Page 79 of As You Ice It

Naomi:YOU WON! Loved every minute of it. Especially the minutes you were on the ice.

“So, you did get my texts,” I tease. “You never responded.”

“I never look at my phone until after the game.”

“It’s after the game,” I point out.

We’re pulling up to a red light, and Camden turns to me, his face all hard lines and soft lips in the glow of the streetlight. “My only focus was getting to you as fast as possible.”

He stares just a little too long, and someone taps the horn behind us to let us know the light turned green. With a last glance at my lips, Camden turns back to the road.

A moment later, he reaches across and takes my hand.

My eyes fly open, immediately looking toward Liam. He’s not looking up here, still obsessing over the signed puck he’s turning over and over in his hands. I think the console between our seats is blocking our hands from view, but Camden reads my hesitation and starts to pull away.

I grab his hand before he can, linking our fingers for the rest of the ride.

So far, we haven’t said anything to Liam. What would I even say?Hey, bud—Camden and I are dating, though we haven’t officially given it a title yet. We’re kissing every chance we get, and I think it’s serious, but there’s still a chance that things won’t work out for a second time, so don’t get your hopes up. I don’t want you to get crushed again.

It seems better to keep things just friendly in front of Liam—for now.

Which makes the hand holding just out of Liam’s sight feel like a fun little secret until we reach Felix’s and I let go.

I’m grateful that the gathering is more that—a gathering—than a party. Felix’s apartment, first of all, is gorgeous. It’s a repurposed loft with high ceilings showing ductwork and beams with an open concept floor plan. The industrial touches are offset by comfortable seating areas and bright artwork. Quiet music plays from speakers I don’t see, and I realize it’s classical versions of pop songs. There are only about two dozen people here, standing or sitting in various small groups around the loft. Parker waves, and I get a head nod from Summer, who’s sitting in Nathan’s lap.

Gracie greets us near the door and gives me a hug even though I saw her hours ago. “I’m so glad you came! Good to see you again, Liam. I’ve got some snacks in the kitchen if you’re hungry.”

I can’t imagine that he is after what he’s already eaten today, but Liam immediately scurries off, the outline of the puck visible in his back pocket. As I watch him inspect the food and start piling a plate high, I realize I’m going to need to rework my grocery budget if he keeps this up.

“I brought wine,” Camden says, handing Gracie a bottle he must have picked up earlier in the day.

“I brought nothing,” I say, and Gracie laughs as she takes the bottle from Cam.

“Wow—this is a good one. Thanks! I think this counts for you both.”

“This place is beautiful. Who did the decorating—you or Felix?”

“Mostly Felix, but now a little bit of both,” she says. “The library is the one space that I didn’t touch. It was already perfect.”

She points to an area off the loft with tall bookshelves and a leather sofa clearly defining the space.

“Liam will undoubtedly end up there later. Once he clears out your food. I’m sorry in advance.”

“Don’t be. We have plenty.” A timer goes off, and Gracie glances toward the kitchen. “Make yourselves at home. If you need somewhere to put your coats, there’s a guest bedroom back there.”

She gestures toward the back area of the loft as she walks away, leaving Camden and me standing just inside the door. I suddenly feel shy.

“Shall we drop off our coats?” I ask. “Because I really want to snoop.”

He chuckles and tucks both of our coats under one arm. “Then let’s go, little spy.”

“I’m not a spy!Snoopisn’t really the right word. I just like their place and want to look around.”

“Is this the kind of place you want to live?”

I think about the question before answering. My gut wants to say yes because this place is honestly amazing. But it’s not quite me. I think of the little green craftsman where Liam and I are staying. And even though I love the style of the house and the updates, I’m not sure it would be a forever kind of home either.

When I really consider what feels like home and where I’d want to be long term, my mind goes straight to Oakley Island.

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