Page 55 of Cold As Ice

“Austin, I’m pretty sure you don’t want to be my friend.”

Shit, why was I so bad at this?

Why couldn’t I just let her go?

She’d given me the perfect opportunity to walk away. But I couldn’t do it.

Not again.

Not when all I ever did was turn my back on people.

The truth was simpler than that, though. I wasn’t ready to give up my time getting to know Madison.

But she was right.

We couldn’t be more either.

CHAPTER10

MADISON

Austin Hart was provingto be a giant thorn in my side.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t flattered by his unexpected visit. I was. It just didn’t change anything, not really.

He was still a senior in college with big dreams of playing for the NHL if the rumors were to be believed, and I was still the twenty-one-year-old single mom working two jobs just to make ends meet.

But he wouldn’t leave.

And I didn’t have the energy to try and make him.

“Fine,” I huffed, giving him a little shake of my head. “I get off at half past. You can walk me home.”

“You’re walking—”

“Wait, or don’t wait.” I shrugged. “I’ve got work to do.”

It was late. I was tired and cranky, and I smelled like stale beer and cheap cologne, thanks to the handsy group of guys who showed up to celebrate their friend’s birthday earlier.

Not exactly my idea of a fun time but the tips were good, and I needed the money.

O’Shea’s could get a little wild sometimes, especially on the weekend, but the safety and security of the staff—floor staff and dancers alike—was a top priority for Jack O’Shea, the owner.

My parents would have preferred I didn’t work at a strip club, but there weren’t many jobs out there where you could tuck your daughter into bed before your shift, then get home and manage to cram in at least six hours of sleep before she woke.

Besides, it was only three nights a week unless I took on extra shifts.

“Looks like you’ve got a new fan club,” Kingsley said. “You need me to tell him to take a hike? You just say the word, Mads.”

“It’s all good.” I gave him a warm smile as I wiped down the last of the tables. “He’s just a friend.”

He scoffed, folding his giant arms over his chest. “That’s what they all say. You need a ride home, or is yourfriendtaking you?”

“I’m a big girl, Kingsley.” I tapped his shoulder. “But thanks for the concern.”

“Just looking out for my favorite.” He winked, but there was no heat there. Kingsley was happily married with three gorgeous children. Sometimes, his wife Yolanda invited me over so Imogen could play with their daughter Kyra.

“You’re a good man. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

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