Page 142 of Cold As Ice

“I got something for you. Something for Imogen, actually.” I lifted my ass off the seat and plucked the envelope out of my back pocket, placing it on the table.

“What is it?” Madison picked it up and slid it open.

“Tickets for a hockey game.”

“Oh, I’m not sure about that. It’s so crowded and loud and—”

“Relax.” I chuckled. “It’s not tickets for my hockey game.”Yet.

But one day, I wanted her there. Imogen, too, if the little hellion decided I was worthy enough to be with her mom.

“Harper is taking Scottie and some of the kids from the group she works with to see a local amateur game. I thought you and Imogen might like to tag along.”

“That’s… that’s really sweet of you. Imogen hasn’t shut up about Scottie, so I know she’ll be excited to see him again, but I’ll have to check my shifts.”

“Of course. You can arrange everything with Harper, her numbers on the envelope. I know they will be happy to have you.”

Madison stared at the tickets, a hundred and one questions glittering in her eyes.

Questions I knew she wouldn’t ask.

Not yet.

I could still sense her hesitation, the solid wall between us, and I didn’t blame her.

“I’m not expecting you to tell her they’re from me. I know that’s not how this works. I’m not looking to buy her approval or anything. I just thought…” Shit, I was losing her. “Anyway, that’s all I came for. So, I’ll go—”

“You don’t have to go, Austin. Stay, have a drink. Something non-alcoholic.” Her lips twisted. “If you have a game tomorrow.”

“Lime soda, please.”

“One lime soda coming up.” She pocketed the envelope and gave me a soft smile. “Just when I think you can’t surprise me anymore.”

Madison walked away before I could find out whether or not that was a good thing.

* * *

“You,” McSteamy said as I exited the restrooms.

“Me,” I said, staring him down with the same mistrust he afforded me.

“What do you want with Madison?” he asked.

“I don’t think it is any of your business, do you?”

He puffed up his chest, quiet rage rippling off him. “I’m making it my business.”

Jesus. Who the fuck was this guy?

“You need to back off, buddy,” I said over his bullshit. “I’m Madison’s friend, and unless she says otherwise, I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

“We’ll see about that.” His eyes narrowed, and I arched a brow, waiting for the motherfucker to move out of my way.

He didn’t.

“Really?” I scoffed, but he remained completely still, the faintest smirk playing on his lips.

Asshole.

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