Page 29 of Ice Princess

“Well…” My eyes dart back and forth. “After that, he stepped closer…”

Mom’s eyes widen expectantly.

“He touched my face…” My heart quickens at the memory.

“And?”

“And told me he wanted to see my smile.”

“That’s so romantic!” Mom coos. “Oh, Rebel, sweetie, you’re blushing. Do you like Gunner that much?”

I cup my cheek with my hand. “I’m not blushing. It’s just hot in here.”

“It’s notthathot,” mom teases.

Feeling exposed, I change the subject. Mom prattles happily about her day and I’m free from discussing my relationship with Gunner Kinsey.

As the night winds down, I say my goodbyes.

“Bring Gunner with you next time,” mom says, waving from the front steps.

“I’ll try,” I tell her. But it’s hard to imagine the distinguished, golden child of the Kinseys stepping into our humble trailer.

The car hums beneath me as I drive away from the trailer park. Today has been absolutely draining, but I don’t want to be alone right now. My thoughts are a mess and I need my best friend’s help to sort them out.

I stop at April’s place on the way home.

To my surprise, April is waiting up for me, along with Chance and May—April’s college-aged sister.

I freeze in the doorway, my eyes darting from one face to the next. “Am I in trouble?”

April shakes her head slowly. “Rebel Eleanor Hart.”

I step back.

April stomps toward me. She’s wearing a white T-shirt beneath a navy jumper. Her straight brown hair is pulled back into a ponytail. Her green eyes spark with disapproval.

I wince. “Can you save the scolding till after I get a hug. It’s been a really long day.”

“Humph.” April wraps her arms around me and squeezes. “I can imagine.” My best friend runs a hand down my back in comfort. “Are you okay? Chance told me everything.”

I ease back. “Everything?”

“Yeah, everything,” April says with a nod.

“Gunner told me at training today,” Chance explains. “He says you two can’t stand each other, but you’re faking a relationship for a good cause.”

“Gunner said that?” I breathe out.

April studies me closely.

I’m too tired to fix my expression or to work through why I feel so betrayed. My eyes sink to the ground. Gunner asked me to smile at him. Why did he make that stupid comment about my smile if he hates me so much?

“Rebel?” April touches my arm.

“It’s exactly as Chance said,” I speak to the floor. “I agreed to be Gunner’s girlfriend so I can join the Lady Luck Society.”

April pulls her lips into her mouth as if she’s forcing herself not to share her true thoughts. An awkward silence falls on the room.

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