Page 24 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

What is it about Indigo Walker that draws me in?

I try distracting myself with game highlights, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Indigo. Her laughter, the passion lighting her eyes when she’s animated about something. She pulls at me like a gravitational force I’m helpless against.

Worst of all, I can’t shake this fierce protective instinct. Its intensity unsettles me. I’m not used to feeling this way, yet I can’t deny its power.

There’s something below the surface. Something she hides from the rest of the world. And maybe the fact that she has to be around her pets is not because she’s attached to them. I didn’t pry earlier, but perhaps there are deeper reasons she keeps them close.

Is she sick? I want to believe that Jude recommended someone who’s capable, but what if he hid something that’s important? It’s not too late to take a plane to Florida tomorrow to drop Myra off with Mother before my trip.

Before I can think better of it, I’m dialing Jude. Fortunately, he picks up on the second ring.

“Another emergency, Brynes?” comes his dry voice.

I grip the phone tighter. “Are you certain Indigo can handle staying overnight with Myra?” I blurt out. “You’d tell me if . . . if there were any issues I should know about?”

He scoffs through the line. “Yes, she is. And though I meant it when I said we’re here to help, isn’t it late for house calls?”

He might be right, but . . . I scrub a hand down my face. “She brings a dog and cat everywhere . . .” I trail off, unsure how to voice my doubts.

“Dave and Rig?” Jude scuffs. “Mom says they have better manners than me. What’s the problem there?”

“Why does she bring them everywhere?” I ask, a little confused about why his mother knows the animals.

“Fuck if I know. It’s just her quirk.” I can almost hear his shrug. “We never questioned it, even when she was little.”

I halt mid-step, a nagging thought hitting me. “Exactly how do you know Indigo?”

“Indie is my baby sister,” comes his casual reply.

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath. Perfect, just too fucking perfect. Of course, I would be attracted to the boss’s sister. Yet, another reason to keep my distance from the far-too-tempting Indigo Walker.

I clear my suddenly dry throat. “She said her name was Indigo Walker . . .”

Why is it that I don’t want him to be related to her? Because he’s yet another layer as to why I should stay away from her.

“Well, it’s technically Walker-Decker. She drops the Decker though. My sister hates the spotlight.”

His nonchalance only sparks more questions, but I simply mutter a vague thanks and end the call before I dig myself deeper. Attraction or not, Indigo Walker—or should I say, Decker—spells nothing but trouble.

Against my better judgment, I message Indigo directly instead of admitting I informed Jude about her solo drive home.

Ty: Did you make it home?

A reply bubbles up instantly.

Indie: No. I told you I was heading to Gabe’s place. We’re having a family sleepover. I think it’s my sister’s way to ask for help with our niece and nephew. She’s great with them but hates to babysit alone. Though, I heard you were bitching to Jude about me.

I stare dumbly at the screen, scrambling for words.

Indie: Dave and Rigby showed you they’re well educated. Honestly, they behave a lot better than some of my brothers. What’s the issue there, Brynes?

I hesitate before typing a reply.

Ty: They seem less like pets and more . . . support companions?

The dots dance for several moments before her response.

Indie: So you were asking Jude if I have medical problems or something?

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