Page 25 of Broken Ice, Mended Hearts

“Mm. Impressive. Anything else you know about me?”

He let out a dramatic sigh and rattled off, “Age thirty-three, height six-three, weight two hundred five. Twenty-eight goals, forty-three assists, plus-minus of positive thirty-seven.”

“Wow. Seems like we’re practically twins.” We locked eyes for a beat, our connection settling in again. I broke the silence a moment later. “Seriously, we really are a pair.”

Rather than agreeing, he surprised me with a twist. “What your bio didn’t say is how handsome you are.”

What the fuck? He’s ignored me like I was a piece of shit, and now he leads with telling me I’m handsome?

I shrugged. “I try my best, but I think it’s a lost cause.” It was time to lance the boil, so I followed his lead. “You should know that your French accent makes me hard.”

His lips parted soundlessly.

Damn it! Have I screwed up again?“I’m sorry, Pip. Bad joke.”

His tongue took the stage, raking over his lips and making me harder. Gazing into my eyes, he said simply, “I hope that’s a lie.”

The nape of my neck tingled, and the only words I could manage were, “Which part?”

“I hope I make you hard. Pretty sure I did the other night.”

“There’s no doubt about that, but…”

He lifted an eyebrow.

“Come on, Pip, why have you left me hanging? You made me beg you to talk to me.”

He pinched his nose and released a long breath. “Truth? The other night freaked me out a little.”

“I’ll give you bonus points for honesty. I knew you hadn’t lost your damn phone.”

“I had to think about things. I told you I’ve only been with one other guy. You’re amazing, but I didn’t want to…”

“Let me in?”

“No.” He ran his hand through his hair and grunted. “I needed to know how I feel. I’m sorry I was a jerk about it, but after I thought things through, I laughed at myself. You’re fantastic, and I’m glad we’re friends.”

“What are you saying, exactly? That you want meonlyas a friend? What about the other part?”

He twisted his lips, a facial shrug. “Being together like that was incredible. I’d like to do it again.”

“I told you I’ll be up for it when you are, but are you still freaked out?”

“No. You said it doesn’t have to mean anything, but I think it does, and that’s what messed with my head. We’ve made a connection, which I think started in that dumbass fight. Whatever I was feeling the other night, I want to let you in now.”

I blinked a few times, recognizing his vulnerability. It was never easy to open up, and I admired his courage. I needed to be respectful, but another question was burning through my brain. “When did you finish thinking about it? And if you feel like you say, why didn’t you text me sooner?”

“I was sure of how I felt by this morning. I’ve been embarrassed because I didn’t answer you, so I was trying to get up the nerve.” His cheeks colored. “Thanks for taking the initiative.”

God, more vulnerability. He certainly wasn’t the heartless bastard I’d convinced myself he was. “No worries.”

“We’re good, then?”

“Yes, and I have an idea. I live on the top floor of my building. Want to come over and watch the fireworks?” I resisted adding that we could make some fireworks of our own if he wanted to.

He hesitated a beat too long. “Could we hang out tomorrow instead?”

Fucking great, he’s seeing someone else tonight.I forced a smile. “Sure. You have plans?”

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