Page 83 of Brittle Heart

“You already know more than is good for me,” she says, avoiding my gaze.

“Then tell me something I don’t know. Tell me something no one else knows,” I say.

Her eyes fall to the cooler with the ice cubes, and she reaches over to take a small one out. “I love to suck on ice cubes,” she says before popping it into her mouth.

I smirk at her. “Suck on ice cubes?”

She nods. “You know that feeling when you’re exhausted and hot, or your head won’t stop racing with thoughts, or even when you’re just overwhelmed? Sucking on ice cubes makes everything better. It calms everything down. It’s like time freezes for a moment, giving you a little break.”

“I’ll have to try it sometime,” I say, gently placing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Do you only like to suck on ice, or do you skate on it too?”

“What do you mean?” she asks, furrowing her brows.

“The guys, Sophia, and I have planned to go ice-skating this Sunday in Central Park. We do it every year at the beginning of December to ring in Christmas time,” I say.

“I don’t know how to skate. I’ve never done it before,” she shares.

“I’d love to show you. I promise I won’t let you fall,” I say with a smile.

“I’d love to come, but I heard it’s expensive and—”

“Did you enjoy our date today, Carolina?” I ask, cupping her cheek.

“Very much,” she whispers.

“Would you go on another one with me?” I ask, and she nods. “Then let me take you out for ice-skating this Sunday. For our third date, you can decide what we do, and I’ll let you pay if you want to.” I smile smugly.

“Who’s the smart-ass now?” she jests, giving me a playful glare.

“So, is that a yes?” I ask.

“Yes, I would love to go ice-skating with you, Josh,” she answers, a smile spreading across her face.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

Carolina

My head is in the clouds. Cloud nine, to be precise.

I almost burn the eggs as I prepare breakfast for Chiara and me. I am in a constant state of squealing internally while I repeat our date over and over again in my head.

He brought chocolate fondue to work for me. He was so sweet, considerate, and even flirty. And I was just myself, like Howie told me to be—no mask, no need to hide.

As soon as he told me he wanted me, and not a nice version of me, I was a goner. I think I might be in love. I don’t know what that feels like, but if it’s not like this, what could top that?

Chiara comes into the kitchen and sits in her usual place. “Morning.” She yawns.

“Buongiorno, piccola,” I greet, placing a plate in front of her. “How are you?”

“Good.” She shrugs, starting to eat her eggs.

“Do you already have plans for this Sunday?” I inquire.

She looks up from her plate, curious. “Why?”

“Well, some friends from work and I are going ice-skating in Central Park, and I remember you always wanted to do that. So, I thought I’d ask if you wanted to come along?”

“You have friends?” she asks, sounding surprised.

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