Page 52 of Heart on Ice

“What do you mean?”

Sam’s brows raise. “Seriously, oh my sweet Canadian friend, you think she’s doing it for the dog?”

“Issy hates me. No, it’s more she tolerates me.”

“I thought you were friends,” Sam questions.

“It’s fragile right now. She’s being nice. I’m her client.”

He nods. “So there’s nothing there?”

“Issy’s a beautiful woman, but there is nothing there between us. I don’t see her like that. We are just friends,” I tell him.

“Oh hey, Issy,” Sam says, looking over my shoulder.

I still. Did she just hear what I said? I turn around and see her hugging Sam. But I see nothing on her face to indicate she heard me.

“I know a Sam Rose party when I see one. I’m surprised there aren’t topless waitresses walking around.”

“Felix didn’t think it was a good idea,” Sam jokes.

“You’re home early,” I say.

“I thought you guys might need help, but it seems you have it all sorted. I might go grab a shower and get ready. What time are Harper and Kimberly coming?” she asks.

“They are on their way,” Felix says. She nods and disappears.

“You don’t think she heard me?” I ask them.

They both shrug. “Would it matter if she did if you’re just friends?” my brother asks.

“It doesn’t. I just want to make sure I didn’t offend her in any way,” I tell him. Felix nods.

“Come on, let’s grab a drink and celebrate your Freedom Day,” Sam says.

15

ISABELLE

“Issy’s a beautiful woman, but there is nothing there between us. I don’t see her like that. We are just friends.”I hate that his words have been constantly playing in my mind all night while I watched him and the boys have fun, drinking, singing, and dancing. I shouldn’t care. But I’m also confused because earlier he said,“Fuck, I know I shouldn’t be thinking these things but seeing you like this … Issy, you have me so fucking hard.”When we had a moment after his panic attack. And for a microscopic second, I was about to give in. Thank goodness Felix came in when he did, otherwise, I might have done something I would regret. And I would have regretted it. He doesn’t want me. I’m convenient. I heard Sam teasing him about being on house arrest, and all he has for company is his hand. Pierre told him he would rather his hand right now as he has trust issues when it comes to women. Does that mean he has trust issues with me? I hate being up in my head about this. This is why I needed to keep him at arm’s length, but no, I had to try to be the bigger person and let my anger go. What has it gotten me? Now I’m angry again for an entirely different reason, and that’s what’s annoying me.

The party is winding down, everyone is well and truly drunk, especially Pierre who is dancing around the room with his brother and Sam. Meadow, Kimberly, and my sisters left earlier, which leaves Harper and me together.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Harper says.

“Been a long week.”

“You two seem to be getting along?” she says, looking over at Pierre who is messing around with Sam and Felix.

“It is what it is,” I tell her with a shrug.

Her eyes narrow on me. “Has something happened?”

“What! No,” I answer too quickly.

“Something happened. I knew it would.” She leans in.

“Nothing happened.”

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