simone asked as we squeezed in closer to the bartop. “Your usuals?”

“Oh my, you look swamped,” Cora said. “And yes, but whenever you get to it.”

“You need more help back there,” Harper added.

Simone laughed weakly. “You’re telling me. Addison had a family emergency back in Washington, and it sounds like she’s not coming back anytime soon. And I needed to hire someone else even before that. Any of you work behind a bar before?”

“I have,” I said. “It’s been a while, but I’ve tended bar at a few places if you want some help.”

Simone handed Cora her pale ale and smiled at me. “Seriously? I know you’re here having fun with the girls, and the guys will be here soon.”

I waved my hand. “Don’t even worry about that.”

“If you don’t mind. Really?” She was already lifting the door up.

“Looks like Josie’s got another new job,” Harper said with a laugh.

“You’re a lifesaver, Josie,” Simone said. “If it’s too much, let me know.”

“Don’t even sweat it. I’ve got this,” I said. “I’ve been looking around for another job, so this would be perfect.”

I’d always loved bartending. Yeah, the customers could be dicks, but I loved meeting new people. And I needed the money.

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