Page 26 of Ice-Cold Obsession

Scarlett doesn’t trust me, and she might even hate me. But I have to make her want to be with me and make everyone believe our relationship is real.

And I have to do it fast.

Chapter 14

SCARLETT

I SCROLL THROUGH ANOTHERpage of search results, squinting at my laptop screen in the dark corner of the library. Gabriel’s social media profiles are polished. Team photos, game highlights, and a few snapshots with teammates at bars or parties. Nothing too personal. No tagged family members. No childhood throwbacks. No casual mentions of siblings or parents. It’s like his life began the day he stepped onto this campus.

I lean back in my chair and chew on the inside of my cheek. Everyone leaves traces online, especially people our age. But Gabriel? He’s a ghost outside of hockey.

Footsteps approach from behind, and I tense, my fingers hovering over the keyboard.

“Looking for something?”

I slam the laptop shut and look up. Gabriel’s a few feet away, his hands shoved in his pockets, an infuriating half-smile on his face. He’s wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt and dark jeans.

“Just studying,” I say.

He glances at the closed laptop, then back at me. “Right.”

My pulse speeds up, but I hold his gaze. “Did you need something?”

Something like hesitation flickers across his face, and then it’s gone.

“Actually, yeah. I need someone to take some photos for me. Sponsor stuff. Coach said I should reach out to some companies and put together a portfolio.” He shrugs, like it’s no big deal. “You do the team shots, and I know you’re good.”

My eyebrows shoot up. I don’t think Coach is even talking to him much these days, so Gabriel is up to something again. But what?

“So?” he asks. “What do you think?”

Getting closer to him is the whole point, but it feels a little too easy and too convenient. Still, it’s an opportunity that I’m not going to let go to waste.

“Okay,” I say. “When?”

“Now, if you’re free. There’s a spot on the east side of campus. Grass, trees, decent light...”

I glance at my laptop, then back at him. “Fine.”

He nods and steps back. “Meet you there in fifteen minutes?”

“Sure.”

I wait until he’s gone before I shove my laptop into my bag. My heart’s beating faster than it should, and I don’t know why. This is exactly what I wanted. A way in. A reason to be around him without raising suspicion.

So why does it feel like I’m the one being played?

THE PATCH OF GRASShe mentioned is surrounded by trees, away from the main pathways. It’s quiet, and Gabriel’s already waiting for me when I arrive. He’s leaning against a tree trunk with his arms crossed.

“Ready?” I ask.

“Yeah, just tell me what to do.”

I gesture toward the open grass. “Let’s start there. Natural poses. Nothing stiff.”

He follows without complaint, which surprises me. I half-expected him to be difficult, but he’s cooperative and easy. I take a few test shots, adjusting the exposure as I go.

“Turn a little to the left,” I say. “And relax your shoulders.”