Page 34 of Cold As Ice

“And a good kisser. Don’t forget that part.” Her soft laughter eased some of the tension inside me.

“Actually, I think I said, ‘Great kisser.’”

“Even better.”

“Okay. Okay.” I released a steady breath. “I can do this.”

“Yeah, you can. Go get that D, babe. And then call me tomorrow and tell me all about it.”

“Pervert.”

“And proud. Love you, babe.”

“Love you too. Laters.”

We hung up, and I checked the time again.

Ten minutes.

Oh God.

I was so freaking nervous.

Rushing over to the refrigerator, I poured myself another glass of wine. I didn’t want to get drunk, but a little Dutch courage never hurt anyone.

I looked good. I smelled goddamn amazing. And I’d shaved and plucked myself within an inch of my life. But when the buzzer finally went, I almost jumped out of my skin. Draining the rest of my wine, I smoothed down my dress and went to let Austin up.

By the time he knocked, my body was vibrating with nerves.

“Hey—”

Austin was on me instantly, his hand curving around the side of my throat as his mouth crashed down on mine.

The door slammed shut somewhere in the distance, and I figured he’d kicked it closed.

“Tell me I don’t have to stop,” he murmured between kisses.

“Don’t stop,” I breathed, clutching his shoulders as he walked me back into the room.

“Thank fuck.”

My verbal permission turned him feral. He devoured me, his hands practically clawing at my skin, trying to find their way under my dress. He managed to get it hitched around my hips and ran his hands down the back of my thighs, squeezing.

“Same bedroom?”

I nodded, a little breathless and stunned.

This was happening.

It was really happening.

A little quicker than I anticipated, but the truth was, if I had too much time to think, I would hesitate. I would deny myself this because I’d forgotten how to put myself first.

Even before Imogen—my gorgeous, sweet Immy—came along, I’d lost sight of my hopes and dreams.

I’d lost sight of who I was.

Austin picked me up, and I squealed, wrapping my legs around his waist. “This doesn’t mean anything,” he said.

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