Page 25 of Snapping the Ice

“Ezra. What are you not telling me?”

She was on to me. “Nothing. He?—”

“Talk to me. I’m your sister.”

With a tut, I said, “He saw Tate in one of his moods and he wants to help me. Weird, huh?” I still didn’t fully understand why Lucas wanted to get involved.

“No, not weird. He’s a decent human being.” She freed a soft snort. “And who knows? Maybe he’s into you.”

My cheeks flamed. “Naw, he’s just a nice guy.” I’d learn the truth soon. But was I ready to deal with an experimenting straight boy? I glanced at the top of my screen. I only had thirty minutes until Tate arrived. “Hey, listen. I should go. I have to get ready.”

“For your breakup date?”

“Yeah that.” I stood and strode into my bedroom. Knowing Tate, he’d show up a little early.

“Okay, well, let me know what happens and take care of yourself.”

“I will. Love you, sis.”

“Love you. Bye.” She ended the call.

As expected, Tate was ten minutes early picking me up and he’d acted like everything between us was perfectly normal. The drive to the restaurant was tense, and we barely spoke on the ride. Tate valet parked his car, and a host seated us at a rounded booth inside, near the bar.

I scanned the restaurant, all done up in grayish stone and wood with immense round chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Crisp white tablecloths covered all the tables and flickering candles centered them.

Unrolling my napkin from my silverware, I set it on my lap. I had to take action before we ordered food. Sliding my phonefrom my pocket, I laid it on the cushion. I should be ready in case I needed to text Lucas.

Tate glanced at me from over his menu. “Why aren’t you looking at the menu? Do you already know what you want to order?” He smirked at me. “They don’t have pepperoni pizza here.”

Was that a dig? “I know that, Tate. I just…” My heart thundered in my ears. Fuck, this was harder than I’d thought. “We need to talk.”

“What, now?” He set his menu on his appetizer plate, resting in front of him. “How many times do I have to apologize?” One of his eyes ticked.

“I’m not looking for an apology.” I clenched the napkin in my lap. He was about to explode. I could see it. “Look, things haven’t been great between us for a long time.” I sipped my water, darting my gaze around the restaurant. It wasn’t totally full, but busy enough.

“What are you trying to say, Ezra?” He gritted his teeth and peered around him. “I believe our relationship is just fine. You’ve been enjoying those hockey players too much.” He slid in next to me on the bench seat. “In fact, you’ve been lusting over them, haven’t you?” His gaze turned hard, and he brushed his hand over my hair, fisted the back of it and tugged.

My head jerked back, pain slicing through my scalp. “Stop, Tate. We’re in public.” Fuck, I didn’t expect this.

He freed me and adjusted his button-down shirt. “You’re not doing this to me now, Ezra. We’re going to have an enjoyable meal and forget about whatever bullshit is running through your head.”

My vision blurred, and I hung my head. I had to get out of here. But how could I do that and not make a scene?

My phone buzzed.

“Who’s that? Your stupid sister? God, what a waste of skin that woman is.” He scoffed and went for my phone.

I snatched it and held it to my chest, my heart jumping into my throat. “She is not.” It wasn’t the first time he’d put her down. But it was how he’d spoken about anyone I knew.

“Yeah, okay, I’m sorry.” He rubbed his eyes. “Fuck, I’m ruining this. Can we just have a nice dinner?”

A waiter stopped at the table, dressed in a white vest. “What can I get you to drink?”

As Tate picked up the wine menu, I peeked at my phone. A message from Lucas displayed. Thank God Tate hadn’t seen it.

Lucas

How’s it going? You okay?