Page 25 of Love on Ice

“What about Nate?”

“Your brother is keeping him occupied, I think they are off to check out an island in the Pacific next week.”

“Oh. That sounds like fun. Why didn’t he tell me about it?”

“He probably didn’t want to bother you while on the island.”

“I’ll text him and ask,” I tell her.

“Hey, Harper?” Kimberly asks.

“Yeah.”

“Get off the phone and go have fun with that hockey player, I know you want to. I’m giving you permission,” she teases.

“Love you.” I chuckle as we say our goodbyes. Kimberly’s right. Why should I feel bad about hooking up with Felix again?What happens if he’s occupied with Sunny?Then I give him a thumbs up and dial Dom.You’ve got this, Harper.I hate that fucking Josh is making me second-guess myself. Making me question my confidence. Each one of those cheating assholes has chipped away at me, and I guess I’m only discovering with this last asshole how much they have. Capturing a glimpse at myself in the mirror, I try not to pick myself to bits, but instead, I try to uplift the woman I see staring back at me.That hunky younger hockey player wants to sleep with you again. You. Why don’t you march over there like the bad bitch that you are and take what you want?Yes. I’m going to reclaim what Josh took from me and that man next door is my cure. I look over at my wardrobe and eye all my sexy dresses, wondering which one I should wear. Then my eyes fall on my silky black slip.You did tell him you were having a nap.I look over at the bedside table clock, I wouldn’t have been asleep for long.You’re overthinking it again, just go.I grab the sexy slip and get changed. I’ve gone for no underwear and don’t bother with heels. I pull my hairup into a high ponytail and slide some gloss on my lips. Taking one last look at myself, I think I look good. Heading out my front door, each step I take my heart thumps loudly in my chest.Why are you being so silly? You’ve got this.Then I straighten my shoulders and confidently stroll over to Felix’s bungalow and pray he is alone.

9

FELIX

I’ve just had my shower and feel fresher than I did. I had fun today with Harper. I’m sad she didn’t want to nap together.Clinger much?I flick on the television and scroll through the channels to see if they are showing anything worth watching. My phone rings, and I see it’s Issy calling.

“Hey, boss,” I say, answering the phone.

“I’ve been trying to call you all day,” she says angrily on the phone.

“Let me remind you that I’m on holidays at a sex resort.”

“Ew,” she says, pretending to hurl.

“I was playing tennis with Harper, chill out. She whipped my ass, who knew such a princess could be so athletic.”

Issy laughs. “Yeah, she’s good. When she was younger, she could have gone pro, but she wasn’t interested.” Wow. Explains a lot. “Did she try to hustle you?”

“Kind of.”

“Yeah. She likes it when people underestimate her. Is that all you did?” she asks.

“Someone's being nosey.”

“She’s my friend. I shouldn’t have to warn you from her,” Issy states.

“What’s wrong if we hook up? We are at a sex resort,” I remind her again.

“Ew. Weird,” she says, gagging. Right, well, tell me how you really feel, Issy.

“Would you calm down. We haven’t.” It’s a little white lie. She sounds relieved. “She’s smoking hot, but Harper has made it clear she’s not interested.”

“And you are?” she asks.

“Issy, I was getting blow jobs in the club. I’m on fantasy island, surrounded by beautiful women. I’m interested in them all.”

“You have an entire island, you don’t need to touch my friend,” Issy warns me again.

“You don’t think I’m good enough?” I ask her because she’s adamant that I stay away from her.

“Um, no. Why the hell would you think that?” she asks, seemingly shocked.

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