Page 40 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

“For sure. Just like now that I’m piecing things together. You’re having a pretty bad reaction to Mr. Hockey Guy.” She taps her chin. “So, I have a theory, and maybe I’m wrong but . . . I remember you having a huge crush on Frederick. Once you were in college, you mentioned he texted you often. Then you came back, and we never heard about him again.”

Panic flutters within me at the direction of her speculation. Does she suspect something about what really happened with Frederick?

I force an indifferent shrug, struggling to keep my voice level. “Yeah, well, girl crushes fade. I grew up and got over it.”

But Harper’s gaze remains searching, assessing. “Did something happen between you two, Indie? Something bad? Because it seems like he could be the reason, you closed yourself off from relationships.”

Schooling my face into careful neutrality, I meet her scrutiny unflinchingly.

“You have an overactive imagination. My romantic history isn’t that exciting.”

And thankfully, Mom enters the house right as Harper is about to continue badgering me. I feel safe for now, but she’s asking one too many questions and I really don’t like it.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ty: I’m sorry if I overstepped.

Ty: Should I be concerned about your silence? I’m truly sorry.

Indie: What are you sorry about?

Ty: Kissing you without permission.

Indie: It was my fault.

Ty: Your fault?

Ty: I’m the one who didn’t follow the social cues. When someone comes to my house to pick up something my child forgot I shouldn’t be kissing the fuck out of her.

Indie: I should’ve stopped you.

Ty: I don’t think I gave you enough time for that, which is why I’m apologizing.

Indie: I’m not a victim, okay. I knew what was happening.

Ty: Somehow, I feel like we’re having two different conversations.

Indie: Listen, I’m at my parents. If it’s okay with you, let’s forget about this.

Ty: For now.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Indigo

“I don’t understand why no one wants this job,” I drag a hand down my face in exasperation. “We’ve called so many people and no one is available. Are you sure you don’t know anyone who might be available, Mom? You have so many clients who might have worked with a nanny or two.”

“The family isn’t well versed in nannies. Most of my clients live in New York or Los Angeles. I doubt they’ll be giving up their childcare arrangements for me,” Mom replies apologetically.

She’s standing by the kitchen counter preparing herself some tea latte.

I’m perched tensely on one of the stools at the large kitchen island, hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea, while Harper sits beside me with her scrutinizing gaze, clearly not ready to let my issues go until she can figure out what’s my damage.

Well, she can speculate all she wants. My past remains locked down tight.

Just then Dad enters, Rigby trotting at his heels while he carries Dave’s pet carrier. “Did you forget something at my office, Indie?” He gives me a shrewd look that reminds me too much of Harper’s probing one. “You left the grandcat and granddog with me, promising to pick them up after you picked up or dropped off something for Myra. Yet, you never came back.”

“She was flustered,” Harper responds with some satisfaction. She gives me a smug look. “So, he kissed you and you came running to our parents’ home. Interesting.”

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