The Definition of Icing: A Dallas Demons Hockey Romance (Dallas Demons Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

tells me about her work as a designer and explains how she works from home in her studio. We talk about the pros and cons of running your own business, and it’s interesting to meet someone who is a young businesswoman like myself.
    “I love having my own schedule, being in control of my product,” Kylie says. “But sometimes it’s isolating, too. Not that I miss my coworkers from the boutique I used to work at, but some social interaction during the day is nice.”
    “I know exactly what you mean,” I say, nodding. “My roommate is a freelance video editor and graphics designer, but she’s taken an onsite job with a banking company, so I’m alone during the day.”
    “We should meet up for lunch once a week,” Kylie suggests.
    “I would love that,” I say, feeling as though I’ve gained more than a client this afternoon, but the foundation for a new friendship, too.
    The dogs race through the kitchen to the back door and begin barking.
    “That means Harrison is home,” Kylie says, smiling at me.
    I glance down at my watch. I can’t believe it’s already after five o’clock.
    “I should get going,” I say, gathering up my things.
    “Wait for just a second,” Kylie says, getting up from her barstool. “I know Harrison would want to say hi to you.”
    The back door swings open, and in walks Harrison.
    With Nate Johansson right behind him.

Chapter 4
    Neutral Zone Trap: A type of defensive play — Nate
    The second I see Nate in the doorway, my stomach ties itself right into a frozen knot. Damn it, why? Why, of all the people in the world Harrison would be with at this second, does it have to be Nate ?
    Nate, the only person in the world I’ve ever asked out.
    Nate, the guy who couldn’t turn me down fast enough.
    As soon as Nate sees me, he stops dead in his tracks. A pair of aviator shades cover his eyes, so I can’t see his reaction to finding me here.
    I hold my breath as Nate removes his glasses and clips them on the neckline of his shirt.
    And right now I can verify those espresso-colored eyes are studying me just as I’m studying him.
    “Hey, I brought Nate home for dinner,” Harrison says good-naturedly. “We stopped at Central Market and picked up some bison tenderloin to grill.”
    He shifts the bag to his other arm and gives Kylie an affectionate kiss on the cheek.
    “Mmm, both ideas sound good,” Kylie says, smiling up at Harrison. Then she turns to me. “Kenley, please join us for dinner. It’ll be fun.”
    Harrison smiles at me. “Hey, Kenley, how are you? And yes, stay. We’ve got plenty of food.”
    Oh crap, could this be any worse? Having to eat dinner with Nate, the guy who ran from me in the parking lot after I asked him out? No, this will not be fun. It’ll be mortifying.
    Oh, and besides, I feel like I want to vomit, so dinner is a hideous idea.
    I clear my throat. “Hi, Harrison. I’m good. Just finished a very successful party-planning session,” I say, forcing a bright, carefree smile on my face. Then I turn to Nate. “Hello, Nate.”
    Nate smiles softly at me.
    Oh, shit, is that a pity smile?
    Okay, it’s official. Now I want to die.
    “Kenley, nice to see you again,” Nate says, still standing in the doorway.
    Shit. Does he want to flee because I’m in the kitchen? I have to get out of here.
    Now.
    “Thank you so much for the invite, but I should get going,” I say, the words flying out of my mouth. I keep my eyes down while I put stuff back into the box. “I have so much to do tonight and—”
    “Are you sure you can’t stay?”
    Nate has stepped into the kitchen and stands directly on the other side of the island from me.
    “What?” I ask, feeling as though he’s moved a chess piece across the board, and I’m supposed to do something.
    Which is hard because I have no clue how to play chess.
    “You should stay,” he says simply.
    I have no idea what to do with my chess piece now. Is he saying this to show me he’s cool with what happened? That