Page 22 of Cold As Ice

No sex.

Nothing until I let Fawn, and her college friends talk me into approaching the hockey hottie at the bar the other night.

My vagina was a frozen-over wasteland occasionally brought back to life by my battery-operated friend. Until the gorgeous hockey player who had teased and tasted every inch of me but respected my boundaries without question.

“I just think you deserve some good D.”

“Good D, seriously?” I almost choked on the words. How could I not? She was such an idiot.

“At least tell me you’re seeing him again?”

“Maybe.” I shrugged. “He’s staying in Lakeshore for the holidays. And if Jacqueline and Ken get their way, I’ll have some free time.”

Her expression turned somber at the wobble in my voice. “You know they only want to help.”

“I know… It’s just hard.”

“So this is perfect. Austin can be your distraction, and I’ll give you my key so you can use my apartment while I’m gone. You know,ifyou finally decide to dust off your vagina.”

“Fawn! Oh my God.”

“Made you laugh though, didn’t I?” She chuckled, making her way over to me. “You deserve good things, Mads.”

“It can never be anything more…”

“And that’s okay, babe. Sex doesn’t have to be a committed, long-lasting relationship. You tried that, and look where it got you, babe. Shit, I didn’t mean—”

“I know what you meant.” My mouth twitched even though my heart ached. “Fine. I’ll take your key. But only if you don’t mind.”

“Mind? I’m freaking ecstatic for you. Madi’s going to get the D,” she sang. “She’s going to get dicked down real good.”

“I hate you right now.”

“No, you don’t.” A grin played on her lips. “You love me.”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Just remember the cardinal rule. This is about sex. Don’t make it complicated, and whatever you do”—she gave me a stern look—“don’t fall for the guy.”

* * *

Fawn’s words rang through my head as I lay in her guest bed, staring up at the ceiling.

She was right. Of course, she was.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened in that alley. The sheer possessiveness and desperation in Austin’s touch. The way he’d pulled me off the sidewalk and into the shadows as if he had to get his hands on me that instant.

That feeling was addictive. I remembered how good those early days could feel, where everything was fun and easy, exciting and wild.

It was what came after that was the problem. When the novelty wore off and the excitement dulled.

Texting him should have been the last thing on my mind, but still, I found myself reaching for my cell phone.

Madison: So funny story… Fawn said I can have the key to her place over the holidays.

I hesitated. It was a bad idea. The worst. But if I ended up home alone over the holidays, that wouldn’t be fun either.

I would need a distraction.

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