Page 36 of Frozen Flames

And so I try to push all thoughts of Gemma away.

Instead, I fall asleep a long while later with Claire’s comforting voice and laugh in my head.

Her powerful words.

Her smile.

That’s all I can handle tonight.

Claire

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Harvey lately,” Harvey’s brother tells me on Tuesday.

“Iworkhere,” I reply.

“I know.”

I stare at him as if he’s bothering my note-writing time. Well, I mean, he is, but seriously, I don’t think Henrik likes me very much, and I’ve done nothing to him. In the same way that I’ve done nothing to Harvey, yet some days he treats me like a squashed insect.

“So are you single?”

“Seriously?” I throw back.

He smirks. “Just making sure you understand Harvey’s taken.”

“Unbelievable.” I shake my head, yet my throat swallows at his words, at his realization. “There’s nothing going on between us.”

He pops his purple gum. “Sure.” He taps his fingers on his cell phone. “Let’s keep it that way.”

Luckily, he doesn’t push further.

“You know, since you’ve never asked, he’s doing much better.”

“Oh, I know. I leave the questions to Gemma. It’s pretty obvious—so areother things.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

He shrugs like I’ve bothered him enough for one day.

Eventually, Harvey wheels out of his room, and I’m unsure if we’ll even train today with his brother here.

“Alright, let’s do this,” Harvey answers my query.

I nod, giving him a small smile, and I’m sure he notices my sour mood because his head turns toward Henrik a second later.

I’m utterly nervous with Henrik around, his comments swarming my mind. Maybe Harvey and I both are being completely naive at this point, and it’s obvious to everyone else but us. Maybe everyone thinks I’m pining for Harv.

“Ready?” I ask, clearing my throat, Harvey’s eyes following the movement.

He nods, an unreadable expression appearing on his handsome face.“Yeah, I’m ready.”

I can’t help noticing Henrik’s eyes quickly flashing to Harv at his reply. “I’ll be in your room,” he tells him.

I sigh in relief, finally able to focus without interference. Harv seems less tense too as he starts walking along the railing.

“Claire…it’s getting much easier.” He looks down, and for the love of God, I have this urge to grab his face in my hands and soothe his soul.

I want to tell him that one day it’ll get even easier, but I don’t want to pressure him.

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