Page 12 of Love so Cold

I huff out a breath heavy with sarcasm. "Oh, because today's been nothing short of a three-ring circus already." My voice is laced with a biting edge.

"Shhh," she hisses, a finger pressed to her lips, glancing nervously at the few spectators who've gathered to watch. "Game face, Victor. Ready to charm some kids?"

Rolling my eyes, I murmur a half-hearted, "Yeah, sure," because what else can I say? She's all about keeping up appearances, and I'm just the guy who has to wear the smile.

Jenna guides me towards the cluttered array of hockey gear by the team benches, pats on my shoulder like I'm a puppy being told to stay. "Wait here. I'll go let the swarm in."

I lean against the cold metal of the bench and fish out my phone from my pocket. It's buzzing with unread messages, a stream of chatter from Roman and the others. Roman's latest message flashes on the screen, poking fun at the day'scharade.

Roman

Enjoying the circus, Stone?

I told Jenna to make sure she sends me pictures of you on the tightrope!

Victor

I'll make sure Jenna sends you everything.

Maybe you can learn a thing or two about balance.

It's at least a small reprieve as I type back my snarky retort.

Something itches at the back of my neck, and I turn, lifting my gaze. It's Chestnut, and her eyes are fixed on me, and for a moment, the world narrows down to just us two.

I can't help the pull, the urge to stride over to her, but before my feet can make the decision, the air erupts with the excited yells of children streaming into the arena. Their voices bounce off the walls, filling the space with life and a reminder of why I'm really here.

"Victor!" Jenna's voice cuts through the din, and I force my eyes away from Chestnut, left to wonder what it is that draws me to her despite everything.

Chapter Seven

Avery

I'm perchedon the bleachers, arms crossed, as I watch him in front of the cameras. He's got that whole tall, dark, and brooding look down pat, sure, but it's not doing anything for me. Not today. My leg bounces with pent-up irritation, reflecting the turmoil in my head. Olivia's excited giggle echoes in my memory, her plea to join this circus still fresh. It's her dream to skate, not mine, but here I am because that's what you do for your kid.

Some of the press followed inside to the arena. "Come on, Victor, big smile!" someone nearby calls out. I roll my eyes so hard they nearly get stuck. That attempt at a grin—it's about as warm as the ice beneath his feet.Looking at him, you'd think he's never had a genuine happy moment in his life. I let out a snort.

"Stones don't have emotions," I mutter under my breath, leaning back against the cold metal of the bleacher.

The flash of the cameras finally dies down, and like some choreographed dance, Victor turns and lifts his head. Our eyes snag on each other. Mine widen; there's something about being caught staring that sends heat up my cheeks. Still, I don't look away. Not right away. I've got to figure this guy out—figure out if he's just another suit looking to bulldoze through our lives. And it's clear he's trying to do the same with me, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"Victor, over here, we need a shot with the gear," his PR person interrupts, her voice too chipper for my liking. She ushers him away, breaking our strange little showdown.

"Ridiculous," I huff quietly, shaking my head. The whole thing is a spectacle, and not the good kind. I shift uncomfortably on the hard seat, wishing I could be anywhere but here, watching the man who might soon kick me out of my home. But then I remember Olivia's face lit up with joy, and I know I'll endure a thousand awkward photoshoots if it means keeping that smile on her face.

"Hey, Avery!" Jessica's voice breaks through myreverie. Beside her, Emily is trying to hide a smirk behind her hand.

"Caught you eyeing the ice prince," Emily teases as they settle into the bleachers beside me.

"Please," I scoff, waving their comments away like pesky flies. "I was just... watching."

"Sure, and Victor was just 'watching' you too," Jessica says with a nudge.

"Where's Samantha?" I ask, eager to deflect attention from my flushed face.

"Down there," Jessica nods toward the rink. "With the kids. She's in her element." Emily points out Samantha, who's assisting a little one with skates.

"Nice try changing the subject," Emily chides, laughter in her voice.

---