Page 119 of Ice King

So much so that our relationship was moving at lightning speed. “I just did what anyone who cares about someone would do.” I slipped my hand into my purse, pulling out the letter I’d gotten in the mail a couple of days before.

“You mean someone who’s in love.”

A few seconds passed before I realized what she’d said. “I’m not in love.”

“Tell me another lie. You two are glowing because of how in love you are. I know what I’m talking about.”

“Oh, yeah? Then why aren’t you going out on that date with Jake?” As soon as her face turned bright red, I laughed. “You didn’t think I knew he’s asked you out continually for two weeks straight? Weren’t you the one who told me just how small the town is and how everyone knows everyone else’s business?”

She slumped while groaning. “What am I supposed to do with him? I mean the man hand-picked flowers. He brought me my favorite ice cream. He even brought me a shelter dog, the one I’ve been pining over for weeks. Such a cute little boy. And I’m not talking about Jake. Well, maybe I am. What am I supposed to do with that?”

“Let me get this straight. You have a man who is willing to do everything to get your attention, including getting you a rescue puppy, and you don’t know what to do with him? Are you freaking kidding me?”

Her friendship meant a lot to me, but I wanted to shake her pretty little head off. “So you think I should go out with him?”

I nudged her with my body, which prompted her to notice what I had in my hand. “I think you should marry the guy. Shifters are people too.”

We both groaned as there were still plenty of protestors outside the arena spewing hatred for the wolves. I was even angrier than before. At least I’d kept my cool. Well, mostly anyway. I hadexperienced a couple of wayward protestors recently, which had driven me back into the public eye. Now I was the Wolfman’s Girlfriend. I honestly thought the name had a nice ring to it.

“Maybe I will,” she mused. “What’s in your hand?”

“I was offered a spot at the University of Washington School of Medicine. A full scholarship.”

“That’s amazing. But you don’t seem excited.”

“That’s because I didn’t apply and by no means should I receive a scholarship. Not with as long as I’ve been out of medical school.”

“O-kay, so what are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that the Kendrick family had something to do with it.”

She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. “Is that such a bad thing?”

“I don’t know. What if it doesn’t work out with their son?”

“Now I’m going to offer you a piece of advice whether you like it or not. They believe in you. You are family to them and that’s right where you want to be.”

I thought about my father, the wonderful discussion we’d had. He was happy for me. Very happy. But I still missed him. “I feel guilty.”

“Do you love Ford?”

“I… don’t know.”

“Yes, you do. Answer the question. Do you love him?”

The swell of emotions along with the raging heat coursing through every inch of my body was a dead giveaway. “Yes, I do.”

“Good. It’s about damn time you admitted what everyone else can see from a mile away. Take the leap of faith including going back to medical school. Did you ever stop and think that maybe you could be the first human doctor to study shifter anatomy?”

I shrank back as soon as she tossed out the suggestion. “That is an amazing idea.”

Roxanne smacked my leg. “See? I do have them.”

“You have a lot of them.” A raw, pure elation replaced all sense of doubt. “That’s perfect. That’s exactly what I’ll do.”

At that moment, I realized I was happier than I’d been in my life. My eyes searched for the love of my life once again, finding him talking with Beck. As soon as my eyes landed on him, he lifted his chin.

The gaze was hard, hot, and a promise of everything to come. Wicked things included.