Page 58 of Ice Contact

I love this place. I love the cool breeze coming off the lake. I love having historic charm while still having modern updates. I love having a music room. Why would I even hesitate to renew my lease?

Hayes.Hayes is why. The tall, handsome man who defended my honor, takes care of me, and lets me be myself.

I wish my lease was a little longer so I would have more time to decide.Surely, Hayes will not want me to move in with him this soon.Tapping the letter against my palm, I glance aroundmy rental house.I would be out of my mind to think that, right?But it was so nice to be in his bed when he came home. Maybe I’ll just ask my landlord if I can get an extension instead of renewing.

I can’t tell Hayes. I want to move in with him because he wants me to, not because of a timeline set by my landlord.Calm your tits, Olivia. He said he loves you, not that he wants to move in with you.

My phone rings.Who is calling me?Hayes is still at practice. I look down to see a familiar name on the screen, my brows lifting in surprise.

“Hi David,” I say, confusion coloring my voice.

“Hey Olivia. Listen, I was calling to apologize.” He sighs, sounding embarrassed. “Zack Reeves talked to me and said you had nothing to do with him signing those pucks. You weren’t even there. And you aren’t together with that guy anymore. So…if you’d still like to be the Riders anthem singer, we’d love to have you back.”

I grin from ear to ear like an idiot.Zack talked to David?I’m sure Hayes had something to do with this and I can’t wait to give him a hard time about it later. “Oh, wow. That’s…that’s great, David; thank you!”

“It would be on a probationary period for the rest of the season, but as long as there are no more incidents, you should be fine.”

My breath catches in my throat. “Incidents?” I croak.

“Just the usual rules, Olivia. No fraternizing with the players or any other inappropriate behavior. Represent the Riders franchise with pride and decorum.”

“Right. Got it. No fraternizing with the players.”Shit, shit, shit.Fraternizing is the understatement of the year for what Hayes and I have been doing.

“I already lined up some singers for the next few games, but as long as we’re on the same page, I’ll email you the details with the next open slot. I’ll have your credentials and tickets at security as usual. Can’t wait to have you back! The Riders need their weapon.”

“Um, yeah. Thanks so much, David; I…I can’t wait to be back either,” I say with a shaky voice, my fingers fidgeting with my sleeve.

And there it is.

The mother-fucking hammer.

Shit.

“He saidwhat?” Maggie screeches over the phone.

“He said no fraternizing with players. Which, in case you need a recap, I am currently dating, and super in love with, a very hot Rider. What the fuck am I going to do?”

“You have to tell Hayes,” she says authoritatively. “He can pull some strings, right?”

“Mags, I cannot ask him to talk to the team he just signed with to make an exception for his girlfriend of less than a month. I don’t think people will understand I’m not just some puck bunny, flavor of the month for the new guy on the team.”

“Olivia Marie Brooks. You arenota puck bunny! Do not say that about yourself. This is different. What you guys have is special, and people will see that. I mean,Isee it, and I’m jealous as hell! Sure, people are going to talk. But you’re dating a professional athlete. People are going to talk no matter what you do.”

“I guess you have a point. I just…I can’t ask Hayes to do that. It’s just…not me.”

“Liv. Tell Hayes. You go on and on about how he lets you be yourself, that you feel safe with him.Tell himwhat’s going on; let him help you decide what to do. Or, even better, decide together. He seems like such a great, level-headed guy, and he is so crazy in love with you. You two will figure it out.”

I shake my head.Dammit.“Mags, Ireallyhate it when you’re right.”

“So, you hate me a lot then, huh?” she teases. “Trust me, Olivia. This guy would burn down a building for you. Just talk to him.And…I better be your plus one at the games since your boyfriend is, you know,playing.”

“Of course, Maggie. Let me deal with this crisis first, then I’ll see what I can do about tickets.”

“You’re the best, Liv!” she says as I roll my eyes.

Sheisright. If this will ever work, I have to tell him what’s going on. I have to be honest. Hayes isn’t Cayden; he isn’t going to bolt because I’m being vulnerable and sharing a fear.Fuck,I groan, dropping my face into my hands,I hate this.

Hayes calls as he’s leaving the Riders’ practice facility to let me know he’s running a couple of errands and will be at my place around five for dinner. I force a smile and nod, even though he can’t see me, telling him that’s great, drive safe, and I’ll make something for us to eat.

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