Page 22 of Ice Block

“Okay, that’s flat-out blasphemy, and I will fight him to the death over that.”

“That’s what I said! But he’s all aboutbalance.Save money on things that don’t matter, which apparently includes Doritos, and spend it on things that do. Like…well, like this.” She smiles, gesturing to the luxury resort we’re all staying at for the wedding—one with the most picturesque view. “Making sure all the important people are here to celebrate. Flying everyone in. Paying for their rooms. Making memories with our family, including our found family,” she says, leaning her head on my shoulder as we walk arm in arm on the beach.

“God, could this man get any more perfect? What’s wrong with him? Liv, please tell me he doesn’t have eleven toes or a third nipple.”

Olivia roars with laughter, the ocean quickly swallowing up her cackle. “Only ten toes. But he has flaws…I think? I’m sure he’ll dosomethingto irritate me at some point, but we are still basking in the honeymoon phase. Literally…at our wedding-honeymoon celebration extravaganza!”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Okay, did he come up with that?Because calling this week an ‘extravaganza’ isfor surea flaw.” I snort, both of us bursting into a fit of laughter.

“So,” she nudges me with her elbow. “You’ve had an interesting day. Don’t think I’m not aware you’re peppering me with questions to keep me from bringing it up. Tell me about the flight.”

“He was a total pain in the ass every minute,” I grumble through gritted teeth, trying to force down the actual feelings he brought back today.Especially the feelings of wanting him in my bed again.The rush of heat that hit me with the unexpected offer to let me stay in his room is still lingering like the sun beating down on my skin.

“Maggie Elizabeth James, you are such a freaking liar. Tell me the truth. No more months long secret emotions.”

A pit forms in my stomach as I shrug, letting out a huge sigh. “Okay,okay. You know what a scaredy-cat I am when I fly. And, of course, there was horrible turbulence. When I went to grab the armrest to steady myself, his damn hand was there. And…and he told me to hold his hand if I needed to because he could tell I was scared. I believe his exact words were ‘use me.’ So I did. I held his hand.”

Liv’s eyes nearly pop out of her head. “Shut up! Did you just hold his hand? Or did youhold his hand?”

“We didn’t hand fuck on the flight, Liv. Wait…is that a thing?” I ask as we both giggle at whatever the hell that might entail. “But…he did rub his thumb on mine in a…soothing manner.”

“A soothing manner? Maggie! That is a big deal!”

“That’s what I thought! But he is Mister ‘I don’t want a relationship’ and that is something you only do in a relationship. Right?” I pause, fidgeting with the straps of my sandals, thinking back to what my hand felt like in his as my body heats. Digging my nails into him made me want to dig my nails into his back while he’s deep inside me calling me whatever Russian nickname he has forme.Goddammit! You are MaggiefuckingJames. You cannot let this man do these things to you. Focus, girl!

“Liv…” I cringe. “It gets worse.”

She bends down to pick up a seashell. “Worse?”

“I was sound asleep after takeoff, but when the turbulence woke me up, I saw he got me a snack box and a drink.”

She stands blinking and she purses her lips. “Wait…how is that worse?”

“Because it wasnice!Thoughtful. Generous. I’m trying to move on and get over his ass, but he is being fucking nice!”

Liv chuckles. “Mags…Vladi really is a nice guy. He just…” she pauses, and I can tell she’s holding something back, “he just has some issues.”

My heart drops. “Could you please enlighten your best friend on theseissues?”

The expression on her face is painful, sad almost. “I honestly don’t know much other than his mom died tragically back in Russia. But, even if I did, it’s not my story to tell. He’s not your typical moody, quirky goalie. He’s been through some painful things. All I can tell you is there is nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he cares about. He’s got a heart in there. It’s just…blocked. It’s like that giant wall of ice in Game of Thrones. Something like that doesn’t melt overnight, no matter how good the sex was.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. How can someone so caring just…leave? My shoulders slump. I felt something between us that night, and Iknowthat lying bastard did too.

“I appreciate the insight, but it doesn’t give me much more to work with here, Liv.”

“Listen. Do I think it would be the most amazing thing in the world to have my best friend and Hayes’ best friend be together? Hell to the yes! But I don’t want to push either of you.”

Lifting an accusing brow, I pretend to study my nails. “Likepushing us together on a flight? Or on a ride to the resort? Or by sharing the same room for the week?!”

“The flight and car, yes, you know Hayes likes to get a rise out of Vladi, but Mags, I swear I have no idea what happened with the rooms.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“I’m serious! Cross my heart, it was not us. But…” she pauses, seemingly choosing her words carefully, “…maybe take advantage of this situation. Get to know him a little better—cut him the tiniest bit of slack.”

I groan, wondering if I really should take her advice. “I’ll consider it.”

He already shattered my heart and self-esteem the last time I opened it to him.Melissa is still covered in bruises, why should I give him another chance?I pull Olivia back up the beach, my thoughts too chaotic to do anyone any good right now. “Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, where do I find the all-inclusive rum?”

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