Page 183 of Cold As Ice

“This… I will never get enough of this, of you.” He released my wrist and slipped his arm underneath my back, anchoring us even closer as he pressed into me. Over and over.

“I love you.” I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, holding on as my body splintered apart for him.

“I love you too, Madison.” He came hard, burying his face in the crook of my neck. But I still heard him say, “You’re mine now. And I’m never letting you go.”

CHAPTER33

MADISON

Imogen never ceasedto amaze me.

Over the next few weeks, she adapted beautifully to our new routine with Austin and his friends. So much so that sometimes, I worried she would get disappointed when it was just the two of us hanging out.

But my girl was gracious and kind and wise beyond her years. She soaked up every second of excitement surrounding us as the Lakers fought for their place in the Frozen Four tournament.

We hadn’t made it to any of their games yet. Despite being the Lakers newest—and self-proclaimed biggest—fan, Imogen was still only four and if I wanted to take her to watch him play in the tournament, I needed to save every penny I had for the trip to Pittsburgh.

We supported the team in our own way though. We hung out with Jeremiah and Vader, or Harper and Scottie and tuned in to the games when possible. And Austin and Imogen had the cutest pre-match ritual of a video calling each other so she could wish him luck.

Life was good.

Better than good, it was everything I had never let myself dare to imagine it could be.

“Nervous?” Jeremiah asked me as he joined me on the couch with our half-time bucket of popcorn, our hockey game snack of choice.

“A little. That’s silly, right?” I flushed. “It’s just a game.”

“We both know it’s not just a game to these guys.” He tipped his head toward the television, the huddle of cyan and indigo players crowded around Coach Tucker.

“The Lakers will wins,” Imogen said with a confidence I didn’t quite feel.

The Lakers were winning five to three. But according to the commentators it had been a difficult game so far. Leon had taken a nasty hit and Aiden had gotten into it with one of the other players, earning him time in the penalty box.

But Austin had looked calm and composed, doing his best to keep the puck out of his net.

I still didn’t know all that much about the rules, but I loved watching him play. His strength and speed and utter determination. I wanted the win for him, for all of the guys who had accepted me and Imogen into their circle without question.

“Wooks, Mommy. Theres is Austins.” Imogen clapped with delight as he skated out to his goal. “Go Austins, kicks some Pelicans ass.”

“Oh my God,” I smothered a laugh. “She’s spending too much time with the guys.”

“I can always step in. I wouldn’t mind spending more time with the guys.” He smirked. “Especially, the surly captain.”

“Jer! Aiden is with Dayna.”

“Shame. Oh, look they’re facing off,” he said as if he had any more idea what was happening than me.

“Goes Lakers!” Imogen cheered right alongside him, and I smiled, saying a silent prayer for Austin and his team to go all the way.

* * *

Madison: Congratulations. I know you’ll be celebrating with the guys. But I just wanted to tell you we watched the entire game. Imogen was so excited. We’re so happy for you and the team. Go Lakers! xo

“Who knew hockey could be so riveting,” Jeremiah said, placing our empty glasses onto the counter.

It was late. But after Noah scored a last-minute goal and secured the Lakers victory and their ticket to the Frozen Four tournament, we stayed up and celebrated.

“Do you regret not going?” he added.

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