Page 30 of Snapping the Ice
“I’m stronger than him.” I straightened my spine. In fact, I’d enjoy giving the fucker what he deserved.
“Bring Ezra here, Lucas. We have a couch too. Neither ofyou is safe there.” He exhaled. “You’re obviously not thinking straight.” He chuckled. “Get it?”
As the edge of my lips lifted, I said, “Stop it.” He was right. Now if only I could convince Ezra to leave. I had a feeling he wouldn’t want to. “I’ll see you shortly.”
“Okay. Text me the address. If you need me, I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, buddy.” I knew I could count on him. With a smile, I ended the call, texted Ezra’s address to Evan and strode into the main room.
“That was your roommate, Evan, I take it?” Ezra started on a new pizza slice.
Good, he was eating. I dropped in beside him and grabbed more pizza for myself. “Yes, and he thinks we should go to my place tonight.” As I chewed, I eyed him. “I think he’s right. It could be dangerous, staying here.” What would he do?
He set his slice on his plate. “I have all my things here and I need to edit photos tomorrow.”
“Bring what you need for tonight and we’ll come back in the morning.” I had a rare day off from practice and could help him. I ate more pizza.
With a sigh, he said, “Okay. I guess you’re right. You said you lived close by?” His gaze swung to mine.
“I do, by downtown Scottsdale and the Fashion Square shopping mall.” I downed the rest of my beer. What would having him in my place be like? I perused his furnishings. My place looked more like a frat house, except with pooled hockey salaries. We were on the third floor and had a pleasant view.
He rocked once. “Okay. Let’s finish the pizza and go.”
After cleaning up and packing Ezra’s things for the night, I crept the door open and looked around. My heart thundered inmy ears. Tate had to have finished his fancy dinner by now. Was he out here, waiting for us?
“See anyone?” Ezra stood behind me, a backpack slung over one shoulder.
“Nope. I think it’s clear.” I stepped onto the walkway and waited for him to lock the door, scanning the pool area and courtyard for movement. So far, so good. “Come on.” I snatched his hand and led him to the parking lot, glancing at our entwined hands. I’d become comfortable holding his hand. It was like second nature now. Is this how it started? The sexual awakening Mason told me about?
As we reached my Jeep, I caught movement across the lot. “Fuck, hold on.” I swung Ezra into my chest, one arm wrapped around his shoulders and one on his lower back, my pulse ratcheting up a notch.
“What?” He turned his head. “Oh, that guy lives here. I’ve seen him before.”
“Okay.” As my gaze met Ezra’s, his body heat shivered over my skin. He was in my arms and his face was so close. I focused on the pout of his lips, and they parted. Fuck, I’d never wanted to kiss someone so badly in my life.But he’s a guy, Lucas.
“Lucas? Something wrong?” He tilted his head, inching closer against me.
“Uh, no…” I pulled on his lower back and his dick brushed mine through our jeans. As a shudder rolled through me, my cock pulsed and lengthened. Jesus fuck, he was making me hard. I released him and stepped away. I had to focus here. “Get in.” I strode to my door and climbed inside the Jeep while he did the same.
We drove in silence to my place, only about fiveminutes away.
Evan stood in the entry, wrapped in a team shirt and joggers. “Hey, I’m glad you’re here. I was worrying about you.” His gaze landed on Ezra. “Hey, man. Good to see you again. I’m sorry you’re going through this shit. It sucks.”
“Thank you. It does suck.” Ezra huffed. “And thank you for having me here.”
Clearing my throat, I stretched my hand for Ezra’s and stopped. It might look suspicious to Evan if I held Ezra’s hand. I strolled into the room and spied the couch, already set up with pillows and a blanket. Damn, Evan was a good guy.
“I hope this is comfortable enough.” Evan followed us, skimming his hand over the back of his head. “I can get another blanket if you think?—”
“No, this looks fine. I’m not picky.” Ezra gave Evan a weak grin. “I just hope I’m not putting you out.” He dropped his backpack on the floor by the couch and loveseat combo.
“You’re not.” I glanced at Evan. Would he talk with us a while? Ezra seemed tired.
“Can I get you something to drink? Water? Gatorade?” Evan snickered. “Beer?”
Ezra sat on the end of the sofa. “Maybe a beer?” He slid his hand over the dark leather of our couch. “This is nice.”
“Hand me down. My mom got new couches last year and gave me her old ones.” Evan grabbed some beer cans from the refrigerator and handed them out.
