Page 5 of Hot As Ice

I have one afternoon class today, but otherwise I’m free. Technically, I have a shift at the diner right after class, but, of course, I’m not ever going back there.

Allowing myself to wallow in my misery for another half hour, I listen to the sounds of Becca getting ready to leave. I kind of want to tell her what happened, but also…not. Wanting to forget is stronger than any other desire.

I wish I could just drive home and cry on my mom’s shoulder.

She lives in Hartford, and it’s about an hour and a half’s drive from here. But telling her what happened would only worry her. She’d probably insist I move back home, and I don’t want that. I can’t let what happened derail all my plans.

It’s fine. I’m fine.

Shake it off.

I will find Hunter Cruise and thank him, offer to repay him somehow. I will look for a new job. A few weeks ago, Becca cast an abundance spell for me using a green candle and citrine and green aventurine crystals. At the time I was trying to promote my fledgling jewelry business and looking for a side gig.

If there’s ever a perfect time for that spell to work, it’s now.

Getting out of bed at last, I take my time doing my skincare routine, then fixing my hair. Following both multi-step routines brings me a much-needed sense of control.

Then, I look up Hunter online.

His profile page on the university’s hockey team website shows his stats and his major (finance), along with a devastatingly handsome picture of him. He’s the captain of the team, a center. He’s 6’3”. Because of course he is.

As if I wasn’t intimidated enough.

The butterflies in my stomach whip into a frenzy.

I wonder how I might find him. Would it be insane to walk around his part of campus and hope to bump into him? Should I DM him on Instagram? Go to a hockey game with a homemade sign that says THANKS?

Then I remember Melanie. If anybody can track down one of the hockey gods, it’s got to be her. I shoot her a text.

Me

Meet me at The Roast today after class? I have to ask you something.

Melanie

Sure!

“What did you want to ask me?” she says when we meet up. “The suspense has been killing me.”

I bite down on my lip in the order line. Might as well get this over with. “You know that guy Hunter Cruise?”

Her eyes light up. “You mean the Ravens team captain and number one hockey god? The nightly star of my filthy dreams?”

I struggle to keep a neutral expression. She’s hilarious. “Yes. Him.”

Mel leans closer. “What about him? Oh my god, did he ask you out or something? I told you he was staring at you!”

I shake my head. “No, nothing like that.”

“Then what?”

“Um, I guess I just thought he was cute and –”

“Cute?” She cuts me off. “Stevie, he is more than just cute. He’s stunning. Breathtaking. A Greek god.”

“Okay, okay,” I laugh. “He’s gorgeous.”

“Damn right he is.”