Page 139 of Cold As Ice

“W-what?” I gawked at him.

“I have never felt this way before, Madison. All I’m asking for is a chance to show you I can be what you need. What you both need.”

This couldn’t be real.

He couldn’t be—

“We’re all done here.” The last customers called over. “Thank you.”

They waved and I mindlessly waved back, trying to think of something—anything—to say to Austin.

But I had nothing.

I had… nothing.

“Austin, I—”

“Don’t finish that sentence, okay,” he said. “I’m going to go now. I’m going to give you some space to think about things.” He moved closer, lifting his hand to my face and brushing his thumb along my jaw. “I’ll see you soon, pretty girl.”

Austin dropped a kiss on my forehead and walked out of the store like he hadn’t just landed a bombshell at my feet.

Because while my head was saying run.Run as fast as you can and never look back…

My heart was saying something else entirely.

* * *

“So let me get this straight: he came and professed his love for you, and you still sent him on his way?”

“He did not profess his love.”

“Oh, come on, Mads, it was as good as.” Jeremiah sipped his coffee while we watched Imogen fuss over Vader. She’d been extra gentle with him since spending time with Mrs. Owens.

“What do I do, Jer? I mean, I can’t possibly consider it… can I?”

“Why the hell not?”

“Because!”

“You’d make a terrible defense attorney.” He smirked, and I poked my tongue out at him.

Surely, he understood where I was coming from.

“Look, Mads. After you finally got away from Warren, I would have been the first person to warn you off of men and dating and all that stuff. But you’re not that girl anymore. You’re strong and brave and capable.

“You are a wonderful mother to Immy, and she’s so lucky to have you. But it’s okay to move on. It’s okay to want more.”

“College, Jer. He’s in college.”

“You keep saying that like it really changes anything. He graduates in a few months, babe. I’m not suggesting you marry the guy or even jump in feet first. But giving things a chance, a real chance, could be the start of something beautiful.”

“Or a freaking disaster,” I muttered under my breath.

“And that attitude will be the reason you die old and alone with a vagina full of cobwebs.”

“Will you stop,” I snapped. “This is serious, Jer. It’s my life…”

“I’m sorry. You know sarcasm and humor are my way of broaching the heavy topics.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it gently.

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