Page 28 of The Puck Stops Here

I’ll just give her a quick call …

Paige

What are you so worried about? Thought you said he wasn’t a serial killer…

Bella

No but Blake might be…

Paige

Not helping, B!

Sissi

She’s not answering

She pushed through the doors into the foyer and dialled Sissi back, finger to one ear, phone to the other. A blast of icy wind and a flurry of sleet followed a customer inside and she shuddered, turning toward the wall for shelter.Brrr.What she wouldn’t give to be in her shark onesie right about now…

‘Astrid!’ came Sissi’s panicked voice.

‘Hey love, I’m so sorry. I’ve only just seen your messages.’

‘Are you okay?!’

‘Everything’s fine. I would’ve called sooner but I’m still tied up withyou-know-who.’

‘Youare?’

‘He’s taken me for a drink.’

‘Already? Wow, you don’t waste time, do you? Not that you should. It’s good – excellent –greatthat he’s taken you out already.’

‘It’s not what you’re thinking.’

Though it might be given chance…

‘No?’

She screwed her face up, the conflict in her friend reaching down the phone and giving her a guilt-laden slap. It was one thing towantAstrid to break Aiden, another to sit by knowing she had to get close to do it. Like,closeclose. ‘It’s more of an apologetic drink than adatedate.’

‘Apologetic? Why on earth…’

‘He’s doing it to make up for Blake’s behaviour.’

‘Why, what did his brother do?’

Good question. Whatdidhe do?

He was rude. Dismissive. Arrogant. Pissed off. And yet…

Dammit nipples, stand down.

‘Astrid? What’s wrong?’

‘Nothing.’

‘You just swore.’

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