Page 140 of Cold As Ice

“I just don’t think I can do it.” My gaze drifted back to Imogen.

How could I bring someone into her life who might skip out at a moment’s notice?

She didn’t deserve that.

Not when she already had so many questions about her father.

“But maybe it’s time to put yourself out there? You can still show Imogen what a strong, independent woman looks like and have a relationship.”

“God, you make it sound so easy.”

“Because I think it could be,” he said with pure conviction. “Nothing in life is guaranteed, babe. Not a damn thing. Imogen deserves a mom who loves her and puts her first, always, but did it ever occur to you that you deserve someone who puts you first, too?”

“Jer…” Emotion clogged my throat, my eyes burning with tears I refused to let fall. Of course, I wanted that.

Of course, I wanted someone to be there for me the way I would always be there for my daughter.

Who didn’t want that?

But the thought of ending up heartbroken again terrified me. I was finally in a good place. I had friends, two jobs I loved, a place to call our own, and I had a life.

A life I had been perfectly content with until Austin came along.

Could I really risk all that on a hockey player with a dirty mouth, icy gaze, and his whole life ahead of him?

CHAPTER25

AUSTIN

Madison had doubts about me.

But that was okay. I could play the long game.

When I turned up at Sugartown three days ago, I didn’t have any expectations beyond her hearing me out.

Okay, maybe a small part of me hoped she would forgive me, and we could start up where we had left off, but I knew it was unlikely.

So now I needed a plan that involved giving her enough time and space so that I didn’t come across as a total creep while still making enough effort, so she knew I was serious about her.

Dead serious.

Still, I was out of my depth.

My position as goalie for one of the best hockey teams in the NCAA required a cool head and steady hands. I had to read the game, watch my players and their opponents, see the play as it unfolded at breakneck speed, and, most importantly, never take my eye off the puck.

It was as easy as breathing.

This—dealing with my feelings and relationships and women—was not.

But I refused to let my fear, and my own stubbornness ruin my chances at fixing things.

“Austin, I swear to God, son, get your head out of your ass and keep your eye on the—” The puck went sailing past my glove, and Noah’s laughter pulled me out of my thoughts.

“I see you brought your A game today.”

“Don’tsay a word,” I bit out.

He grinned, slipping past me, and headed back into formation. “Might want to keep your eye on the puck next time.”

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