Page 27 of Snapping the Ice
Shit, how had Lucas known when to show up? “Were you in the restaurant with us?”
“I was. I was in the bar. I went in there when you didn’t respond to my text.” He stopped at his black jeep and opened the door for me. “When you tried to leave and Tate grabbed you…” He scoffed. “Fuck, I wanted to punch him right there in the restaurant.”
As my jaw dropped, I stared at him. Why was he so affected by this? “Well, you showed up right on time.” I might have given in and waited even longer to leave. I climbed into his Jeep. As he stepped into the vehicle and started the engine, my mind buzzed with incoherent thoughts. One thing I needed to do right away was block Tate. Sliding my phone out, I tapped on his contact info and blocked him. Now he couldn’t reach me.
“What are you doing?” Lucas drove out of the parking lot and onto the main road.
“I blocked Tate.” With a sigh, I threw my head back, tapping it on the seat’s headrest.
As he watched me, he flinched. “That’s a great idea. I’ll get you home and we’ll talk. Right now, you don’t have to say a word. Okay?”
“Okay.” I wasn’t sure what to say, anyway. I might be in shock.
After getting back to my apartment, I unlocked my door and let Lucas inside. The weight of the evening fell heavily on my chest and I breathed through it. “You don’t have to stay. I’ll be all right.” I twisted around. Why didn’t I mention that in the car?
“No, I’m staying. You’re not all right.” He stepped close to me, setting a hand on my shoulder. “Ezra, sit down. Do you still have beer? Or would you rather I get you some water?” His gaze searched my face and landed on my mouth.
“I’d like a beer. Thanks.” Maybe it would numb me. I stepped to my couch, dropped into one end, and stared at the black television across from me. “Did you eat?” It was still early. We could order something. Pizza? I huffed. Fucking Tate.
“No, I haven’t.” He grabbed two cans of beer from the refrigerator, strode to me, and sat beside me. “Here.” He opened a can and handed it to me. “How’s your stomach? Are you hungry? Nauseous?”
“I’m…” I rubbed my belly. I wasn’t anything at all. I should be hungry. “We should get something to eat.”
“Okay. What do you want?” He slipped his phone from his jean’s pocket. “My treat.”
“Just order some pizza. I don’t care what kind.” I slumped. Fuck Tate and his jabs at me. I sipped my beer. “Tate gave me shit about eating pizza tonight.”
“What? Why?” Lucas tapped his screen and then set his phone on the coffee table. “I got pepperoni.”
“Great.” I choked out a snicker. “It doesn’t matter why.” It was too stupid to explain. I peeked at Lucas, looking so at home on my couch, like he belonged here with me. My mind replayed Tate’s last words. “Lucas, I don’t want you getting in trouble with your team because of me.”
“I won’t.” He shifted to angle toward me, his beer tuckedbetween his thighs. With a smirk, he said, “I’m too good for them not to play me.”
“But could they trade you?” I wrinkled my brows. He was always so sure of himself.
Shaking his head with a soft snort, he said, “Naw, I’m a Hopkins. We have deep ties in hockey too. Tate’s full of shit.” He drank some beer. “By the way, what company does Tate’s family own?”
“It’s a real estate empire of sorts.” I tapped the pull tab on my beer. “It’s called Graff Realty Group.” Would Lucas have heard of it? He was new to The Valley.
“GRG? I’ve seen the logos at the rink.” He tsked. “I think I’ll shoot a few pucks at them. Maybe I can put some dents in the fuckers.”
A smile pulled at my lips. “You do that.” My gaze wound to his and my breath caught, my heart fluttering like a scared bird.He’s not queer, Ezra. And I didn’t need more complications in my life.
“How do you feel about leaving Tate? Are you as relieved as you thought you’d be?” He planted his hand on my thigh.
The warmth from his hand threaded to my dick, and it twitched. Every time he touched me, it set me off and he didn’t have a clue.
“Ezra?” He lifted his brows.
“I, uh…” I should reassure him. “Yes, I’m relieved. But I’m also a little worried about what he might try next.” I drank some beer. “I think the crowded restaurant spared us. I was sure someone would recognize him in a place like that.” How long before he’d show up here?
“He won’t leave you alone, will he?” Lucas furrowed his brows. “I can’t lie. I don’t feel good about you being here by yourself tonight.”
What was he saying? “Okay, but this is my home.” Did he think I should move? My chest tensed. I was too busy for that.
“Okay, I’ll stay tonight. And if Tate shows up, you can stay with me for a while.” His gaze locked on mine.
“You have a roommate, right? Evan?” Where was he going to stay? In my bed with me? I’d lose my mind. I glanced at his cock, filling his jeans in the best way.
