Page 62 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

Indie: Hey, I never promised I’d be there for the party. How bad is it?

Ty: The party is not so bad, but the moms . . . Two of them want to exchange numbers—for playdates.

Indie: I mean Myra could benefit from more playdates.

Ty: No, honey, they want adult playdates. Like the one you owe me.

Indie: I don’t owe you anything, but seriously, they’re hitting on you?

Ty: Yep. It could’ve been great if you had come to give me a hand—to keep these women away from me.

Indie: Or I would’ve made a schedule so everyone could take turns. :wink: emoji

Ty: It’s twelve forty-five and I’m not amused, Walker.

Indie: Sorry, Brynes, but . . . you’re going to have to defend yourself today.

Ty: Why are you not here?

Indie: I was there yesterday morning—bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Myra loved my present and . . . the special pancakes too. Plus I accompanied you to deliver the cupcakes to the school.

Ty: Which I really appreciate you for that.

Indie: Also, I took her for dinner and we played board games with Harper before she went to bed. See, I did all the things, no need to join the party.

Ty: Okay, now you’re just gloating while I’m still getting insinuating glances from these women. One of them has a pretty big ring that screams “married.”

Indie: Yeah, but you’re a hot hockey player. Maybe one of them has you on their list.

Ty: What list?

Indie: Of people they’re allowed to sleep with given the chance.

Ty: That’s not a thing.

Indie: Some people do have it.

Ty: Do you?

Indie: I would need to be in a relationship to even consider it, however, I don’t think it’s something I would do. I’m not judging but it’s not my thing.

Ty: Good—I’m what you like to call possessive.

Indie: Ugh, I see where you’re going and I’m going to have to stop you right there. Enjoy your party and . . . don’t collect too many phone numbers, stud.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Tyberius

At the end of November I realize that my life hasn’t changed much from what I had in Florida. Except there’s a beautiful woman who keeps me awake at night and lusting after her during the day. Knowing what Indie went through changes our dynamic. Our friendship deepens, but I keep my mouth and my hands to myself when we’re in the same vicinity, no matter how strongly I want to pull her into my arms.

Before we know it, the holidays arrive. We’re invited to the trimming of the tree at the Deckers’ house. I have a hard time keeping up with everyone’s names, but it’s not impossible. Someone should give me a medal for not going all die-hard fan on . . . Well, almost all the family, I thought to myself, suppressing my inner fanboy tendencies.

The next week, we get invited to Gabe’s house. I’m surprised when I learn that it’s the gotcha day for Cora and Caleb, when Gabe and his wife Ameline officially adopt them. While Myra is playing with Cora in the backyard with some other friends, Indie approaches me, with a hesitant but determined look on her face.

“Have you thought about telling her, yet?” she asks.

I glance at her, unable to stop my eyes from drifting down her body. She looks so beautiful I can barely stand it. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless. But I resist the urge—somebody give me a fucking medal.

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