Page 79 of Icebound Hearts

Roman groans, stepping away. “I really don’t like you sometimes. You won’t even let me hug her.”

Aiden shrugs unapologetically. “Hug the wall, not my girl.”

I laugh, sipping my coffee as Aiden strides toward me. He bends down and presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head before wrapping his arms around me.

“My girl, Roman. Only I can give her hugs.” My heart stutters.

My girl.

We haven’t talked about labels, but something about the way he says it makes warmth bloom in my chest.

Aiden’s lips move, but I realize I’m too distracted to process his words.

“What did you say, babe?” I ask, squeezing his arm. “Let’s go before we’re late.”

I nod, waving goodbye to Roman as Aiden and I head out to his car. We make it to the arena just in time. Aiden and I go our separate ways, but not before he pulls me in for a quick kiss.

As soon as I step into the locker room, I’m immediately tackled into a group hug.

“Morning, pookie! Are you excited for my party tonight?” Alexei grins, practically bouncing.

I chuckle and nod. “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.” Alexei launches into a dramatic rant about his outfit choices, and Maddie joins in. I turn toward Alina, noticing the way she forces a smile, nodding at the conversation but not really engaging. It’s fake. I’ve seen that look before.

As Alexei and Maddie head toward the ice, I linger behind with her. “Are you okay?” I ask, squeezing her arm.

She hesitates before shaking her head. “I’m not. I fucking am not. I keep thinking about him, Kat. I care about him so much, and I’m scared to lose him.”

I sigh, pulling her into a hug as she buries her face in my shoulder. “You won’t lose him, Ali. He cares about you, too. He just needs help figuring it out. Give it time, please. That guy is wrapped around your finger, I promise you.”

She wipes her tears away. “I don’t know how to give it time. I’m scared. The way he shuts down and runs from questions scares me.”

I nod, rubbing her arm. “I get it. Sometimes men don’t know how to be vulnerable. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. He had a really hard life, Ali. He’s never had someone try to be there for him. Give it time.”

She exhales shakily, tightening her ponytail. “Okay. I’ll try. I just… miss you. I need you to move into the figure skating house already so I can crawl into your bed when I’m sad.”

I smile, linking my arm through hers. “I miss you, too.”

We head onto the ice, where Alina delivers a flawless routine. I catch Roman sneaking glances at her every five seconds. Every time their eyes meet, they both look away.

These two, I swear.

My own gaze searches the ice until it lands on Aiden. The moment he looks up, our eyes lock. My heart stumbles, my breath catching in my throat. He grins and winks at me. My knees nearly buckle, and I clutch Alina’s arm for support. I grin back and blow him a kiss, which he pretends to catch.

“You guys are so cute, it makes me sick,” Alina teases.

I laugh, turning toward her. “You deserve this too, Ali.” She squeezes me tight, and I hug her back.

Hours later, I find Aiden on the phone. The second he says my name, a squeal erupts from the speaker. “Kit-Kat, can you come see me?”

I grab the phone, my face lighting up when I see Sophia’s tiny, excited expression. “Hi, pretty girl! How are you feeling?”

Aiden wraps his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder as I talk to his sister.

“I’m doing so much better. My superhero healed me,” she says, pointing to Aiden. My cheeks ache from smiling.

“Do you want us to bring you anything?” She shakes her head. “Just my favorite person.”

Aiden feigns offense. “Me, right?” Sophia giggles. “I was talking about Kat, but you’re okay too, I guess.” Aiden gasps in mock betrayal.

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