Page 89 of Cold As Ice

Connor didn’t reply. But then, I didn’t expect him to.

I was used to keeping people at arm’s length. Letting them get close but nottooclose. A therapist would probably say I had abandonment issues. But I liked to think of it as common fucking sense.

If you didn’t let people in, they couldn’t hurt you.

They couldn’t disappoint you.

Madison returned with my water and a bowl of chips. “In case you’re hungry,” she said with a playful smile.

“The only thing I’m hungry for is—”

“Madison, how lovely to see you.” The pretentious asshole I’d dubbed McSteamy pressed his hand to the small of Madison’s back and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

“Julian,” she said with nervous laughter. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

“What can I say? I can’t seem to stay away.” His eyes, sharp and assessing, flicked to mine. “Looks like I’m not the only one.”

I tipped my head in acknowledgment, trying my best to keep calm.

“Madi,” another bartender called, a woman I recognized from my previous visits. “A little help.”

“That’s my cue.” She gave me a hard look. “Play nice. Julian is one of O’Shea’s best customers.”

I had a hundred replies for that, but I kept them all to myself.

Thankfully, he didn’t stick around, but he did make a point of escorting Madison back to the bar.

Smug asshole.

The security guy arched a brow in my direction, a faint smirk tracing his lips.

At least someone agreed with me.

McSteamy was a total sleazeball.

Over the next hour, the place got a little busier, and Madison barely had a chance to come talk to me. But that was okay. I was a patient guy.

At least, the influx of men meant that she didn’t have time to pander to McSteamy, either. He’d moved to a table off to the side of the stage, sipping his top-shelf whisky like he owned the damn place.

“You’re going to crack a molar if you keep that up.” Madison pushed a new bottle of water toward me.

“Thanks.” I unscrewed the cap and poured it into the glass.

“He’s harmless, you know.”

“Famous last words,” I muttered.

“Austin.” Madison glowered. “Please don’t start—”

“Relax, I can behave.”

“I have to go in the back and help restock. You’ll be okay out here for a little bit?”

“I think I can handle it.”

“Are you staying until I get off?” She hesitated, looking up at me through her thick, dark lashes. “My shift ends at eleven-thirty.”

“I’ll be here.” The words came out heavy, laced with anticipation.

---