Page 11 of Ice Melts

As she stepped into the cool evening air, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her messages. Travis’s text stared back at her, unanswered.

She hesitated for a moment, then opened the message and began typing.

Work is… complicated.

She stared at the screen, debating whether to send it. But before she could, another message from him popped up.

Hope it gets better. Let me know if you want to talk.

Her heart ached at the simplicity of his words. He didn’t ask for details, didn’t push her. He just offered to listen.

She didn’t deserve him. Not after everything. Not after what she was about to do.

With a sigh, she slipped her phone back into her pocket and started walking. The city lights blurred around her as she madeher way home, her mind circling the same question over and over.

Could she really do it? Could she write the story Jess wanted, knowing what it would mean for the people involved?

For Travis?

She didn’t have an answer.

Not yet.

CHAPTER SIX

The sound of skates clattering on concrete and the low murmur of conversation filled the Seahorns’ locker room as Travis Jenkins sat on the bench, carefully taping his stick. His movements were precise and methodical, the familiar ritual grounding him before practice.

Across from him, Jake slumped back against the wall, his helmet perched on his knee as he grinned like a kid who’d just won the lottery. He kept checking his phone, the excitement practically radiating off him.

“What’s with the face, Jake?” Travis asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jake looked up, his grin widening. “Got a date this weekend.”

“Nice,” Travis said, nodding approvingly. “What’s her name?”

“Maddie,” Jake said, leaning forward like he was sharing the juiciest secret. “She’s… amazing. We’ve been talking for a couple weeks, and I think she might actually be girlfriend material.”

Logan, who had been taping his stick on the other side of the room, let out a loud laugh. “Girlfriend material? Dude, you’ve known her for, what, five minutes?”

Jake rolled his eyes. “It’s been weeks, and she’s different, okay? She’s smart, funny, actually interested in me—not just the whole hockey thing.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Logan said, shaking his head as he pulled his skate laces tighter. “Let me know how that works out when she realizes the ‘hockey thing’ comes with travel, crazy hours, and—oh, right—groupies: lots of other ladies!” He grinned, dancing with his hands in the air.

Travis frowned, glancing at Logan. “Not everyone’s looking for groupies, man.”

“Speak for yourself,” Logan shot back, his tone light but with an edge that Travis didn’t like.

Jake ignored him, turning back to Travis. “We’re going to that new Italian place downtown. I heard they make their pasta fresh every day.”

“Classy,” Travis gave him a nod of approval. “Good luck, man. Sounds like she’s worth it.”

“Thanks,” Jake’s grin returned.

Logan snorted, tossing his stick aside and standing up. “You guys are way too tame. Pasta dates and steady girlfriends? Come on. It’s the weekend. We’re young, rich, and in the prime of our lives. Why waste it?”

Jake raised an eyebrow. “What’s your plan, then?”

Logan’s grin turned wolfish. “There’s a party at Brogue’s. Big one. VIP only. Girls, booze, and whatever else you want. I’m getting as many of the guys to come as I can. You in?”

---