BLUE ICE (ICE SERIES) Read online

  He put his hand on the small of my back, making me shiver, and whispered in my ear. ‘I’ll walk you out.’

  ‘No fucking way.’ I whispered back in the coolest, meanest way I could, but he was not intimidated by me, not at all.

  Michelle walked behind us with Marc, and Spence tried to stay close to them. They knew better than to mess with Mr. Bastard; yes, that name suited him.

  ‘I am not giving up, Katherine.’

  With just those words he kissed my cheek for longer than necessary and left me standing in the hotel’s lobby. Michelle walked to me and I waved at the other guys. We walked towards the exit and the whole time I could feel those blue eyes on my back. That was the weirdest, most intense encounter I had had in my life. Katie, don’t turn around or I’ll cut you, I mean it, with that threat to myself I left without turning back.

  What the hell had just happened? That was the only thing I could think while driving back to our hotel. I guessed I should have been flattered about receiving a proposition from such a handsome man, but I was furious. I was not used to be approached. Men were scared from a distance, but not this man, he was not scared, not intimidated; he even had the guts to look me in the eye and ask me to sleep with him. I knew this was not my forte at all, I spent the years that were supposed to be wasted flirting, studying my ass off. But the whole scene was wrong to me.

  He probably wanted someone to spend the night with, and I was near. Maybe he was too tired to look for someone else so he decided to take what he thought was easy. I was just the flavor of the evening, and if he lived, as I supposed, in a Ben and Jerry’s universe, I was just one of many flavors. He was probably already with someone else.

  ‘Nice guys, huh?’ Michelle distracted me from my reverie. Apparently, I had been tapping the wheel since we got into the car.

  ‘Two nice guys, one asshole.’

  ‘Yeah, what happened between Dylan and you? When you two came back I wasn’t sure if he had kissed you or if you had kicked him, maybe both.’

  ‘He’s a jackass, Chelle.’

  ‘What did he do to deserve such a beautiful adjective?’

  I hesitated a little, but I was too angry to control myself. ‘He asked me if I wanted to sleep with him.’

  ‘Katie, was he mean to you? Did he ask you nicely or like you were a hooker?’

  ‘I didn’t know there was a nice way to treat a girl like a hooker, Chelle. He has this irrational sense of entitlement. He’s just so full of himself and he thought I was one more of his slutty girls.’

  ‘Sorry K, but he’s really handsome, maybe you should have said yes.’ She was being serious, staring at me, waiting for my reaction.

  ‘Ok M, now you’re being stupid. Why on earth would I want to be one more bimbo on a handsome son of a bitch’s list?’

  ‘Because of the handsome part?’

  ‘Maybe when the apocalypse comes, I’ll look for him and beg for a second chance. Happy?’ I turned to face her just to see if she noticed how stupid her suggestion was. She just laughed at my anger.

  ‘You have to control your hate of guys like him. They are the only kind we know.’

  ‘I know but I hate them, and this one was a little more pretentious than the ones we know.’

  Michelle and I grew up in New York on the Upper East Side; the crib of rich and pretentious men. Yes, most of them were wealthy and terribly handsome, but they were also interested in one of two things from girls like us: a nice trophy wife who they could show around, preferably one with no brain to avoid conflict; or a quick one night stand, again to avoid conflict. I decided when I was a little girl that I wanted more than that. So I studied like crazy and worked even harder just so I would never be dependent on any man other than my own dad. I also tried my best to be as different as I could from all the girls we knew, which made me the Wicked Witch of NY. And of course I avoided one night stands. I was different, and trust me, no one likes different in that environment.

  We were kind of silent during the ride. Chelle was texting Marc and I was dealing with my mind. That night was the only time when I would allow myself to think about him, tomorrow I would forget about the whole thing. This was the recipe for a no-feeling life, if you could convince yourself that something wasn’t happening, there was no way to feel anything about it; no good, no bad. And it was easier when that was true. Dylan didn’t like me, he was just bored and needed someone to fuck. It was a geographic situation; I was near, that was all.

  Chapter 2

  I couldn’t sleep. The whole night I thought about me being different, me saying yes to this handsome man, him taking me to his room. What would have happened then? Kate don’t you dare to think about him without clothes, there’s no way back from that. My alarm went off and after getting ready, Michelle and I were on our way to do some more shopping before heading back to New York. As we walked to our car a huge, black man in a dark suit approached us.

  ‘Ms. Bianchi, my name is Joe, and I’m at your service ma’am.’

  I didn’t know who this guy was, and I was really uncomfortable that he knew my name. ‘Sorry, this must be a mistake.’

  ‘Mr. Berkeley sent me ma’am, for security purposes.’

  Berkeley, like in Dylan Berkeley… ‘Well Joe, as you can see we are big girls, so we can take care of ourselves. Thank you.’

  ‘Just following orders, ma’am. If you want I could call my boss.’

  ‘Yes! Make my day, call him and tell your boss to go and…’ Before I could finish my profanity, the big guy’s cell went off.

  ‘Yes sir, we are just leaving. Yes, all taken care of.’

  I wanted to fight. I wanted to kick someone, but big guy wasn’t my target. This poor man’s only sin was to work for a stupid asshole. Even if that jerk thought he had some kind of weird right over us, that didn’t mean I had to be mean to big guy. And the fact that Michelle was drooling to meet Marc again just made it that much more difficult to avoid the jackass, so I decided to let it go and planned something for later.

  ‘Joe, you better be hungry because we are making a stop at Ihop.’ Joe nodded, and Michelle laughed as we entered to the car.

  ‘I can’t believe he sent a security guy for us.’ Michelle’s voice was more excited than a teenage fan.

  ‘He is fucking insane! He is no one Chelle, he can’t boss us around.’

  ‘I guess it’s just his way of telling you he likes you.’

  ‘Stop it, stop it now.’ My “don’t mess with me” tone let her know this conversation was over. I was really confused and I know my dear friend was certainly planning my wedding by now.

  Five pancakes and an omelet later, Chelle and I were being followed by big guy on our way to the mall. The dynamic was simple: we bought, he followed us around, he carried our stuff and took it to our car. When he tried to pay for our things in the first store, he learned that was not happening; that I had no such thing as respect for his boss. I couldn’t care less for his orders, and I would kick his ass if he tried to pay again. We became friends then.

  Life was easy while shopping, as it always is when you are purchasing beautiful things. Just when I was feeling comfortable again, Michelle brought me back to reality.

  ‘K! The guys are here!’

  Just as I was in the fitting room, trying on a really tiny, indecent skirt, those guys were arriving. I couldn’t care less about Marc and Spence, but I didn’t want that jerk to look at me, not dressed as a nun, not dressed as a stripper.

  When I came out wearing my jeans, Michelle was already hugging Marc. Spencer had that great smile on his face, and Dylan was staring at me. He seemed to be the creepy guy that likes to stare; all handsome guys have their quirks.

  ‘Hello beautiful!’ Marc winked at me.

  ‘Well, hello Marc, that’s a great way to greet a lady!’ I smiled at them, and ignored Blue Eyes, of course it only took a moment before he walked to me and talked in a soft voice.

  ‘You looked amazing in that skirt, Katherine.’
<
br />   ‘I don’t give a damn’.’

  He had seen me! How the fucking hell did he do that?! Spinning around I paid for my new skirt, and walked away. Yes, I was mean. Yes, he had made me nervous.

  ‘Girls, how about some Italian?’

  ‘Sure Spence, whatever you want, right K?’ Michelle was hanging on Marc’s arm already.

  ‘Please, I am a sucker for Italian.’ That asshole was speaking directly at me, or about me. He didn’t know what he was talking about.

  ‘Guys, you can have as you please. I’m afraid I can’t have lunch with you, we barely have time left and I made an appointment at Saks. I need some things and their personal shopper was just available at noon. I am truly sorry, but I know you’ll have a blast without me.’ Those blue eyes were piercing me. I swear that if glances could kill I would have been dead by then. Kill that, asshole...

  Smiling, I left them there, I had won the battle and now I was sure I didn’t have to see him again. I should have taken his picture for future reference; I knew someday I would need to brag about this particular man. One day I would tell the story about the sexiest man on Earth staring at me. My grandkids would love the story, or the 50 cats I was destined to own if I kept that lifestyle. I didn’t care, it would be a nice story someday.

  After an hour of walking in Saks by myself, I texted Chelle. Let’s be real, I would never pay for a personal shopper, I adore picking things for myself.

  C, TEXT MEWHEN YOU’RE READY AND I’LL MEET YOU BY THE CAR.

  ‘So, you’re avoiding me Ms. Bianchi.’ Son of a bitch alert, son of a bitch alert, too late for escaping. I was texting and walking. It wasn’t until then that I learned why these two activities were so dangerous when mixed. I didn’t notice Blue Eyes until he interrupted my thoughts.

  ‘What are you talking about?’ I went for kind and dismissive, he would never know the truth.

  ‘Lying doesn’t suit you, Katherine.’

  I stared at him defiantly, I was a better liar than he could know. ‘Who says I am lying?’

  ‘So you’re telling me you are happy to see me?’ Now he was smirking. He looked even hotter and it made my heart beat faster.

  ‘Ok, now that’s exaggerating. I got bored with the personal shopper and I have to pick up some other things. So if you’ll excuse me.’

  ‘So, you are not avoiding me?’

  ‘Oh, give me a break. You tend to give yourself a lot of importance right? I don’t give a fuck about what you do. ‘

  His jaw got tense and his eyes darkened, it seemed like he was angry a lot, most of the time at me. ‘I’ve already warned you Katherine, I always get what I want, and I am kind of tired of playing games.’

  I got really close to him, and whispered. ‘In your fucking dreams, Dylan.’ I took my bags and walked away. Just in time, Chelle texted me.

  C, WAITING FOR YOU IN THE CAR.

  He was following me; I was not giving a damn. It was the fourth time he acted like he was entitled to something and the fourth time I felt murderous. I couldn’t understand my reactions but he was pushing my worst buttons.

  ‘There you are, guys. You girls have to hurry if you want be on time for your flight. We are going to follow you in our car.’ Marc was already putting the rest of our things in our car.

  Michelle was drooling. Literally, drooling. ‘Thanks babe. If we lose you, we’ll meet at the airport. K drives a little crazy.’

  As I walked to the car’s trunk, Dylan followed me. ‘Please be careful, we have time, drive safely.’

  I dismissed him with one stare, who does he think he is to boss me around? We got into the car and I couldn’t stand it anymore. ‘Chelle, why are they following us?’

  ‘Sorry Katie. I really want to see Marc a little longer. When he offered, I couldn’t say no. And I thought you had made up with Dylan, when he went with you to Saks.’

  ‘He did what?’

  ‘Yes K, when he accompanied you to your appointment.’

  My head started shaking on its own. ‘He didn’t C.’

  That lying son of a bitch followed me the whole time. I’d become some kind of shinny thing he was following around, and I was not going to be part of it. I had seen him twice in my life and he thought he was in a position of power over me. That crazy bastard. As soon as I get to that plane I will forget about all this crazy shit.

  I told Michelle it would be easier if we said goodbye to the guys before checking in. That would make it easier to leave Blue Eyes standing there. Joe carried our luggage and followed us around, once again.

  ‘Girls, it was a blast meeting you, I would love for you to come to my wedding.’

  ‘Really Spence? We would love to come, right K?’ Michelle’s excitement could only be explained by the fact that this wedding would mean more Marc in her future.

  ‘That’s really nice of you Spence.’ I smiled to the sweet boy, he was so nice that it made me want to be his friend.

  ‘Ms. Katie, please take care of this girl.’ Oh boy, this kid is cheesy.

  ‘I’ll do my best Marc.’ I gave them both a quick hug. Physical contact had always made me nervous and even when they were really nice guys, I wasn’t comfortable enough with them. Also, I was really nervous about what was coming next. Spence took a phone call, and Marc and Michelle were hugging as if they had known each other their whole lives.

  ‘Katherine, please let me know as soon as you land.’

  ‘I am sure Michelle will contact Marc.’ I started taking my stuff from Joe to run away from this man.

  Dylan moved his hand to his hair; clearly a frustration tic. ‘Oh for God Sake woman, I am trying here. I really want to see you again.’

  I put my stuff on the floor just for the dramatic effect of it. ‘Dylan let’s stop this crazy shit. I barely know you, and we don’t even like each other so cut the bullshit.’

  His mouth fell open. Apparently no other woman had ever said two shit words in the same phrase to him before. Yeah, I had a talent with my mouth and I was proud of it.

  ‘You have no idea what I like.’ After a couple of silent seconds, that appeared endless, he punctuated. ‘I want you. And I’ll get you.’

  With those words, meant as a promise, he took my shoulders with both hands and kissed me; this time he got as close to my mouth as he could. If I had breathed, that simple movement would have produced a mouth to mouth collapse, so I stood still. His mouth felt so warm on my cheek, almost burning, but I had never yielded and I was not starting today. I took my bag and walked away, all the time those blue eyes followed me.

  When we arrived to the desk, I was relieved; no more Blue Eyes in my future.

  ‘Names please.’ With just checking our names, the young man at the desk proceeded. ‘Ladies you’ve been upgraded to First Class.’

  Ok, someone has got to be kidding me. We never did first class on these trips. ‘What? Sorry, but there must be a mistake.’ Many mistakes had been made since last night.

  ‘You are Ms. Bianchi and Ms. James, right?’ The man was becoming anxious.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Then we’re right. Have a nice flight.’

  Just as I thought I had gotten rid of Blue Eyes he made this silent statement. I was not letting him win.

  The flight went uneventful. Since daddy didn’t pay for travels, we had to do these with what our money could pay. Chelle took pictures of herself enjoying the whole experience, probably to send them to Marc later, and fell asleep for most of the flight. She left me to fight with my brain.

  Why would he be so interested in having me? Because I said no? I say no all the time, that was not special, he was not special, I was not special. His Ben and Jerry’s life must be getting boring if he was so interested in me arriving safe to New York.

  We landed, each of us carried our own luggage, no big guy to help in the city. As soon as Chelle took her cell out I knew who she was texting.

  ‘C, please tell Marc to thank Dylan for the upgrade, that the upgrade wasn’t necessary an
d to let him know we arrived safely.’

  Michelle was smiling in that mischievous way. ‘You want me to ask for his number so you can tell him yourself?’

  ‘No M, he would rather know by Marc, and I bet you want to talk to him as much as you can so this is a chance for you to do that.’

  We shared a cab to our apartments since we live near to each other. Chelle lives with two other girls, I with my lovely best friend, Kevin. That night I arrived to an empty apartment and decided to unpack before Kevin asked me to do his laundry along with mine when he got home. I loved our little apartment; the nice wooden floors and the white walls were perfect. It only had two rooms; a cozy kitchen and a comfortable living room where we spent most of our time together. Kevin and I had shared it since my parents left the city and moved to our house in the Hamptons.

  The moment I opened my bag I noticed a weird box. It was a light brown box with white letters that I knew really well. Just as if they belonged there, a pair of pink Louboutins were waiting for me. Red soles, pink peep toe stilettos. I tried them on and found a note on the box.

  They would look perfect on you, Long Legs.

  Please let me see when you wear them,

  D.B.

  Again? Again I set myself a limit to forget about him and again he broke that limit by appearing in my life uninvited. I hate that son of a bitch. And if he ever calls me “Long Legs” again I will break that lovely nose of his.

  After unpacking, I fell asleep. The last few days were really tiring and my body needed some rest before going back to work. I woke up with my alarm and noticed a text on my phone. I thought it was probably Michelle so I ignored it. After a shower and my daily beauty routine I was on my way to work. While walking I remembered the text and I checked it:

  KATHERINE, WAS IT SO DIFFICULT LETTING ME KNOW YOU ARRIVED OK?

  No fucking way, who the hell gave him my number? Without thinking or saving his number, I deleted the message. His time was over, in my head that didn’t happen, if it didn’t happen to me, it didn’t happen to him. Deal with it, Blue Eyes.