Page 41 of Snapping the Ice
I adjusted my cock and rested a hand on his shoulder. In a ragged voice, I said, “Tonight, at my place, we won’t have that problem.”
His gaze snapped to mine, and his pupils flared. With a smirk, he said, “We have sandwiches to eat?”
“Oh, yeah.” With a faltering laugh, I opened the Subway bag.
CHAPTER 10
EZRA
Lucas proved to be a conundrum. Was he still grappling with his sexuality, or was he being as equally careful with me as I was with him? It was clear his body was on board, but his mind was a rollercoaster of sorts. Hopefully, I could flush things out at dinner, when I could focus more on him.
With the day’s work complete, we strolled hand-in-hand to my place. As we reached my door, I fished my keys out of my backpack.
Lucas stood flush behind me, his hands on my shoulders, warming my backside.
He’d been so affectionate all day with absent touches and kisses, like he was showing me his softer side, his vulnerable side. He was unlike any man I’d been with. It was heaven. I pushed the key into the lock and turned.
“Ezra.” Tate stood a few doors down at the end of the building and stomped toward us. “What are you doing with him?” With a sneer, he jabbed a finger at Lucas.
Lucas pushed me behind him. “Go inside and lock the door. I’ve got this.”
“No, I can’t do that.” It wasn’t right to let him get hurt for me. Opening the door, I threw my backpack inside and then stood beside Lucas. “Leave us alone, Tate. It’s over. I told you that.”
“Why? Because of him?” Tate jeered at Lucas.
“No, because of you.” Fisting my hands, I attempted to step toward Tate, but Lucas threw his arm out, stopping me.
“You heard Ezra. Leave him alone.” Lucas curled his upper lip.
Tate’s gaze darted from Lucas to me. “Ezra, come on, this isn’t you. This is some bullshit this guy fed you.” He stepped toward us.
Lucas held his fists to his chest.
“Yes, it is me. Now leave.” I couldn’t let them have a fistfight. My heart rumbled in my ears. How could I stop this?
“Is there a problem here?” An older woman, phone in hand, called from across the courtyard. “I guess you can tell it to the cops when they get here.” She smirked.
“No, ma’am.” Tate stumbled backward and fled. “This isn’t the end of it, Ezra,” he yelled as he left.
Taking a glance in a Tate’s direction, the woman strode across the landscaping rock between us, her short graying hair falling to her shoulders. “Is he gone?” She pushed her phone’s screen toward me. “I didn’t call anyone. Just thought I’d scare that asshole.”
Letting out a long breath, I relaxed. “Yes, thank you.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Lucas twined his fingers in mine and smiled at the woman.
“Name’s Stella.” She stopped at us, giving us a warm grin and holding her hand out.
Shaking her hand, I said, “Nice to meet you, Stella.” I hadn’t met my neighbors yet. Maybe because I worked so much?
Lucas greeted her as well.
She peeked at our hands. “Listen, you don’t have to tell me anything, but that other man’s been here before, right?”
“Yes. He’s my ex. I broke up with him yesterday and he’s not taking it well.” I frowned. The entire scene was downright embarrassing.
“Oh, I see.” She took in Lucas from head to toe. “Well, I guess you’ve got this big guy here to protect you.”
Dipping his head, Lucas’s cheeks reddened. “He does.”
