Page 46 of As You Ice It

He swallows, suddenly looking nervous. “Thinking aboutyou.”

“I also was thinking.” I don’t clarify that I was thinking about him. Or that in addition to thinking, I was hoping. And … disappointing—which, in this case, is a verb.

“I would really like to have a conversation in person.”

My lips twitch. “Like the one we’re having now?” I’m not sure why I can’t just be easy, but I’m relieved when Camden chuckles.

“Preferably one where we’re across a dinner table. Alone.”

“Like … a date?”

He nods, and his face is so earnest that I want to climb over this railing and give him a hug. “Yes. Would you like to go on a date with me, Naomi?”

“For the purpose of talking?” I ask.

“Atleasttalking.”

His eyes flare with a sudden heat that makes my knees feel wobbly. When his thumb grazes the back of my hand, a whisper of a touch, I have to lean more of my weight on the railing to stay upright.

“Okay. Yes.”

“I have a game tomorrow and another Monday night. Tuesday I have plans.”

“So do I,” I tell him, wanting to stay as vague as he is about what those plans are.

“What about a Wednesday lunch?”

“I think that’s fine. I can check my calendar and text you. Assuming your phone still works.”

“May I text you?”

I raise an eyebrow. “You already bought my kid a whole set of new hockey gear without asking. Which I’m going to pay you back for, by the way. Now you’re asking permission to text me?”

“No,” Camden says firmly, giving my hand a squeeze. “You’re not going to pay me back. Or stop me from doing anything I can for you and Liam. Also, asking to text is more of a formality. I’mgoingto call or text you.”

“Is that so?”

He drops my hand, making me immediately ravenous for more of his touch. Producing his phone from somewhere, Camden taps the screen a few times. I feel mine buzz in the pocket on my thigh and slip it out to see he’s texted me one word:Hi.

When I look up, I’m grinning, but he’s frowning down at his phone. “I need to get home.” Worry practically radiates off of him, a stark change from his earnest intensity from seconds ago.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

He looks like there’s something he wants to say, but he only shakes his head. “I’ll be in touch.”

And then he disappears down the hallway, leaving me torn between being excited about our date and wondering what kind of emergency would make a man who, as far as I know, lives alone, have to rush home.

CHAPTER10

THE DREAM TEAM

Wyatt:I’m bored

Wyatt:Spill the tea or whatever it is the kids are saying these days

Logan:You must not spend time with any kids because they are definitely not saying that.

Felix:Hey, Wyatt. Hope you’re doing well and not freezing your butt or any other important parts off.

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