Page 42 of Cold As Ice

“But you’re not going to do anything.”

Her eyes flashed with pain. “Would you care if I did?”

“Come on, El. I’m not heartless.” I sighed. “Connor is one of my best friends. You’re his girl. If the two of you don’t make it, there’s no hope for the rest of us.”

I didn’t like the way she narrowed her eyes, studying me.

“What?” I snapped.

“What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing, why?”

“I think you’re lying.”

“Because I took pity on you and made you breakfast?”

“You’re acting weird.”

Fuck this. I’d tried to do something nice for her in her hour of need and—

“You met somebody,” she said.

“No, I didn’t,” I replied too hastily, the defensiveness obvious in my voice.

“I think you did.” She huffed with arrogance.

“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. I didn’t meet anyone.”

“Okay, but I’d put money on you hooking up with someone new. Someone you like.”

I scoffed, trying to hide the truth because I had met someone.

I just didn’t know what the fuck to do about it.

“I never kiss and tell.” My mouth twitched.

She shook her head with a chuckle. “Oh, you’ve got it bad, goalie.”

“I have not.”

“Whatever you say, hotshot. But you know, it’s nice to see you smile.”

Everything went still inside me. “Yeah, well, don’t go gossiping to the girls. Especially Rory. It’s just a bit of fun.”

I shrugged like it was nothing. But I had a feeling she saw right through me.

“I won’t breathe a word of it.” She mimicked, zipping her lips, and I rolled my eyes.

“Why are you here again?”

Ella’s expression fell. “I didn’t want to go back to my empty apartment.”

“Well, I’m headed out soon, but you’re welcome to stick around. I’ll be back later.”

“With your ‘bit of fun?’” She grinned, but I didn’t return it.

“Not funny.”

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