Page 97 of Cold As Ice

Madison was fun to be around, and the sex was off the charts. But maybe it was time to cool things a little and put some distance between us.

This morning was a wake-up call.

And a very lucky escape.

* * *

“You don’t live here anymore,” I said, entering the kitchen to find my sister propped against the breakfast counter.

“Good morning to you, too.”

I arched a brow, waiting for an explanation as to why she was in my kitchen at this hour.

“I’m waiting for Harper.” She shook her head a little, clearly irritated at my attitude.

But I wasn’t in the mood to talk, least of all, with her.

Rory, though, had other ideas.

“So,” she said. “How are things?”

“Fine.”

“Good. And practice? Noah said Connor’s left a big hole to fill. But he thinks Leon can—”

“I need coffee.” I cut her off and moved around her to get to the coffee maker.

“Guess you don’t want to talk. You know, it’s been months, Austin. Yet, you seem to be punishing me more now than before.” She grabbed my arm as I passed her to get a mug. “Hey, look at me.”

Our eyes clashed, and that bitter taste of regret burned my throat.

“What’s going on with you?” Hurt flashed in her eyes, but it only made me double down on feelings.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not—”

“Sorry, I’m ready.” Harper breezed into the room. “Oh, Austin. I didn’t know you were here. Mason said you were out.”

“I’m back.”

“Good, that’s good, isn’t it?” She glanced between me and Rory. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” Rory smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “We were just talking.”

“Oh, well, in that case, shall we?”

“Sure. I’ll speak to you later?” Hope glittered in my sister’s eyes, but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t give her what she wanted.

“Yeah,” I murmured, more interested with the label on my bottle of water.

“Remember, we have that thing at the coffee shop tonight.”

“That’s tonight?” Rory followed Harper down the hall. “I could have sworn…”

Their voices trailed off, and I ran a hand over my face. Rory didn’t deserve my cold shoulder, but things were different.

I was different.

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