Breaking The Ice Between Us (Harper) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Harper POV

By morning, the tequila courage is gone, but the ache isn’t.

Lila’s curled against me like a human emotional support blanket and for a second, I almost believe I’m okay.

But memory is cruel.

Logan’s room.

Sophia.

Her hand on his chest like she belonged there.

My heart breaking fast and stupid.

I shower, scrub my face clean, and pull on armor instead of clothes pleated skirt, sleek hair, red lip because red means war.

–

cream sweater that fits like I earned every curve,

I am not crawling. I will not beg. Not today. Not ever again.

—

The lecture hall feels colder than usual. I slide into my front-row seat controlled, poised, the girl who always has her shit together.

Then he enters.

Logan.

Late. Jaw clenched. Exhaustion in the way he moves.

I don’t turn. I don’t let him see the tremor in my

hands.

Power is not looking at someone who once felt inevitable.

Halfway through lecture, my phone buzzes.

You didn’t deserve that.

I’m sorry.

I shove my phone deep in my bag like burying it might bury the sting.

When class ends, I move first – fast and sharp, grabbing my bag like ar

He steps behind me. Close.

Too close.

“Harper-”

“Don’t.”

The single word slices the air between us. I don’t look back.

If I do, I’ll see remorse and ruin and I cannot break twice in 24 urs.

1/3

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Outside, campus buzzes – laughter, coffee, morning light. A world moving forward even if I feel paused.

Footsteps join mine.

Cole.

–

Casual hoodie, messy hair, warm eyes like he’s the soft landing you find right before you fall apart.

“You look like you haven’t blinked since last night,” he says.

“I’m fine.”

“You just lied to me and God in the same sentence.”

I almost smile. Almost. “I don’t owe anyone a breakdown.”

“Didn’t ask for one,” Cole says. “Just checking if I need to bury a ody or alibi a sorority president.”

One involuntary breath escapes me – half laugh, half heartbreak.

We cross the quad. Sun warms my face. My heartbeat starts to slow.

Then Cole stops walking.

Looks at me. Really looks.

“Harper, you deserve someone who sees you,” he says. “And if nobody else is going to step up and show you that, then let

me.”

My breath catches. “Cole…”

He lifts a

– not to shush me, just gently holding space. “I’m not saying the I pity you. And I’m not offering

charity. You’re a beautiful woman attractive as hell.”

Heat pricks behind my eyes.

–

strong, smart, respected, someone who built

life with her own damn hands. That’s

“And you deserve to be taken out and admired,” he continues. “Not as someone’s what-if, or backup plan, or almost.”

I swallow hard. “I thought you and Logan were friends.”

“We are.” Cole doesn’t flinch. “And he’s a damn fool. He’s too wrapped up in chasing shiny, shallow things to see what’s real right in front of him.”

My heart stutters at the honesty – brutal, clean, unflinching.

Cole’s voice softens. “I won’t pretend I don’t know here’s history there. I because you deserve to be wanted out loud. And yeah,

I’m not asking to replace anyone. I’m asking

A slow breath. A knowing half-grin.

“…maybe I also want him to see the thing he never had the guts reach for.”

There it is. Truth. Sharp but not cruel.

A strange, powerful pulse hits my ribs – pride? Temptation? Hoe?

“I… don’t know,” I whisper.

2/3

“You don’t have to.” Cole steps back, hands in pockets, easy. “Just know this: if you choose me, it won’t be to spite him. It’ll be because I see you. And I’d be proud to.”

My throat tightens.

“Thanks, Cole.”

“Anytime, Harper.”

He walks away same time.

I turn-

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