Page 32 of Melting the Ice

“Oh, stop it. Of course I did. And it’s not like I’m not looking for additional jobs, so maybe this is just trial by fire, and she’ll hire me. Bartending can be fun, and you know I like talking to people. Plus, I can’t mooch off of you forever, Micahtron.”

I rolled my eyes at the nickname.

“And I like Denver, so I’m thinking of staying.”

“You’re not a mooch.”

She chuckled. “Um, I’m crashing on your couch and not paying you rent. That’s, like, the definition of a mooch.”

“On the couch? Don’t you have a second bedroom like the rest of us?” Sin asked.

I turned to him. “Don’t be so damn nosy.”

“Now I need to know what’s going on in that second bedroom,” he said, ignoring my glare.

I focused back on Josie, nervous about the smile on her lips. It’s not like I was embarrassed about my relaxation room; I just didn’t feel like hearing any shit from my teammates.

“Please tell me it’s like a sex room or something,” Sin continued.

Josie barked out a laugh. “It’s definitely not that, you dirty man.”

“You know it,” he said, and I could only imagine he was giving her some ridiculous and sleazy expression.

“It’s nothing like that. It just doesn’t have furniture in it, and it’s full of—” she started.

“Please say stuffed animals or something,” Sin interjected.

“You’re an idiot,” I muttered.

“I’m kidding. Micah loves reading, so it’s full of bookcases and stuff. Nothing scandalous,” she said, giving me a small smile.

“Boring. Anyway, if you’re tired of the couch, I have an actual bed in my second bedroom.”

I pushed my elbow into his chest. “Go away.”

“Just know it’s available,” he said, chuckling as he finally moved on.

“Ignore him. It’s really best to just ignore him,” I grumbled. “And you don’t have to get a job just to have another job.” Why did this irk me?

“I know I’m cramping your style, so bringing in some extra money is a good thing. Not that she’s definitely hiring me or anything.”

“I totally am,” Simone said, walking behind Josie. “If you want it, of course. We’ll talk after the insanity dies down. Great game, Micah.”

I nodded. “Thanks.”

“See? No big deal.”

“You aren’t a mooch, Josie. I like helping you out.”

She rolled her eyes. “Please. I’m totally wrecking your routines. I’ll be out of your hair in no time.”

“You don’t have to. Who’s going to cook for me if you go?”

“Don’t pout. I’m not going anywhere for a while. Now, I have to get back to work. Let me know if you need anything, and you played awesome tonight. It was a blast watching the game.”

Then, with a little wave, she moved back down the bar.

“You okay?” Dom asked, stepping in next to me as he took another sip of his beer.

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