Page 23 of Snapping the Ice

“Anyway, let me know what happens, okay? And I can have Rowan call you. What do you say?”

“Let’s hold off on that.” I twisted the cap open. It would be weird talking about this with a guy I didn’t know.

“Sure. So, talk to you soon?”

“Yes, soon. Bye, Mason.” I ended the call and sipped my drink. I should check on Evan at the pool.

My phone vibrated in my hand. “Fuck.” I peered into the screen. It was a text from Ezra.

Ezra

Tate wants to have dinner tonight. I think I’ll break up with him then, since we’ll be in public.

“Shit.” I set my phone on the island counter and tapped the screen.

Lucas

Where? I can be close by in case you need me.

Ezra

He wants to take me to Ocean Club.

Damn, that was a nice place. Expensive. I worried my lower lip. The restaurant was in an outdoor mall. I could pretend to shop while he took care of business.

Lucas

What time? I can hang out at the stores, so I’ll be close by.

The ringer on my phone went off, andEzrascrolled across the top. He was calling me? I set the phone on speaker. “Hello?”

“Hey, I thought I should call instead of chatting by text.”

“Okay. So, when are your reservations?” Warmth flooded my chest. His voice sounded amazing.

“He has reservations at six.”

“Okay, I’ll be there. Then you can text me and let me know if you need me. I can take you home, too.” I chewed my thumbnail. With how controlling Tate was, he’d insist on driving them to dinner.

He exhaled. “I don’t know, Lucas. Are you sure? I can take an Uber home and I doubt he’ll cause trouble there.”

“I have nothing else to do, and I don’t trust the guy. What if he gets physical in the parking lot?” My chest clenched. I’d be there, regardless. Was I being stalkerish? No, I was protecting him.

“I don’t want to put you out.”

“You’re not putting me out. I’ll be there. Text me as shit goes down. When you can.” There, I wouldn’t give him a way out. Knitting my brows, I said, “I’d be worried sick if I wasn’t there, anyway.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll text you as things develop.” He huffed a sigh. “Thank you, Lucas. You being there will give me strength.”

My chest swelled, and a grin teased my lips. “Great, I’ll see you soon.” I’d be taking him home tonight. It might be a shit show, but I’d be with him. God, I was a mess. Was Mason right about everything? I glanced at the clock. Six couldn’t come fast enough.

CHAPTER 6

EZRA

After finishing the hockey team photo shoot, I walked home, mentally preparing to talk with Tate. He’d been on his best behavior since hitting me. Was I doing the right thing? Maybe he’d change like he promised?

I walked through the parking lot, under the tall trees, and past the pool. Truth was, I didn’t love him. I wasn’t sure I even liked him anymore. My stomach churned at the thought of doing anything sexual with him.