Page 78 of ICED
I slide mine into his. Warm, solid, grounding.
“I want to,” I say. “I’m just…”
“Nervous?”
“Terrified.”
He lifts my knuckles to his lips. “Then I’ll be your safety net.”
And that’s enough.
By the time we arrive at the event, I’ve taken roughly thirty calming breaths, wiped Lila’s sticky fingers twice, and listened to Owen hum along to Fleetwood Mac like the world’s least threatening bodyguard.
He carries the cupcakes in like they’re made of gold, nodding hellos to teammates and partners as we pass. The room is decked out in soft balloons and pastel bunting, a table full of gifts near the back, and a glittering banner that saysPucks or Pearls?
It’s beautiful.
It’s also mildly overwhelming.
Sophie spots us instantly, belly bump and all, and waves us over with a huge smile.
“Maya! You came!” She pulls me into a gentle hug, careful not to crush the box of cupcakes. “You look amazing,” she says, eyes wide. “And oh my God, Lila! Look at your wings!”
Lila beams. “I’m a party fairy.”
“Iloveit.”
Sophie ushers us toward the main table where the reveal cupcakes are placed front and centre. Owen leans down and whispers in my ear, “You’re already a hit.”
“Am I?”
“Yeah,” he grins. “I can barely hear the protein powder judging you.”
I elbow him, but it makes me laugh.
And then he does something that stops me cold.
He takes my hand. In front of everyone. Like it’s not even a question. Like I’m not a maybe. Like I belong. And the tension in my chest, months and years of it, softens.
Ollie and Dylan wander over, both grinning like idiots.
“Mate,” Ollie says, “you didn’t say the cupcakes camewiththe baker.”
“She’s not a freebie,” Owen warns, wrapping an arm around my waist.
Dylan holds out a hand. “Maya, right? I’ve heard so much about you. This guy never shuts up.”
“Has he told you about the time he overwhipped the cream and called it frosting soup?” I ask sweetly.
Owen groans. “Don’t turn them against me.”
Too late. Ollie’s already laughing.
Lila tugs on Owen’s jumper. “Can I show everyone my wings?”
He nods. “Absolutely. Go dazzle them, Jellybean.”
She flutters off, and just like that, she breaks the ice.
