Icing Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 1)

Jenny looked at me very carefully as if she were examining my soul through my eyes. “You’re a good guy, Nolan. And I think you really do care for her. So I’m going to tell you what happened.”

She explained how Sharolyn had heard the other women talking, thinking that a bold, flashy woman was someone who would help my career. Apparently she had overheard some of the gossip and seen photos of me online with Sarah.

“Oh my God,” I groaned. “Sarah and I went on one blind date that my brother set up, and she managed to drag us in front of every camera at the event. She’s a shallow gold-digger, and she’s not even pretty. How could Sharolyn think I would be interested in someone like her? Or someone pushy like Becky?”

Jenny nodded sympathetically. “Nolan, she’s never had a boyfriend before. She barely knows you, and she’s afraid of her feelings for you. But most of all, you know how kind she is. She always puts others first. She won’t even consider standing in the way if you’re starting a new project.”

My head fell into my hands. “Maybe she got the impression that the show is a big deal just because I’m excited about it. It’s not like my life depends on it or something.”

“You’re going to have to explain that to her.”

“She said she didn’t want to talk for a couple of days. Should I go to her now? Or would that scare her away?” I looked at her pleadingly. “Jenny, what do I do?”

She grinned. “You definitely score a goal for knowing when to ask for help. A lot of men wouldn’t.”

I couldn’t help chuckling. “Goals are great, but I think she’s actually calling me for icing. Going too far too fast.”

Jenny rolled her eyes. “Why did it have to be a hockey player?” sh

e laughed. “Don’t worry, Nolan. I’ll help.”

CHAPTER NINE

* Sharolyn *

I didn’t feel much better after last night’s long phone call with Jenny. I knew my eyes were puffy from crying for hours, and I probably looked like death warmed up. But I dragged myself to work anyway. Luckily it was so busy that I couldn’t even think until around six o’clock when people began cleaning and packing up for the evening.

Although I really didn’t want to, I checked my phone. I knew that I had to let Nolan go for his own good, and I didn’t know what sort of awkward discussion that would involve. I knew it was cowardly, but I couldn’t imagine sitting across from him and telling him it was over. Just thinking of those earnest brown eyes still made my stomach twitch. The thought of his hands on my skin made me melt completely.

It was almost disturbing how much I wanted him. But it wasn’t meant to be. We just weren’t right together.

Sure enough, there was a text from Nolan.

Hey sweetheart, I miss you. I know you might not be ready to talk yet, but I just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you. xoxo

I staggered to the chair in the corner, collapsing in a fit of tears. I’d never broken down at work before, and I was completely ashamed. Wiping my eyes, I was about to put the phone away when it rang, with Jenny’s icon popping up.

“Hi,” I answered in a small voice.

“What time do you get done?” she asked, not even bothering with pleasantries.

“About half an hour.”

“Meet me at Jimmy’s. We need a glass of wine.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

***

When I walked into the pub and saw Jenny at the back booth, I nearly burst into tears again, thinking of how Nolan had begun cuddling me the second we had sat down there last week. I couldn’t believe it had only been a week. I couldn’t believe how much I missed him already. I couldn’t believe how upset I was that I couldn’t be what he needed.

There was already a glass of white wine, a cup of tea, and a glass of water sitting beside her. “I didn’t know what you’d want first,” she said with a smile.

Sliding into the booth beside her, I gave her a hug. “Thank you,” I said, taking a sip of tea.

“Listen,” she said. “Nolan came over to my place earlier for a chat.”

“What?” I was completely floored.