Page 33 of Snapping the Ice
“No.” He snorted and shook his head. “He’s had a few hookups since we’ve been here. You know, the few times we’ve been to a club.” He made more toast and plated the eggs.
Nodding, I chewed my lower lip. I wasn’t sure what to think. I’d gotten some definite queer vibes from Lucas, especially last night. Was he fighting it? He had a gay brother, though. “Have you met his brother, Mason?”
“Sure, we met in camp. Mason is one hell of a hockey player.” He added more eggs to the frying pan and crackling filled the air. “Coffee’s ready if you want some.” He grabbed mugs from an upper cupboard and pulled out a bottle of creamer from the refrigerator. “We only have this birthday cake flavoredcreamer right now. Lucas thought it would be good, but it’s a little over the top for me.”
“Oh, I like just about anything.” I stood, stepped to the coffeemaker and poured coffee and then creamer into a mug. As I turned, I sipped it.
Lucas ambled from his bedroom, his hair tousled and eyes puffy. “I smell food.”
“See? I told ya.” Evan elbowed my side and thew a glance at Lucas. “Egg and avocado toast, my man.” He plated the toast. “Ezra, do you want your eggs on top or on the side?”
I peeked at the plates. He’d added the eggs on top of the toast for himself and Lucas. “On top.”
“Great.” Evan added the eggs, made himself a cup of coffee and brought it to the table. “Go ahead. Breakfast is served.”
“Can I get you a coffee?” I poured coffee into a new mug.
“Yes, thank you.” Lucas placed his hand on my lower back for a beat and then picked up two plates of food. “I’ll bring yours to the table, you get the coffees.”
Jesus, this felt like we were a couple. “Sure.” I walked with the coffee to their dinette and sat down between Evan and Lucas.
Lucas slid a plate my way and rubbed the heels of his hands into his eyes. “I couldn’t sleep last night.”
“Why not?” Evan lifted his toast to his mouth and took a bite.
Peering at me, Lucas said, “I don’t know. Weird dreams.”
“About Tate?” I lifted my toast and ate a bite, the avocado creamy and toast crunchy. “This is delicious, Evan.”
“Thanks.” He ate more toast.
“No, not about Tate.” Lucas’s eyes popped open. “I-I don’t know who they were about.” He dipped his head, his cheeks reddening. “I need coffee.” He sipped his drink.
“So, whatcha doing today?” Evan slid hisphone from his pajama bottoms. “I think I might have a hot date.” With a sly smile, he set the phone on the table and tapped the screen.
“With who?” Lucas set his coffee on the table and picked up his toast.
“A girl from the pool. Her name is Tabitha.” A full-on smile swept his face as he focused on his phone. “Yep, she agreed to have dinner with me.”
“Oh, well, we’re uh, we’re going to stop by Ezra’s and take it from there.” Lucas’s gaze darted to mine. “Right?”
“Yes. But I have to edit the photos from the shoot this week.” I took another bite of toast. I could lock the studio while I worked in case Tate tried to find me there.
“Let’s work out logistics after we get you home.” Lucas gave me a pointed look.
Was he expecting Tate to be there, waiting for me? “Yeah, sure.” I wouldn’t argue the point now.
After breakfast, Lucas drove me to my apartment. I scanned the parking lot for any sign of Tate’s Mercedes sedan. Nothing suspicious stood out.
Lucas parked. “Okay, I’ll follow you to the door.”
“Do you really think it’s necessary? His car isn’t here.” I climbed out of the Jeep, threw my backpack over my shoulder and took another look around, the bright sunlight warming my head. I wanted to spend more time with Lucas, but I had work to do.
“Yes, it’s necessary.” He rounded the Jeep and met me on the walkway. “I’m not comfortable with you being at your studio by yourself, either.” He huffed.
“I have to work, Lucas.” Did he think he was going to sit there with me all afternoon? Strolling with him through theapartment complex, we passed the pool. I wouldn’t mind the company, but it would be boring as hell for him.
“What’s that?” He pointed at my door.
