Page 110 of Daddies on Ice

The road—what I can see of it—is completely impassable.

We’re snowed in.

38

ASH

I wake up with Tish’s warm body pressed against my chest, her dark hair spilled across my arm like silk.

For a moment, I let myself enjoy the feeling, the way she fits perfectly against me, the soft sound of her breathing, and the faint scent of her shampoo that somehow survived last night’s activities.

Then reality crashes down on me like a freight train.

What the hell have I done? Again?

Jake is sprawled on her other side, one arm thrown possessively over her waist, while Carl sits in the chair by the window, already dressed and staring out at the snow that’s still falling steadily.

The older man catches my eye and nods, his expression unreadable. At least someone else is awake to share in this awkward morning-after situation.

Last time, Tish left before any of us woke. I didn’t have much time to think about what had happened.

I’ve never shared a woman before, but I put Christmas Eve down to too much eggnog and refused to examine my feelings.

But it’s happened again and I’m not sure what to think about it.

I carefully extract myself from the bed, trying not to wake Tish.

She murmurs something in her sleep and turns toward Jake, who automatically pulls her closer.

The sight sends an unexpected stab of jealousy through my chest, which only makes me feel worse about this whole situation.

This is Trent’s little sister.

My best friend’s little sister. And last night, I didn’t just cross that line, I obliterated it.

Again. I grab my clothes from the floor and slip into the bathroom to get dressed, needing a moment to collect myself.

Growing up in a strict Christian household, I was taught that sex was sacred, something to be shared between a husband and wife.

Even after my parents’ hypocrisy was exposed, even after I lost faith in organized religion, those values stuck with me.

I’ve never been the type to sleep around, never been one for casual hookups or meaningless encounters.

But what happened the other night, it wasn’t meaningless.

At least not for me.

I don’t think it was for Carl either.

Jake, I’m not so sure about.

The way Tish looked at me, touched me, whispered my name, it felt like everything I’d been denying myself for years finally came to the surface.

The attraction I’ve been fighting, the protective instincts that go way beyond friendship, the way my heart races every time she smiles at me.

I’m in love with her.

The realization hits me like a slap shot to the gut. I’ve been in love with Tish for god knows how long, and I’ve been too much of a coward to admit it, even to myself.