Page 171 of Cold As Ice

“Lakers don’t keep secrets, Madi.”

“Only about theirspecial friends?” I arched my brow, unable to hide my amusement.

He slid his arm around me and pulled me onto his lap in one smooth move. I adjusted my legs so that I could straddle him, looping my arms around his neck.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t know what you meant to me back then.”

“And now?” I whispered. “Do you know what I mean to you now?”

“I thought I’d made it pretty obvious. But in case you need reminding.” His fingers fluttered around my throat as he gazed right into my eyes, making my breath—my heart—catch. “I am completely”—he kissed the corner of my mouth—“and utterly”—tracing his lips down to the curve of my jaw—“gone for you.”

He sucked the skin there, not enough to mark me but enough to send shivers racing down my spine.

“Austin,” I whimpered, my skin burning as he continued sucking and licking at my heated skin.

“Fuck, Madi, I don’t think I have ever wanted anything as much as I want you right now.”

“Let’s go to my room.” I curled my fingers into the neck of his hoodie.

“Are you sure? What about Imogen?”

“She’s out for the count.”

“And if she isn’t?”

“Kind of killing the mood here,” I grumbled.

“I just don’t want to rush you.” He swept my hair off my shoulder and held me there again. “I can wait, I promise.”

“Still, come to bed with me?” Even if he refused to touch me, I wanted to be with him.

I wanted him to stay.

I knew people—my parents and Warren’s parents mostly—would think I was rushing into things. They would be concerned about the impact of bringing a new man around Imogen. But I trusted him with my heart.

With Imogen’s.

I would have to tell them soon but tonight, I wanted to take my boyfriend to bed and worry about tomorrow’s problems tomorrow.

Climbing off his lap, I stood and offered him my hand.

“You’re sure?” he asked, and I nodded.

“Imogen loves you. And I’m pretty sure I do too.”

“You love me, pretty girl?” He stood, pulling me into his arms and sliding his fingers into my back pockets.

The air crackled with anticipation as he gazed down at me, his eyes full of fire.

“Yeah, I think I do. Does that scare you?”

“Not as much as I thought it would.”

“We’re not moving very slow,” I said, biting my lip.

“No, we’re not. But honestly, I don’t give a fuck. I want you. Both of you. And I have something to tell you too actually. Something I haven’t told anyone else yet.”

“Okay.” My heart galloped across my chest as I braced myself for his declaration.

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