Page 28 of Thaw My Heart

“The girl you came with,” she says.

A laugh breaks from my throat. “It’s not like that.” It’s ridiculous she even thinks that. And I wouldn’t classify Sadie as simply a girl—she’s something else entirely.

“I’ve known you my whole life, and I have yet to ride in your truck or dance with you. You like her, Kit.”

Fair points, but she’s way off. “That dance was for a deal we made.” But Alaska does not look convinced. “She’s the most annoying person I’ve ever met.”

“Maybe that’s true, but Ryker thinks the same.”

“Ryker’s a damn fool,” I huff. “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Now I want to know what he said to her. Is everyone in this town against me?

She crosses her arms in front of her. “You’re really defensive about someone you claim you don’t like.”

I bite my tongue, not wanting to prove her point.

Alaska sighs. “Look, I saw you with her, Kit. Maybe you don’t want to see it because it’s easier. Because it’s safe. Or maybe you feel guilty for allowing yourself something that you want. But you deserve to be happy, too.”

Her words cut through me like sharp glass. She could always see right through me. Despite six months of silence, she still has that power over me.

“I don’t want her.” The crack in my voice says otherwise.

“You’re scared,” she murmurs, and I shift uncomfortably at her truth. “What happened to you was unfair. But you don’t need to keep punishing yourself for what Dakota did. It’s okay to try again. To move on with your life.”

She knew my story better than most, but I never wanted to try again. And I definitely don’t know how to move on from all the hurt still buried inside my heart. “Alaska⁠—"

“And if Sadie is that girl,” she continues, her voice breaking as she cuts me off, “Then I’m happy for you.” She smiles with glassy eyes, reaching her hand to my shoulder, reassuring me like the good friend she’s always been to me. “You should be honest with yourself. Sometimes you only get one chance at something.”

The guilt in my chest sinks deeper.

“Alaska, I’m—” I start apologizing once more, but the sound of crunching gravel snaps our attention.

Sadie and Averie step out of the shadows.

I’d guess they were spying on us with the guilty expressions on their faces. Sadie sheepishly waves at me, and Averie laughs. They look drunk as fuck, shivering in the cold like they’ve been standing there for a while.

I sigh deeply with frustration.

Alaska squeezes my forearm. “It was good to see you tonight. Don’t be a stranger.” With that, she leaves, heading back into the bar.

My eyes hone in on Sadie and Averie.

If looks could kill, this one would.

“Call me later, girl,” Averie murmurs to Sadie before she darts back inside, following Alaska.

“You been spying long?”

“No…” Sadie replies with an innocent look on her face as she moves towards me, creating jagged lines in the snow. “Just long enough,” she smiles, slurring her words.

Exactly as I thought.

“I just did six shots of tequila,” she grins, licking her puffy lips.

“Six?” I repeat.

She shrugs like it’s nothing, but I’m surprised she’s not on her ass. Her tongue rolls around like she’s digging for something in her mouth. “Tongues are so weird.”

“Excuse me?” Is she seriously talking about her tongue?