Page 136 of Ice Princess

April scrunches her nose, unrepentant.

Delia’s expression remains passive, but I can see a little sparkle in her eyes like she’s enjoying this. “She ran up, jumped on him, and basically attacked his mouth. It was very dramatic.”

My eyes widen.

May barks out a laugh.

April hides her giggle behind her smoothie.

“I did not ‘attack him’.” I glare at Delia. “Is that what it looked like?”

Delia shrugs. “Yeah, it looked kind of painful.”

“I’ll admit, I… wasn’t gentle. But it’s not like I meant to hurt him.”

“I’m sure I saw bruises,” Delia says in that dry tone.

I kind of miss when she was keeping her distance from us.

“Rebel, you’re blushing,” April says, awestruck.

I fan my face and explain myself. “I was excited. He’s been gone for a long time.”

“I didn’t say anything.” Delia stirs her drink again.

“You’ve got a way with words, newbie,” I sputter, embarrassment sweeping through my chest. To cool down, I gulp the rest of my drink and crunch on the ice cubes.

April observes me with her eyes narrowing.

“I’ve never seen Rebel so flustered before,” May points out, still laughing at my reaction.

“Me either,” April agrees studiously. “What’s going on?”

“Gunner and I…”

April leans forward. “You what?”

“We’re going steady.”

“You and Gunner?” April balks.

“Yes.”

A heavy silence falls on our table.

“You’redating-dating?” May says at last.

“For real?” April stares at me with shocked eyes.

I nod.

May screeches so loudly that the entire mall comes to a standstill. “I knew it! I know chemistry when I see it. I saw this coming a mile away.”

Delia glances between us. “I’m confused. Aren’t they dating already?”

“We’re just really happy for her,” April beams and gives me a quiet arm squeeze that conveys her approval. “I’ve seen how well Gunner takes care of you. He’s very earnest.” Then she pauses. “Does this mean you’ve figured things out with his mother?”

“Uh, no. She still hates me.”

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