Page 81 of Cold As Ice

“Then you’re missing out.” Her eyes crinkled with laughter, but I heard the pride in her voice.

“What can I get you this morning?” I asked.

“I think I’ll have the same as before. Almond milk macchiato and a dark chocolate brookie bar, please, and one to go.”

“Coming right up.”

I got her order ready and added it to her tray when I noticed Kayleigh pinning up the poster about the new menu taste testing night.

“So this might sound a little strange,” I said, “but my boss is hoping to launch some new gluten-free and vegan options soon. She wants to test them out on a willing group of customers first. I don’t suppose you’d be interested?”

“Free samples?” Her face lit up. “Count me in.”

“Great, I’ll add your name to the list. Harper—”

“Harper Dixon. Can I invite some friends?”

“Sure, the more the merrier. Here’s a flyer with some more information.” I plucked one off the pile in Kayleigh’s hands.

“Got your first guinea pig,” I said.

“Excellent. You’re a student?”

Harper nodded, and the two of them started talking while I moved on to the next customer.

Harper was pretty. Kind and grounded. And she went out with a hockey player.

She’dtameda hockey player.

The urge to drag her to one of the quiet tables in the back of the shop and quiz her went through me. But I couldn’t do that without giving away mine and Austin’s little secret.

So I trapped the words behind my lips and focused on my job.

Telling myself that it was better this way.

* * *

Austin: Long day?

Madison: The longest. Imogen bumped her head at my friend’s place. I had to take her to the medical center to get checked out. We only got back an hour ago.

Austin: Shit, I’m sorry. Is she okay?

I glanced down at the sleeping ball of curls tucked into my side and smiled. She was okay now, but it had been touch-and-go there for a while. Pretty sure my t-shirt was still damp from all the tears and snot.

Madison: She’s fine. She’s got a nasty bruise, but her brain isn’t going to melt out of her ears.

Austin: Let me guess, she has a super active imagination?

Madison: You wouldn’t believe the half of it. How was practice?

Austin: Strange without Connor. But it’s good to be back on the ice.

Madison: How is he doing?

Austin: Better now he’s back in Lakeshore and has fixed things with his girl. Being stuck in the house is going to drive him insane though.

Madison: That’s good. I should get some sleep. I’ve got a double shift tomorrow.

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