Page 31 of As You Ice It

“Is that something you want to do?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Then no. No jumping of any kind. Not even jumping rope.”

“Then I’ll be fine.”

“Good.”

Without offering up any other information, Camden turns and walks away, leaving me to scamper behind him. I keep my eyes on the floor, lest they become traitors and decide to wander in the direction of Camden’s backside. Which I happen to know provides quite the view.

But looking down means I don’t realize Camden has stopped, and I run right into the back of him. I step away quickly, rubbing my nose.

“Ready?” he asks, eyebrows raised.

“For what?”

He doesn’t answer but simply gestures for me to go first to wherever it is he’s taking me. I get the distinct suspicion he’s testing me, so I lift my chin and walk ahead, my steps slowing when I look around.

“Whoa. This is … cool.”

We’re on a metal catwalk above the arena. Down below, a Zamboni makes lazy circles on the ice. Otherwise, the arena is empty. I guess they don’t have a game today. They probably wouldn’t if the players are working with kids. I know from the schedule next week there isn’t a class—does that mean they have a game?

You don’t care about hockey, I remind myself. But I’m finding myself curious for the first time.

Pausing in the middle of the walkway, I lean my elbows on the rail and look down over the ice with its Appies logo and the wide, shiny streaks marking the Zamboni’s path. It’s really peaceful and more than a little awe-inspiring. I’ve never been to a hockey game. Looking out over the seats and the banners and the clean sheet of ice, I’m suddenly struck with the desire to go.

This isn’t an altogether bad thing, considering the way Liam will force me to go soon. He’s already asked no less than a dozen times. I can probably handle seeing Camden play without falling any harder for him, right? That’s what I’ll tell myself.

Because one of the reasons for our breakup—besides my fear that Liam was getting too attached—was the fact that distance would be too tricky. Now, there’s no distance.

But I have no idea if Camden has any lingering feelings for me. He certainly seemed confident in the breakup when I tried to walk it back, which was humiliating.

“Parker showed me this spot,” Camden says, jarring me out of my thoughts.

Jealousy instantly curdles in my stomach. I didn’t get a vibe between Parker and Camden. But even the idea of another woman platonically sharing something special with Camden is enough to unleash the jealous beast.

“Are you two dating?” I blurt, regretting the question instantly. I can feel heat creeping up my cheeks.

His head rears back. “What? No. She’s engaged to one of the guys on the team. And even if not …” He glances at me, then away.

“This just seems like the kind of thing you’d share with someone special.”

I meant Parker telling Camden and realize the implication as soon as the words are out of my mouth. Because Camden just broughtmehere.

I really should just stop talking.

Thankfully, he seems to gloss right over my words. “I think she just brought me up here because …”

I wait. But Camden runs a hand over his jaw as he stares out over the rows of empty seats.

“Because?” I prompt.

“Nothing. It’s just a nice place to be alone.”

“You’re not alone,” I point out, earning me a long, slow perusal of my face.

“No,” he says, stepping closer. “I’m not.”

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