Page 44 of Ice Mechanic

She scrunches her nose. “You have no idea why this is so cool, do you?”

“It costs a lot of money, so by that metric alone, it’s really,reallycool,” I offer.

April laughs and it’s the most musical, joy filled, addictive sound I’ve ever heard. I want to say something else that’ll make her laugh but, I’m interrupted when a journalist walks into the parking lot and spots us.

Instantly, I’m on guard. “April, get in the car.”

“What? Why?”

The journalist pulls out his phone and fast-walks in our direction. At the same time, two news vans barge into the parking lot.

There’s no time to argue. I slip both hands around April’s waist and hoist her up until her feet are off the ground.

She wiggles. “Chance, what are you doing? Put me down!”

“Unlock the car,” I say urgently.

“What?”

“Now!”

The Bel Air beeps and I yank open the door with my free hand, shoving April not-so-gently inside. She lands with a thump and an ‘ow’!

“Are you okay?”

“Have you lost your mind?” April crawls into the driver’s seat and threatens me with a fist. “I should—gah!”

The rest of her threat is drowned out by the stampede of journalists rushing around the car. Cameras flash. Questions fly at me from both ends. Reporters trap me against the Bel Air.

“Chance, does it feel like a step down to join the Lucky Strikers after playing in the majors?”

“Have you given up on getting back to the league?”

“Are you aware that Tom Sethberg is making a comeback?”

I try to shield April with my body, but it’s hard to do since the Bel Air’s driver side door is wide open. Once the reporters notice that April is nearby, their attention fastens on her. I’ve seen vultures pick at carcasses with more mercy.

“Is that your girlfriend?”

“How long have you been dating?”

“Is this really a publicity stunt?”

“April, close the door,” I order.

“What about you?” She frowns.

I bend over. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’m not running away, Chance. Besides, isn’t this a part of our agreement?”

She’s right. Being my girlfriend does come with being in the spotlight, but I’m not shoving her at these vultures to sell the story. Not. Gonna. Happen.

More questions get hurled at us as the reporters press in closer.

Thankfully, I hear Max’s voice. He’s brought security guards and they’re beating a path straight for me.

“Now’s your chance.” I jut my chin at the exits and shut April’s door.

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