Read Online The Playmaker (Fire on Ice) by Dakota Madison - Free Book Online Page B

sure your sister said she was going to be here?” Kyle asked. Again. It was the third time.
    “She said she was,” I replied even though I was becoming increasingly skeptical.
    He looked at his watch again. “I was supposed to meet Annie at the library two minutes ago.”
    I smiled. “I’m glad things are working out between the two of you.”
    “We’re studying together. In the library. Not exactly a romantic rendezvous.”
    “Why don’t you ask her out again?”
    He raised an eyebrow. “Again? You’re the one who asked her out in the first place.”
    “On your behalf. Because you were too chicken to do it you rself.”
    He folded his arms across his thin frame. “I’m not chicken.”
    “Then ask her out again.”
    “Maybe I will.”
    “Good.”
    We stood in silence for a few moments until Kyle looked at his watch again.
    “I know,” I said before he could get the words out of his mouth. “You really have to go.”
    “I’m kind of in a bad position. I don’t want to leave you alone but I also don’t want Annie to think I stood her up.”
    “I know. Just go. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
    He still looked conflicted. “Things would be a lot easier if your sister got a cell phone—like the rest of humanity.”
    “In case you haven’t noticed, Zelda isn’t like the rest of humanity.”
    “Yeah, I noticed. It’s hard not to.”
    Kyle was starting to blink rapidly, which meant he was getting nervous. “Please go meet Annie. I’ll forever feel guilty if she gets mad at you because of me.”
    “I’ll phone you in 30 minutes to make sure you’re okay. That should give you plenty of time to get back to your place.”
    Kyle took off practically running. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, I knew he really liked Annie. I liked the fact that he finally had someone, who seemed to be interested in more than just being a friend.
    The sun was beginning to set and I knew I didn’t have too much time to get back to my studio apartment before it got dark. A chill ran through me as I looked around and noticed that the crowds around campus had completely thinned. Only a few stray students and professors passed by.
    Zelda was now fifteen minutes late. If I waited any longer for her and she didn’t show up, I would be walking back to my apartment in the dark. I had to leave now if I wanted to take advantage of what remained of the daylight.
    I zipped my jacket up to my chin and crossed my arms over my chest to keep out the breeze that had started to blow. They were predicting snow by the week’s end but with how quickly the weather was changing, I thought it might be even sooner. It might be time to get out my heavy coat , I thought as I started walking toward the end of the campus where I lived.
    Even though northern Arizona had a so-called moderate cl imate, the winter months could get cold. I would have preferred spring all year round but unfortunately, I didn’t have a say in the weather.
    The campus had definitely cleared out. I didn’t pass anyone else as I got closer to the edge of campus. I felt like a bundle of nerves, which wasn’t like me at all. I was normally level-headed and rational. But I was overcome with a feeling of dread that was so intense, it nearly knocked me to my knees.
    I told myself I was just being paranoid, that there was nothing to worry about. When I got back to my place I’d dig out the hot cocoa and mini marshmallows. It was a habit I had developed as a kid. My mom always made me and my sister hot chocolate with mini marshmallows when we played outside during the winter months. I still enjoyed it, even in my 20s. There was something so comforting about coming inside from the cold and holding a cup of the steaming hot goodness in your hands.
    Did I hear footsteps behind me? I wasn’t sure if I should take the time to turn around, which would slow me down, or if I should pick up the pace even more. I opted for the later.
    I quickened my pace to a walk-run. I’m not