Page 46 of Ice Princess

Rebel jumps, startled. “What are you doing, Gunner? Do you want to fight?” She holds up two fists and I almost laugh. “Let’s fight. I’m not scared.”

“I have never andwillnever put my hands on a woman. Lower your arms, Rebel.”

A crease forms between her eyebrows. “Then why are you here?”

Rather than answer, I wrap my fingers around her wrist and tug it away from her side. Stepping so close her face is almost buried in my chest, I shrug my jacket sleeve halfway on to her elbow. Next, I slide on the other sleeve.

My hands tremble slightly while I dress her. Being this close to Rebel Hart, I can smell her perfume. It’s a light, citrus scent. Probably something held in a pink perfume bottle, knowing her. I bet the fruit this flavor is based on is pink as well. Something citrusy. Grapefruit, maybe?

I shrug the jacket over her shoulders and linger for a beat longer than necessary. Finally, I step back and survey her.

My team number is proudly displayed on her sleeve.

My last name is scrawled across her back.

KINSEY.

The heavy, dark emotions retreat completely, like wild wolves running back to their cave for the night.Perfect.

Rebel blinks slow and steady, as if waking from a daze. And then she bristles.

“I’m not wearing this,” she protests, yanking the jacket off.

“I can’t force you to. But if you don’t…” I shrug carelessly, “I’ll be distracted all night and I’ll probably miss all the shots I take and then, when they interview me after the game, I’ll blameyou on live television and the town will turn against you. Do you want that?”

“Gunner Kinsey, are you threatening me?”

I wiggle my phone in her face. “You threatened me first.”

“You’re insane.”

I shrug again. It’s the second time someone’s accused me of being out of my mind today and I’m starting to think they might be right.

I am insane.

Especially when it involves Rebel Hart.

As Rebel chews on her bottom lip and struggles for a comeback, I tap her nose. “See you tonight, Hart.”

I make my way to the staircase and hear Rebel yell, “I hope you trip on your skates and fall flat tonight, Kinsey!”

It’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.

CHAPTER

FIFTEEN

REBEL

April eyesmy jacket as I ride shot gun to the stadium. She licks her lips, clears her throat and faces the road.

Seconds later, she glances at the jacket again.

I hunker lower in my seat. “Don’t ask.”

“I wasn’t gonna.”

“Don’t look either.”

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