Page 52 of Ice Darling
“What exactly do you need me to do?”
“Come over for dinner every now and again, and if—when”—he winces—“she has another episode, can I call you?”
I fiddle with the zipper of my jacket. “What if I can’t get her out of it? What if this was just a fluke?”
“That’s a bridge we’ll cross when we get there.” He pauses. “And of course, I’ll take my boyfriend duties seriously. I don’t expect to get your help for free.”
Is this conversation really happening?
“I’m not sure that’s a fair exchange.”
“You’re doubting my boyfriend abilities?”
“I’m doubting my child-whisperer abilities. Considering the rumor mill works harder than anything else in Lucky Falls, you’ve probably heard by now that I don’t…jive well with kids.”
He’s biting back a smile. “You’re good with Gordie. That’s all that matters.”
“I need you to lower your expectations just a smidge, Renthrow.”
“How about you have a little hope, Davenport? That’s what you gave to me today.”
His words hit me right in the chest, and I blink.Hope.
“Have a little faith, Dee Dee. Ninety percent of the world is good. And I have hope for the ten percent too.”
My eyes fill with tears. That memory was so sharp, so precious. For a moment, it felt like Gwen was in the room with us.
Renthrow moves toward me. “Cordelia, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I…” I tilt my head up and realize that he’s closer than before.
There.
I can see those hazel eyes clearly, almost magical in their tones, now a completely different shade of warm amber at the center, green at the edges, and flecks of gold that catch the light.
Those eyes aren’t just beautiful. They’re magnetic, beckoning.
I should look away.
But I don’t.
Neither does he.
The air between us shifts, turning fraught with tension—a fever pitch of wholly forbidden sensations that scream to a halt when he touches my face.
His fingertips are calloused, and I feel the years and years of dedication to hockey as his hardened touch slides up my cheek. He pushes my hair behind my ear, swiping his thumb back and forth against my neck.
I don’t stiffen in discomfort. My entire body loosens.
It feels like I’m being put under a spell.
Renthrow’s eyes dart to my lips.
He inches closer.
So do I.
And then his eyes widen in some kind of realization, and he jerks away.
