Page 150 of Cold As Ice

“Sounds like she’s going to be trouble.” He glanced down at me with an intense look, sending my heart into a tailspin. “Just like her mom.”

“Austin…” I warned.

“Yeah, I know. Come on, this place looks alright.” He made a sharp turn and held open the door to the sports bar.

“A sports bar, really?” I laughed as I slipped past him.

“Grab a table, and I’ll order our drinks. What would you like?”

“An iced tea, please.”

“You mind if I have a beer?” he asked.

“Go ahead.”

I found a quiet table away from the giant television screen showing the sports highlights from the weekend and checked my cell phone. There was a message from Jeremiah and one from my parents.

Dad: We arrived in Grenada. Finally have some reception. Hope you and Immy are good. We miss you. See you soon. xo

I quickly texted him back and opened Jeremiah’s message.

Jer: Whoever decided to schedule a Peloton class on a Sunday is evil and twisted. My legs are jelly. I swear to God, I can’t move. If you don’t hear from me again, send help.

Madison: You are such a drama queen. Was it the hot instructor again? What was his name? Christopher?

Jer: Christian. And he isn’t hot, Mads. He’s the male form perfected.

I laughed at that.

Madison: And you’ll be the male form in emergency care if you keep pushing yourself to keep up with those crazy classes.

Jer: I’m choosing to ignore that. How’s your day?

Madison: Kayleigh let me go early. Austin showed up again...

Jer: Kudos to the hockey player, he really knows how to put in the work. I hope you plan to reward him for his efforts.

Madison: You are such a Slutty McSlutterson.

Jer: Get some D, babe. You’ve been so much happier since you started fooling around with him.

With an indignant gasp, I shoved my cell phone back in my purse and watched as Austin brought our drinks over.

“One iced tea for the lady.” He slid it across the table to me.

“Thanks.”

“Everything okay?” His gaze dropped to my purse.

“Yeah, it was just Jeremiah.”

“Ah, the friend. Did you tell him where you were?”

“If you’re asking if I told him I’m with you, then yes, I did.”

“Did he tell you to run and never look back?” Austin’s brows crinkled a little, but I sensed there was something he wasn’t telling me.

“No, why would you say that?”

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