Page 105 of Cold As Ice

“Everything tastes great, too,” I confirmed.

“This is such a great find,” Rory said. “I love Joe’s and Roast ‘n’ Go, but it’s nice to leave the regular crowd behind.”

“You’re both students at LU, too?”

“English majors,” El replied. “I graduate this year, though.”

“What are your plans?”

“I’m moving to Philadelphia with my boyfriend.”

Harper and Rory shared a secretive look, and I suddenly felt very much out of the loop.

“Seriously.” El quirked her brow. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Babe, come on, it’s a huge freaking deal.” Harper grinned. “Her boyfriend is signed with the Philadelphia Flyers.”

So she was another hockey girlfriend.

“Wow, that’s… impressive.” I hoped my expression looked less strained than my voice sounded. “You must be so excited.”

“Connor and Ella have had it tough over the last few months. So we’re all stoked for them.”

“Connor? You’re Connor Morgan’s girlfriend?” The words were out before I could stop them.

“You know him?”

“Yes, no…” Crap. “I saw the news. He got injured, right?”

Guilt lodged itself in my throat. I didn’t owe these girls anything, but it felt deceitful, somehow, to pretend I didn’t know Austin or anything about the team.

“Yeah, he did.” Ella studied me closely. “Do you follow hockey?”

“Oh no, I’m not really much into sports. Between working two jobs and taking care of my daughter, I don’t have much time for hobbies.”

“You have a daughter?” Harper asked, and I nodded. “You look too young to have— Crap, I’m sorry. That was rude.”

“It’s fine.” I covered the awkwardness with a strained laugh. “I get that a lot. She’s four going on fourteen, and I’m twenty-one but feel forty some days.”

Jesus. Why was I telling them all this?

“Sorry, I should go help Kayleigh.” I darted away from their table and found my boss over by the trays of tasters.

“Everything okay?” She frowned at how flustered I was.

“Uh, yeah. Fine. It’s going well?”

“I think so. Hopefully, we’ll start to attract a bigger college crowd if word spreads. Can you hand out the feedback forms, and I’ll start with the dessert tasters.”

“Of course.” Grabbing the pile of sheets, I made my way around the room. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and there was a lot of positive chatter about Kayleigh’s new items.

Not that I’d expected anything less.

Kayleigh was an excellent baker. An even better businesswoman. It was so wonderful to see her flourishing and chasing her dreams, and I was grateful to play even a small part in her success.

It made me wish I had my own dreams beyond being the best mom to Imogen I could be, though.

But between losing my head to young love and then falling pregnant, I’d never had time to discover what I wanted to do with my life. And, now, my number one priority was attending to her needs.

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