Page 72 of Cold As Ice

“Hey,” he said, sliding onto one of the barstools.

“Now would be a good time to fess up to any stalker tendencies.” My tone was light, but the wild beat of my heart was not.

“I figured I could walk you home again.”

“Austin, I’m at work,” I sighed. “You can’t just turn up here and sit vigil all night.”

“Maybe I came for the entertainment.” His gaze flicked to the stage, and jealousy churned in my stomach. “Madi.” He reached across the counter for my hand, but I stepped away. “I… I’m joking. It was a joke. A lame one, apparently.”

“Can I get you a drink?” I changed the subject because this was easy.

It was safe.

“I’ll take a beer,” he said, studying me in a way that made my palms sweat and my heart ratchet. Jesus, if I didn’t calm down, there was every chance I might pass out.

With a swift nod, I went to get his drink and put some much-needed space between us.

This was… unexpected. And while I didn’t hate that Austin was here, I did hate the way my body responded to seeing him.

He looked good. Too good in his jeans and dark sweater, his hair falling a little over his eyes.

Austin Hart was a visual treat. A total snack as Jada would say.

Jealousy curdled in my stomach again.

I looked good, but everything was a little softer and looser since having Imogen. Certainly not tight and toned and centerstage-worthy.

“He looks at you like he doesn’t see anyone else,” Hannah whispered as I brushed past her, and my eyelashes fluttered as a shiver ran down my spine.

This was what I was worried about. Austin said he wanted to be friends, but how was that possible when every time I looked at him, something tugged between us.

He’s in college, Mads.College. He isn’t looking to settle down and take on you and all your baggage.

I delivered Austin’s beer with a casual smile. He slid ten dollars toward me and said, “Keep the change.”

“Aus—”

“Hey, sexy,” Ass-grabber approached us. “Me and my boys need another round of drinks. And maybe that dance, if you’ve removed the stick from your—”

“Watch your mouth.” Austin stood, shooting daggers at him.

“Who the fuck are you? Her keeper?”

“I said watch your fucking—”

“Everything good here, Mads?” Kingsley appeared, and my shoulders sagged. The last thing I needed was Austin getting into a fight over me.

“Everything’s good, Kingsley.” My smile was tight. “If you could kindly escort this gentleman back to his table, I’ll get that fresh round of drinks right over.”

Austin didn’t move; his jaw clenched so hard I was surprised he didn’t crack a molar. Ass-grabber took the hint and shoved past Kingsley, swaggering back to his table.

“I like you, brother.” Kingsley chuckled, giving Austin a small nod of respect… appreciation. I couldn’t figure it out. I was too livid. “But I handle things around here.” He winked and strolled off.

“Seriously?” I balked the second we were alone.

Austin sat down, dragging a hand down his face. “Does that happen a lot?” he gritted out.

“It’s a strip club. What do you think?” I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my cool, given Hannah and Kingsley were both watching us.

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