Page 47 of Snapping the Ice
“I knew it.” With a cackle, Evan faced the stove, picked up a spatula, and pushed scrambled eggs in a frying pan. “I have bagels on the counter there and cream cheese. Coffee is ready.” He pointed to the corner of the kitchen, where an opened bag of bagels rested next to the coffeemaker.
That’s it?“Um, you don’t have questions?” I strolled into the kitchen with Ezra following and then poured coffee into a mug.
“Nope. You two hooked up and you look happy about it, so I’m good.” He scooped eggs onto a plate and sprinkled shredded cheese on top of them.
“Huh.” I handed the coffee to Ezra, who arched a brow at me. That was…easy. Now on to the next topic. “How do you feel about Ezra staying here while we’re gone?” I poured another cup of coffee.
“Lucas, that’s unnecessary. I’ll get an order of protection tomorrow.” Ezra added creamer to his coffee and sipped it.
Evan glanced at Ezra. “Dude, I don’t have a problem with you staying here, and if it keeps Lucas from worrying about youand focused on the game, I’ll insist on it.” He flashed Ezra a grin.
With his eyes glistening, Ezra dipped his head. “You both are too kind. Thank you.”
Hooking an arm around Ezra’s waist, I kissed his cheek. “He’s right. It’ll keep me from worrying about you.”
Evan did a double take of us. “Wow, Lucas, it’s a little weird seeing you kiss a guy, not going to lie.” He pushed the plate of eggs toward us. “Here, eat.”
While Ezra spread cream cheese on bagels for us, I spooned eggs onto our plates. I thought back to yesterday and Evan’s comment about a date. “How was the date with Tabitha?”
“Great, but obviously not as good as yours. I didn’t wake up with her.” With a sharp laugh, Evan dropped into a chair at the dinette. “You need to fill me in on the latest.” He ate a bite of eggs. “I’m assuming the ex is still a problem?”
Ezra took the chair opposite Evan’s, setting his plate on the table. “He is.” He took a bite of his bagel.
“Tate showed up a few times yesterday, once at the studio and once at Ezra’s apartment. Ezra’s neighbor caught him on video being an asshole, so Ezra’s going to use it to file an order of protection.” I ate some eggs. I’d never dealt with this. How hard would it be?
“Yeah?” Evan drank his coffee. “I had to do that once.”
“You did?” Maybe he could help. I eyed him. “What happened?”
“Oh, you know, I had one of those puck bunnies who wouldn’t leave me alone. This was my first year of juniors. She showed up at my billet family’s house, after I told her to stop bothering me. She wrote I love you in pink chalk on the driveway in the middle of the night.” Shaking his head, hescoffed a laugh. “She called me so many times, I had to block her.”
“But she wasn’t threatening?” I scooped eggs into my mouth and glanced at Ezra, who was frowning. What was he thinking about this?
Leaning forward, Evan locked his gaze on mine. “Dude, coming to my house in the middle of the night to proclaim her love on the driveway is some crazy shit. Especially when I’d told her I wasn’t interested multiple times. That’s threatening in my book.”
“Oh, guess so.” I slide my hand to Ezra’s, resting next to his plate. He was quiet. “You okay?”
With a nod, he said, “I’m fine. It just sucks that I have to deal with this.” He drank his coffee and cut his gaze to mine. “I’m fine.” He gave me a pointed look.
“Let me know if you need any help. You can do it all online.” Evan slid his gaze to Ezra. “I mean it, man. I’m happy to help any way I can.”
“Thank you, Evan. I’ll look it over today and if I have questions, I’ll ask for help.” He gave Evan a small grin.
Later that morning, I drove Ezra to his apartment, checking the grounds first to look for Tate’s car. We didn’t see it, so I parked, and we strolled to his place. “You should probably bring enough clothes to last you until I get home on Thursday.”
“I’ll pack a suitcase this time.” He huffed. “I really wish this wasn’t necessary.” Unlocking his door, we stepped inside.
This time, thankfully, no notes or gifts sat on the doorstep. I walked inside and paced across the room while he darted into his bedroom. Every second we were here could end in a confrontation.
Knocking filled the room, and my heart leapt into my throat. “Fuck. I’ll get it.” I stomped to the door.
“Yoohoo. It’s Stella,” she said, through the door.
I flung it open. “Oh, hi.” Should I let her inside? I stepped back.
“Who is it, Lucas?” Ezra strolled out of his room with a folded white shirt in his hands.
“Oh hello, dear.” She walked into the entryway, panning her gaze. “My, you have a cute place here.”
