Page 79 of Cold As Ice

“Now I know things didn’t end the way we hoped before winter break. Losing Morgan will be hard on everyone. But we have a season to win, so I expect everyone to pitch in and pull their weight. Now is not the time to lose morale.

“Leon, son, it’s your time to shine.”

He gave Coach a humorless nod. He was a rookie, but he had more than proved himself on the ice as one of the team’s strongest defensemen.

“There’s no game this weekend, but I want us to be ready.”

A chorus of ‘Yes, Coach’ filled the air.

“Okay, Coach Walsh will kick off today’s drills. Aiden, a word, son.”

The rest of us moved onto center ice, awaiting our instruction from Assistant Coach Walsh.

“What do you think that is about?” Noah asked me and Mason.

“Probably just wants him to keep an eye on the team,” Mase said. “Connor was a big presence. A lot of the team look up to him.”

“He’s not dead,” I pointed out.

“Nope, asshole. But he is out of action until Coach clears him to attend practice.”

Aiden skated over, stick in hand. “Ready to do this?” he asked, all business.

“Born ready, Cap.” Noah grinned. “Lead the way.”

CHAPTER14

MADISON

“You’re awfully smiley today,”Kayleigh said as we worked side by side to stock the counter and get ready for another busy day.

“Am I?” I played dumb.

“Yep. It wouldn’t have anything to do with whoever is on the end of all those text messages, would it?”

Damn, she was observant. Or I was really freaking obvious.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” My mouth twitched as I ducked my head and continued filling the glass cabinet with a freshly cooled batch of brownies. They smelled so good my mouth watered, but I had to be strict with myself after gaining almost five pounds when I first started working at Sugartown.

“There’s been an extra bounce in your step lately. If I didn’t know better,” she went on, “I’d say you got laid.”

“Kay!”

“What? It’s just sex, Mads. We’re all doing it.”

“And who might you be doing it with?” I arched a brow, deflecting her attention.

Kayleigh was married to the shop. She was the first one here every day and the last one to leave. She came in on the weekend to prep the following week’s bakes and rotating menu. She poured her heart and soul into her business. Something I’d deeply admired while working for her over the last two years.

I’d never heard her talk about a special someone. Never known her to go on anything more than the odd date here or there.

Sugartown was her life, her baby, the way Imogen was mine.

“Todd.”

“Todd?”

“Yep.” She flashed me a secretive smile. “He’s a teacher and cares for his mom. Doesn’t have time to date so we… you know.” Her shoulders lifted in a playful shrug.

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