Page 43 of Ice Contact

“What makes you think I love her?” I ask as we descend toward the airport.

He smiles with a look that says he’s about to drop another truth bomb on me. My fingers tap furiously on my thigh, waiting for his response. “Hayes, I feel like I’m looking into a mirror as you’re talking to me. I remember having a similar conversation with a teammate back when I met Kara. He gave me some advice I will pass along to you.” He waits until I meet his eye, unable to hide from the reality he’s about to share. “Hockey is the best sport. We are so damn lucky to get to play it and make a living doing it. But hockey doesn’t last forever. We get older. We get injured. We retire. Eventually, it will end. But love and family? That is what lasts. That’s what really matters.”

I wake up the next morning and immediately grab my phone to see if I’ve heard from Olivia. Knowing her, I’m guessing she didn’t text me good morning because she didn’t want to bother me. I’m right. Shaking my head, I roll my eyes as I send her a good morning text. I need to get through to her that she is never an inconvenience to me, no matter what time of day, even if I have to spank it out of her. I want her to understand I willalwayshave time for her.

I laid in bed last night thinking about everything Zack said. Maybe I’m not as crazy as I think I am.What if the notion of falling in love at first sight isn’t that crazy after all?I’m sure it’s not common these days, but one thing I know about rarities is their scarceness makes them even more precious. We both seem to have talents we quickly excelled at. Maybe our brains are just wired that way - picking up on things we are destined for. I guess that could be the reason this relationship is propelling forward so quickly. My bed feels so empty without her. I need to see this girl. I need to tell her how I feel and feel her on me.Tomorrow’s game cannot get here fast enough. I smile as my phone dings with a new text. I’m pretty sure this woman is my fucking destiny, and I need the rest of eternity to begin.

31

olivia

“ThankGodthe Bayview Bourbon campaign got sent to the client last night,” I grumble to Maggie, slouching deep in my chair. “I am so glad to have that off my plate. Now I can finally get Bill off my back about it.”

“Ditto. He’s been extra annoying lately. He came over yesterday and asked if I could put a drop shadow on a photo. Adrop shadow.I had to find a polite way to explain that we no longer use graphic design elements from 1996.”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t know how we would survive without each other. Also,” I straighten in my chair, leaning across our shared desks, “what’s for lunch today?”

“Olivia, it’s 8:45.”

“And what better time is there to plot out where we are going for lunch today?”

“I brought my lunch. I shouldeat that,” Maggie says hesitantly. “But…Icouldbe persuaded to go out.”

“I was kind of thinking that new make-your-own-salad place down on Broadway. I could use a blueberry muffin…orfourfrom their bread bar,” I say with a glimmer in my eye, hoping she agrees.

“I love how that place comes across as being healthy with fresh greens and kale, and then once you pay, you have access to a smorgasbord of super carb-heavy breads, soups, and desserts. I transform into Templeton fromCharlotte’s Webonce I pass that cash register.”

“But it’s basically salad…with a side of cornbread, asiago cheese breadsticks, and ice cream sundaes. It’s calledbalance.”

“Hell yeah, it is. I’m in.”

“Sweet! Only two more hours to plot out our attack on the bread station,” I say as I turn back toward my monitor, my phone lighting up with a text.

Hayes

Hello, is this my emergency contact Olivia Brooks? I have another emergency.

Olivia

Another one? Do I need to wrap you in bubble wrap?

Can you provide me with the details of your emergency, sir?

Hayes

I had a dream last night about this girl, but I’m worried she’s not real. She was beautiful with long auburn hair, blue eyes, and sexy legs. Do you know anyone that matches that description?

I can’t hold back the giddy smile forming on my face, warmth creeping across my cheeks.God, this man is everything.

Olivia

How is this an emergency?

Hayes

If she’s not real, I’ll die.

Olivia

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